Pedal-assisted

It was just this week that we told you about the Kinner, a rather attractive Finnish velomobile. Well, another head-turner has now come to our attention – this one is called the Northern Light 428, and it looks like a human-powered rocket.

Last October, Harley-Davidson launched a spin-out company called Serial 1, and built a gorgeous retro-cool ebike prototype to celebrate. Now the company has announced a limited production run of that original concept – the S1 MOSH/TRIBUTE.

While all ebikes may not be identical, their form factor is limited by the fact that their pedals must be mechanically linked to the rear wheel. Schaeffler's new Free Drive system does away with that, potentially allowing for unlimited new designs.

Germany's Silverback Bikes has added a new model to its S-Electro family of ebikes. The minimalist Metro is built for comfort and efficiency, comes with fork suspension, sports a bunch Shimano components, and includes an integrated bike lock.

The first ebikes from Amsterdam-based bike maker Veloretti are about to go into production. Both the traditional-looking Ivy and the more modern Ace feature automatic gear-shifting, a Gates belt drive and a Bafang mid-mounted motor.

Andorra's Forestal made its debut last year with the stunning Syrion enduro ebike, and it's following up with four more high-end models for the street, the trails and the downhill tracks. They're tough, smart machines for seriously demanding riders.

E Movement has pedaled out on its latest model, a UK road warrior named Thor that's pitched as an all-weather and multi-terrain ride combining a Bafang drive system with a Samsung battery for up to 80 miles of assisted range per charge.

London-based ebike shop Electrip Bikes has launched its own city commuter on Indiegogo. The Three Phase One is designed as an all-rounder that offers "sleek design, innovative features and cutting edge tech, all without the hefty price tag."

Ebikes may indeed require less pedalling effort than regular bicycles, but most still offer little in the way of cargo capacity or protection from the elements. The CityQ is designed to provide both, along with four-wheeled stability.

Helsinki startup Urban Cycles Oy sees a gap in the European ebike market, and is looking to fill it with the Equal ebike. Designed for city streets, the clean-looking ride weighs in at under 15 kg, provides assist up to 25 km/h and rolls for 50 km.

Harley-Davidson's e-mobility venture, Serial 1, has officially announced its first four production models. Now up for pre-order, the ebikes will land in the US and Germany next year and, as expected, they're not cheap.

UK outfit Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAV) has caught our eye over the past year or so with its cargo-carrying quadcycles for urban environments, and is is now branching out into passenger vehicles with its EAV Taxi.