Bikes and trikes really do come in all shapes and sizes these days, with a new design unveiled seemingly every other day. A perfect illustration of this is the HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec, which combines a tall tire in back, two smaller tires in front, springs all around, a chassis derived from the automotive industry, a fast pedelec drivetrain, and the ability to fold up and roll out. The speedy recumbent trike recently won a Eurobike Award for a design that aims at a fast, smooth, comfortable and versatile ride.
The Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec is a "speed pedelec" that combines human power funneled through a 27-speed Shimano XT drivetrain with optional output from a 500-watt BionX hub motor mounted to the 26-inch wheel in back. It's capable of speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h) and HP Velotechnik claims that it is the first folding full-suspension e-bike to use a 26er in back. The company says this decreases rolling resistance and smooths out the ride when compared to more common 20-inch wheels.
The motor is powered by a rechargeable 48-volt Li-Mn battery with the bike brought to a halt via hydraulically coupled Tektro Auriga E-Twin disc brakes. It includes a Busch & Müller LED lighting system, while a start-assist function gives the rider a head start, sending the bike rolling to 3.7 mph (6 km/h) at the push of a button. Regenerative braking feeds energy back into the battery during braking.
The 26 S-Pedelec's 7005 aluminum chassis is based on technology from the automotive sector. The rider can choose from a hard shell or mesh seat designed to adjust around his body. The seating position cuts wind resistance, boosting acceleration and increasing the battery's range, while the independent suspension helps the bike react to the road below. The bike folds via self-locking hinges, and HP Velotechnik says that the process takes mere seconds. It measures 4 x 2.7 x 2.3 feet (123 x 83 x 69 cm) when folded.
While HP believes that the 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed of the S-Pedelec is an advantage on traffic-filled roadways, it also offers a Scorpion fs 26 e-bike with a top speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and an fs 26 recumbent with no motor, providing options for different types of riders and legal restrictions. In its home country of Germany, the fs 26 S-Pedelec requires an auto license and insurance.
The Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec will hit the market early next year at a cost of €6,990 in Europe and US$7,495 in the United States.
Source: HP Velotechnik
