Garrett Pinckney
Dr. Potisuk
ELEC 106
12/2/13
Audi E-Bike
Abstract ─ This research will examine one of Audi's latest projects in the world of electric powered transportation, the E-Bike, an electrically assisted and powered bicycle. This research will also include a brief history of electric bicycles and an overview of comparable bicycles to Audi's model.
I
Over the past several decades, the topics of alternative energy and transportation has been a hot topic. People often wonder about the next crazy innovation in clean alternative energy. In reality, they should look at the more feasible, more readily available solutions instead of huge leaps in technology. In an urban environment, bicycles have always thrived. So the question stands, why not take advantage of the practicality of a bicycle with the speed and convenience of a motorized vehicle.Yet even better, why not it be environmentally friendly.
II
After their rare move of a $1.2 Billion purchase of Ducati, a motor company renowned for their powerful yet luxurious motorcycles, it was only a matter of time before Audi made a splash in the two wheeled world. Though it may not be a motorcycle, Audi's E-Bike is an electrical powered stunt bike. The purchase will open up several opportunities for Audi in distribution of their E-Bike.
When the Audi engineers got to designing the E-Bike, they held nothing back with not a single expense spared. The concept behind the design is aggressive, practical, and stylish, much like any Audi car. The bicycle is based around its carbon fiber wheels, and a full suspension equipped carbon fiber frame. The front forks are even custom made for the bicycle.
The secret behind the Audi E-Bike drive system is a motor designed by Clean Mobile. The motor is positioned at the center if the frame, creating a better balance in weight as opposed to bulky awkward placed motor hubs. More importantly, this allows the motor to work through the gears, creating maximum efficiency. The motor itself is a 2.2 thousand watt motor designed by clean mobile and mounts to the bottom bracket. The motor is able to crank 3 HP making the 46 pound bike flying at speeds up to 50 mph.
The integrated batteries are small and lightweight in order to keep the bike nimble and agile. Driving at top speeds will drain the bike within an hour. However, the battery is easily removed and swapped for a fresh, which is conveniently small enough to fit in a backpack, or you can just charge your battery with any standard wall outlet in 2.5 hours.
Despite its stunning looks and blistering speeds, one of the most interesting parts of the bike is the integrated phone app. Just with the swipe of a finger, riders can monitor speed and battery power, as well as toggle through the other useful functions of the bike. Some of these functions include the five different pedaling modes; Pure (full pedal power with no electric assist), Pedelec electrical power assisted pedaling), eGrip (full electric power), Power Wheelie, and Balanced wheelie for stunts. The bike also employs a torque sensor in the Pedelec mode, sensing pedaling power and adding electric assistance accordingly. The bicycle's phone app also includes a security system, putting the bike in a disengaged state only able to be unlocked through the phone.
If all of this seems too good to be true, that's because to an extent, it is. Unfortunately, Audi's bike is still in the prototype phase and no new updates have been released recently. We expect though, with the amount of R&D going into this project combined with the demand for an expanding E-Bike market, we will see progress in the release by 2014.
Even after release, chances are you won't see many of these cruising the streets immediately, price projections are roughly $20,000 new for an Audi E-Bike. Audi's bike will be more of a luxury for those willing to spend a small fortune on a bicycle.
III
Nonetheless, the Audi E-Bike is sure to take the cities by storm when it hits production. While there are no guarantees of hitting the market, the odds are in our favor. For those who are interested in getting an E-Bike right now, there are many other models available right now as well as conversion kits for bicycles. Although these bikes are much more affordable than the Audi model, you get what you pay for and no other bicycle will be able to compare to the quality of the Audi E-Bike.
References
(2012, May). Audi Electric Bike Revealed [Article] Available: