I visited them today. Here is what I learned...
They expect to sell their first wheel very soon. One employee said "any day."
I saw eight employees in the front room, and presumably others in back, so they are actively working on it.
Production is near Detroit.
The 250 and 350 watt version are identical hardware.
The battery is 268 watt-hours and cannot be removed for charging.
The demo ride was in "turbo" mode. It was enjoyable with what seemed like instant response. Power cut off at 30 kph, which seemed fast enough. I can't picture wanting to pedal once the power cuts off, as I instantly got spoiled by the assist. I also can't see using less than turbo mode ever, unless you had to, as no one would say it was too quick.
The torque sensor/response felt more natural than the Stromer I recently rode.
The battery and electronics don't rotate, which is great.
Pedalling backwards activates gentle regen braking and seems good for planned stops.
Since I would always want to use Turbo mode, I would like to know the range at 30 kph in Turbo on typical terrain with a 150 lb rider. Rather than go by their numbers, I will use the motor simulator and plug in the closest values: http://www.ebikes.ca/tools/simulator.html
Using BionX 350 watt motor, 48v 5.6Ah battery, 85 kg mass, 0% grade, 72% throttle: 30 kph speed and 22 km / 13.7 mile range on level ground with no wind and no human input. More range once you factor in you pedaling.
I liked it a lot overall.
They expect to sell their first wheel very soon. One employee said "any day."
I saw eight employees in the front room, and presumably others in back, so they are actively working on it.
Production is near Detroit.
The 250 and 350 watt version are identical hardware.
The battery is 268 watt-hours and cannot be removed for charging.
The demo ride was in "turbo" mode. It was enjoyable with what seemed like instant response. Power cut off at 30 kph, which seemed fast enough. I can't picture wanting to pedal once the power cuts off, as I instantly got spoiled by the assist. I also can't see using less than turbo mode ever, unless you had to, as no one would say it was too quick.
The torque sensor/response felt more natural than the Stromer I recently rode.
The battery and electronics don't rotate, which is great.
Pedalling backwards activates gentle regen braking and seems good for planned stops.
Since I would always want to use Turbo mode, I would like to know the range at 30 kph in Turbo on typical terrain with a 150 lb rider. Rather than go by their numbers, I will use the motor simulator and plug in the closest values: http://www.ebikes.ca/tools/simulator.html
Using BionX 350 watt motor, 48v 5.6Ah battery, 85 kg mass, 0% grade, 72% throttle: 30 kph speed and 22 km / 13.7 mile range on level ground with no wind and no human input. More range once you factor in you pedaling.
I liked it a lot overall.
