The Frankfurt Motorshow is about to show off the newest member of Ford’s concept range. And no, we’re not talking about another electric car. Instead, Ford came up with a bicycle concept with the new Ford E-Bike.
Ford’s Design Executive Director Martin Smith develops the Ford E-Bike for men and women. Together with his team, they worked in partnership with Cyber-Wear to come up with a trapezoid shaped frame for the bike. As Axel Wilke said, the Ford-E Bike concept will offer e-mobility solutions because of its innovative design, unisex appeal and top performance.
The E-bike is built with carbon aluminium frame that weighs only 2.5kg. The 6-spoke wheels and lithium ion battery are concealed to bring out the bike’s understated appeal. What’s even more amazing, the bicycle’s battery can perform 85km range when it is fully charged.
The eco-bike also comes with Formula 1’s patented technology for its controllers and sensors. On the other hand, the front wheel hub houses the drive system’s powerful engine.
The sensor uses magneotostrictive materials to enable the magnetic energy to be converted to kinetic energy. This technology can be applied in reverse. Formula 1 uses this to manage highly intense thermal strains and powerful engine start. A no-maintenance engine technology comes out as a result of this.
The concept bike also includes the 2012’s Shimano Rapidfire shifter as well as Shimano’s Alfine 11-Speed internal gear hub. Instead of the usual chain, Ford used the highly efficient Carbon Belt Drive System.
Meanwhile, the Ford E-Bike’s control unit instinctively turns on and turns off the electric motor to combine both powers coming from it and also from the leg. The display screen mounted on the handlebar shows the current location as well as the options for Sport, Comfort or Economy driving range.
Just like most concept cars, the bike won’t be sold to the consumers. For the moment, Ford only wants to exhibit its expertise in electric mobility and how they can incorporate their design principles even on a bicycle. Nevertheless, this would allow them to evaluate Ford’s concept range to the limits. In other words, this will help them produce better technologies in the near future.