A Swiss startup has made what they claim is the world's lightest folding e-bike, tipping the scales at just 12.5kg with a super slim, speedy fold and a frame made out of magnesium alloy.
Gocycle launch the GX e-bike that folds in under 10 seconds
United City Bikes say their creation is "light, compact, flexible and affordable", and they're also the first bike company in the world to present a magnesium alloy e-bike frame. Our friends at road.cc reported on a ‘Super Magnesium’ alloy developed by Allite that is claimed to be lighter and stiffer than aluminum and less expensive than carbon, but this is the first we've heard of it being used in the e-bike market.
On the subject of less expensive, the price of the ONE is surprisingly affordable, with the first 100 backers able to get hold of theirs for just €629 - this is at a 55% earlybird discount, but even at the €1500 mark it has a lot to offer...
There are EU and US versions, and the motor is fully removable so it can be charged anywhere quickly and easily. It's a bespoke brushless motor with high energy conversion efficiency of 95%, claim United City Bikes, and can last up to 60km on a single charge. It also has a start asssistance of 6km/h.
United City Bikes have also specced their own patented saddle for additional comfort, and disc brakes feature for extra stopping power. We're not sure of the exact drivetrain spec, but a standard chain and derailleur system features as opposed to a belt drive. Cables are internally routed to keep things tidy and out of the bad weather, and there's a unique built-in kickstand included.
The fold can be done in less than 10 seconds say United City Bikes; not only that, but the size of the bike when folded is only 25cm thick so you can squeeze into the smallest gaps on the train. This is made possible by a magnetic system which sticks the two wheels together when the bike is folded. Along with the 12.5kg weight, this should make it a breeze to cart around.
Over 12,000 people have already signed up for the Indiegogo launch, so you may have to move fast if you want to be one of the first 100 to get the super earlybird deal. It begins on April 25th (Thursday this week) but for now head over to the United City Bikes website for more info.
