The Voltitude fold-up pedal-assist electric bicycle (or pedelec) from Swiss company Volitude SA that first got our attention in concept form early last year has now entered production. The body of the bike, which is now known as the Voltitude V1, has received a slight redesign in shape but the bike still features the unique EasyFold mechanism that allows it to be folded or unfolded in just a second and has seen it dubbed the “Swiss Army Bike.”
To keep things simple, the Voltitude V1 doesn’t have any user-defined assistance modes, with the creators assuming riders will be after the maximum motor assistance at all times. This makes the bike a switch on and ride affair with an integrated 7-speed rear-wheel transmission that allows gear changes at any time – even when stationary.
The bike is powered by a 250 W electric motor with an integrated torque sensor that provides motor assistance up to an electronically-limited 25 km/h (16 mph) in keeping with EU regulations. The 11.6 Ah, 36 V lithium-ion battery should be good for a range of around 40 km (25 miles), depending on the terrain and amount of effort the rider is willing to exert.
The included 110/240 V external charger, which the Swiss company says is similar to a laptop charger, will recharge the battery to 80 percent capacity in four hours, with a full recharge taking six hours – these figures are based on the use of a 240 V power supply. The company will also supply the correct power cord for your particular region.
With a 1,087 mm wheelbase and adjustable height seat and handlebar, the Voltitude V1 is designed to provide a ride similar to a traditional bicycle, while its 300 mm diameter high-grip scooter-type tires and positioning of the electric motor and battery give it a lower center of gravity. Stopping power is provided by Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, with integrated LED lights front and rear and reflectors increasing visibility. The bodywork can be finished in a choice of blue, white or Swiss flag red.
Unfolded, the bike measures 1,400 x 1,100 x 500 mm (55 x 43 x 20 in) and can carry a rider ranging in height from 148 to 192 cm (4.8 to 6.3 ft) with a weight of up to 100 kg (220 lb). With the standard handlebar and pedals the unit will fold down to a wheelable package measuring 700 x 950 x 500 mm (27.5 x 37.4 x 20 in), while opting for the folding handlebar and pedals halves the width to 250 mm (10 in). The bike’s weight is 25 kg (55 lb) without the battery pack and 27.5 kg (60.6 lb) with.
Voltitude has constructed the V1 from materials with an eye on recyclability. Rather than difficult-to-recycle composite materials, it has gone with aluminum for the frame, forks and wheels, with recyclable ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) for the bodywork. Critical components, including the bike’s Li-ion battery, can also be returned to Voltitude at the end of their life for recycling.
The company is also planning an exclusive V1 Carbonesium model that weighs in at 23 kg (50.7 lb) sans battery pack and 25.5 kg (56.2 lb) including the battery pack. The weight reductions come courtesy of a magnesium and aluminum main frame, carbon fiber front and rear levers, and magnesium forks. This model will also get front suspension with 40 mm of travel and a black paint job.
Voltitude is selling the V1 for CHF4,990 (approx. US$5,465), with shipping expected to kick off at the end of March, 2013. International orders can be made online via the source link below, with those in Switzerland also able to pick it up at selected dealers. The Voltitude V1 Carbonesium will retail for CHF7,990 (approx. US$8,760).
Source: Voltitude
You shouldn't compare Rolex to the Voltitude bike. Rolex has spent a century proving it's reliability and excellence above all other watches from the get go and the wealthy are willing to spend more for the best. Rolex since the beginning outperformed all its contemporaries and has been recognized by industry experts as the best. Voltitude is doing nothing of the sort. Pros: it can fold Cons: too big to maneuver, to heavy to pick up, handles poorly, has limited assist distance and weak electrical system. Cons out weight pros to heavily too be considered innovative or demand this price. If I and many other people can build (from off the shelf parts) a better bike that folds, weighs less, handles better and goes farther for less money you can bet this bike will not be an industry leader as is. A Rolex or Ducati I can see why people pay more for but as is currently I wonder why anyone would pay this kind of money for a V1.
For about $2k you can get a scooter that goes faster and weighs 10 lbs less, or a great folding regular bike that weighs about 22lbs and wheels that will safely traverse a pothole.
As for duh3000, you don't have to have "2 sub-standard or unreliable low-quality bikes" at each end of a commuter run, you can have two perfectly good, very reliable bikes for about £30 - £50 each, if you just look for second hand bikes in your area.
Or buy ANY other folding bike, which will be better than this pile of garbage.
How does rubbish like this ever get past the concept stage?