14 DAY TRIAL // More and more automakers turn their attention to developing vehicles that could be seen as the future of green mobility. Some announce plans of market introduction right away, others just use them to demonstrate what they are capable of.
Ford, for example, used this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show to present its E-Bike Concept, a design study that could never enter production. Yet, the Dearborn-based automaker intends to make further developments based on it.
"The E-Bike market is growing very, very rapidly, with some 30 million units sold globally last year," explains Axel Wilke, director, vehicle personalization, Ford Customer Service Division Europe. "We see E-Bikes as an important element of urban electric mobility. More and more people are using E‑Bikes for short distance commuting and they are becoming comfortable with the concept of electric mobility."
Described as a ‘unisex’ bike, the two-wheeled concept was developed in partnership with cyber-Wear, the German brand behind Ford's Lifestyle Collection products.
"With its cutting edge design, cross-gender appeal, robust build quality and high performance drive package, we believe the Ford E-Bike Concept would be the perfect addition to the e mobility solutions we will offer," added Wilke.
But let’s see what the Ford E-Bike has to offer, technical wise: the concept features an aluminum and carbon fiber frame that weighs in at 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), a carbon fiber Giant SLR stem, Selle Italia SLR XC saddle, Mavic Elipse wheels (in a six-spoke V-design), Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub and a 2012 Shimano Rapidfire shifters.
In terms of performance, power is provided by a drive system consisting of a motor in the front wheel hub, a lithium-ion battery hidden in the frame, promising a range of up to 85 km (53 miles) on a full charge, an integrated controller and patented magnetostriction sensor technology derived from the world of Formula One.
The rider can choose from three support modes (Economy, Comfort and Sport) and uses a handlebar-mounted display to stay informed in regards to data such as range, battery capacity, speed, time, distance, maximum speed, average speed, total distance, service reminder, system diagnosis, and the selected support mode. In addition, there is also iPhone smartphone app control function planned, Ford says.