Pedal-assist electric bikes come in all shapes and sizes, and are made from a range of materials including aluminum and steel. Armin Oberhollenzer's material of choice is carbon fiber and, though his Leaos 2.0 Carbon City Design e-bike has been making appearances at bike shows throughout Europe since last year, it's now set to land on US soil.
The Leaos e-bike features a self-supporting unisex carbon fiber monocoque frame in two colors, with frame sizes ranging from 155 cm to 190 cm (61 - 75 in). The wiring is routed through the body so as to be almost invisible, only showing at the handlebar on the way up to the brake levers, which control the hydraulic disc braking. The chain is also hidden within the body of the e-bike.
The front fork is fashioned from carbon fiber, as are the mudguards and the handlebar, the latter having a digital display at the center. An MPF 36-volt mid-motor with 10 levels of pedal assist delivers up to 50 Nm of torque. The Leaos comes in either a 25 km/h (15 mph) version, which is said to be road legal in the EU without a license plate or insurance, or a 45 km/h model that's classed as a moped. Each includes independent torque, crank speed and e-bike speed sensors.
A 2.5 hour fast charge of the 11.6 Ah removable Li-ion battery developed by BMZ is reported good for 110 km (68 miles) on the lower speed version, or 90 km for the higher speed model. The 22 kg (48.5 lb) Leaos also benefits from NuVinci Harmony automatic transmission, Supernova LED lights front and rear, milled CNC pedals and a Selle San Marco saddle.
There's no onboard suspension, but the manufacturer says that the "special balloon tires" by Schwalbe on the 26-inch wheels should provide for comfortable trekking or city riding.
The Leaos e-bike is available for a starting price of €4,980 (US$6,800), and will launch in the US shortly through Ferracci Distribution at a similar cost to its European price tag.
Source: Leaos