Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) has ploughed £1.7m into e-bike system company FreeFlow Technologies, with the company now set to move forward with a patented e-bike system.
According to the official press release from WAE, FreeFlow “is developing a patented e-bike system technology that promises to be lightweight and compact, providing a higher power density than existing solutions.”
Colour us intrigued; we’re told that the patented design allows for the drivetrain and battery to be stored within the frame itself, which could mark a step towards even sleeker-looking e-bike frames in the future.
The raw stats on the system sees a consistent assistance power output of 250w and 90Nm of torque, and it’ll cut out at 25km/h in standard restricted mode that sees it meet UK pedelec regulations, or 35km/h if you were to de-limit it.
The battery unit is understandably small at 300wh, but this will still deliver a claimed 30-35 miles of range when transporting a 75-100kg individual. It’s also said to ride just like a normal bike when unpowered, which we think should keep the e-road category very interested indeed, as well as everyone else.
It’s certainly interesting tech, and the investment (as well as some executive movements at the top of the organisation with ex-Dyson CEO Martin McCourt and former Dyson Group Operations Director Neil Edwards joining as Chairman and Chief Technology Officer respectively) is set to see the company accelerate its plans to bring the system to the market.
WAE has history in the e-bike industry: it designed the transmission system for Brompton Bike’s e-bikes, so it’s well-placed to offer technical guidance, while the Foresight Fund’s investment experts will continue to be on-hand to provide expertise as FreeFlow continues to expand.
Needless to say, we’re looking forward to seeing the tech integrated into an e-bike ourselves at the earliest opportunity.
