Bicycles

Peugeot targets urban commuters with AE21 Hybrid electric bike

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Peugeot's AE21 Hybrid electric bike previewed last week at the "What's Next' show
Peugeot's AE21 Hybrid electric bike features folding handlebars and pedals for easier storage
The frame of Peugeot's AE21 Hybrid electric bike has space for a laptop and ABUS Bordo folding lock
Peugeot's AE21 Hybrid electric bike previewed last week at the "What's Next' show
Peugeot's AE21 Hybrid electric bike integrated a lithium-ion battery into its "Clever Case" frame
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European automakers aren’t averse to producing vehicles of the two-wheeled, pedal-powered variety. BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz all offer a range of bicycles, with most also adding electric bikes to their line ups in recent years. Peugeot is no exception and recently previewed its latest ebike, the AE21 Hybrid, at the “Who’s Next” show in Paris.

Peugeot actually began manufacturing bikes in 1882 and only branched out into internal combustion engine-powered automobiles in 1890 after dabbling with a three-wheeled steam-powered car the previous year. The car and bike divisions were split in 1926, with Cycles Peugeot building up an impressive racing heritage thanks to the sponsoring of various events and riders. In 2011, Peugeot revealed plans to revamp and relaunch the Cycles Peugeot brand in a partnership with Cycleurope.

Set to join Peugeot’s Allure line, the AE21 is a compact ebike aimed at urban commuters with a design that integrates a lithium-ion battery into the bike’s aluminum Clever Case frame. This also provides space at the center of the bike for a laptop bag and ABUS Bordo folding lock. To allow the bike to be stored against a wall, the bike also features folding handlebars and pedals.

The frame of Peugeot's AE21 Hybrid electric bike has space for a laptop and ABUS Bordo folding lock

While the bike previewed at the “Who’s Next” show last week had the electric motor located in the front wheel, a Peugeot representative told us that when the bike is commercially launched in September at the Salon Du Cycle in Paris there will be two versions: one with the wheel hub motor and another with a belt-drive motor. Both will also be offered with two, as yet undisclosed, battery capacities. The battery can be recharged while still on the bike, or removed so it can be recharged inside while the bike waits outside.

Pricing for the AE21 is yet to be announced.

Source: Peugeot

European automakers aren’t averse to producing vehicles of the two-wheeled, pedal-powered variety. BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz all offer a range of bicycles, with most also adding electric bikes to their line ups in recent years. Peugeot is no exception and recently previewed its latest ebike, the AE21 Hybrid, at the “Who’s Next” show in Paris.

Peugeot actually began manufacturing bikes in 1882 and only branched out into internal combustion engine-powered automobiles in 1890 after dabbling with a three-wheeled steam-powered car the previous year. The car and bike divisions were split in 1926, with Cycles Peugeot building up an impressive racing heritage thanks to the sponsoring of various events and riders. In 2011, Peugeot revealed plans to revamp and relaunch the Cycles Peugeot brand in a partnership with Cycleurope.

Set to join Peugeot’s Allure line, the AE21 is a compact ebike aimed at urban commuters with a design that integrates a lithium-ion battery into the bike’s aluminum Clever Case frame. This also provides space at the center of the bike for a laptop bag and ABUS Bordo folding lock. To allow the bike to be stored against a wall, the bike also features folding handlebars and pedals.

The frame of Peugeot's AE21 Hybrid electric bike has space for a laptop and ABUS Bordo folding lock

While the bike previewed at the “Who’s Next” show last week had the electric motor located in the front wheel, a Peugeot representative told us that when the bike is commercially launched in September at the Salon Du Cycle in Paris there will be two versions: one with the wheel hub motor and another with a belt-drive motor. Both will also be offered with two, as yet undisclosed, battery capacities. The battery can be recharged while still on the bike, or removed so it can be recharged inside while the bike waits outside.

Pricing for the AE21 is yet to be announced.

Source: Peugeot

View gallery - 4 images
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4 comments
RJB
Peugeot was founded in 1810 and in fact they produced coffee grinders and bicycles before cars existed.
I have a Peugeot 3008 car and Peugeot salt and pepper mills.
Might even complete the set with an electric bicycle.
Julian Bond
Why do car companies think they can re-invent the bicycle? And why do they want to?
Slowburn
re; Julian Bond
The purpose of every competently run mass market business is to make money by providing a more cost effective service or product; what they produce is secondary. However if your nameplate will have fools handing over ridiculous sums of money for any product carrying it. Why not?
As for this bicycle someone in the company either a senor executive or someone with access to a metal working shop wanted a cargo box on the center of the frame and some people thought it was a good idea. Given the thing is still on the market apparently it was.
unklmurray
My first bike was a Murray,hence my name sake,a 20inch bike -it came in totally unassembled,we had to lace the rims,what a puzzle for a 6yr.old in 59' My next Bike was a 10speed Pugeot ,I didn't know of Schwinns' existence until I visited the big city of Durango,Colorado I was born in Dolores and raised in Ukola Colorado which no longer exists except in my memories........Damn that makes me feel ancient!!