Audi proudly presented their latest high performance electric bike for sports and trick cycling on the occasion of the Wörthersee Tour, that took place this week in Austria. The bike, reportedly named the Audi E-Bike Wörthersee, had been tested by the fabled cyclist Julien Dupont.
He had put up a feedback describing the way it runs and controls, Audi having intensively used it for optimizations. The bicycle runs aided by a Lithium-Ion power source. It boasts a frame made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and runs on 26-inch wheels designed in Audi’s ultra blade design – incorporates flat, wide spokes to better the transmission of power from the pedal.
One astonishing feature is its electric engine, placed right at the lowest point of the bike’s frame. It can deliver a stunning maximum output of 2.3 kW, allowing for a power-to-weight ratio of 9 kg (19.8 lb) per kW. It comes with five different cycling modes, at the rider’s choice, including “pedelec” which provides electric support to pedaling, “egrip” which relies 100% on engine power and “pure” relying solely on human power.
In addition, the bike’s seat can be lowered so much that it simply gets to be confused with the frame, allowing trick cyclists to their schemes and moves in complete comfort and safety. The seat can be reset to its regular position via a simple press of a button. And there’s an additional electronic control system that assist the rider when doing his tricks.
The bike can be connected to a smartphone via WLAN, with the option of being controlled through a touchscreen computer interface. There’s also the possibility of capturing videos thanks to a helmet-mounted camera. They can also be uploaded through the mobile device. This also makes it possible for trick bike riders to upload videos of them taken while performing, thus being able to compete with other cyclists through an intelligent points-awarding system.
The head of Audi’s concept design studio development facility from Munich, Carsten Monnerjan, states that “the Audi E-Bike Wörthersee has Audi in its genes down to the very last detail. For us, that is crucial when it comes to designing a product that is not an automobile.” A designer from the respective studio, André Georgi, wishes to declare that “the homogenous LED light strips ensure that the Audi E-Bike Wörthersee is immediately recognized as being an Audi product.”
With all these said, yet only two questions remain. When will it be available for the common folks and for what price? Definitely high on our lists!
[DesignBoom]
