If you don't live in some place flat like the Netherlands and you're of a certain age, electric bicycles seem like a pretty good idea. Unfortunately, they also tend to be rather expensive, but the creators of the Wave eBike are looking to buck the trend. Billed as "the world's most affordable electric bike ever," it is claimed to provide long range and high speed at half the price of comparable models.
The focus of an Indiegogo campaign, the Wave is based on a steel beach cruiser frame weighing about 50 lbs (23 kg) without the battery. A single speeder, it's equipped with all-purpose tires that the makers say can handle sand, grass, dirt, or pavement.
Driving the Wave is its 750-watt hub motor powered by a removable 48-volt, 12 Ah battery that is claimed can be charged in five or six hours with the standard charger, though this can be halved with a proprietary fast charger.
The Wave is advertised as reaching up to 30 mph (48 km/h) with pedal assist and 28 mph (45 km/h) on full electric. However, it's most efficient at 20 mph (32 km/h), which the makers say is 4 mph (6.4 km/h) more than comparable bikes. In terms of range, it can travel up to 26 mi (42 km) on full electric, but with pedal assist it can reach over 52 mi (83 km).
The bike will be available in a choice of colors and, if the Indiegogo campaign brings in enough funding, the maker's say that they will provide optional and free upgrades. Production is slated to begin this month with shipping in June if all goes to plan. It is set to retail for US$999, but early bird crowdfunding backers can still stake a claim for one at $549.
The video below introduces the Wave eBike.
Source: Indiegogo
