New Electric Bike Offers Customization At Affordable Prices

Innovative bicycles have been enjoying their moment in the spotlight. In the last few months alone, we’ve covered cycles that eat smog, bike shops that allow you to trade your car in for an electric bicycle, and the Brompton Electric, a cycle that folds up to just two feet and can drive you at 15 miles per hour for up to 50 miles at a charge. 

The Elbike promises to be the world’s first customizable e-bike on the market while also being the coolest and most affordable. With 200 colors to choose from, a range of around 50 miles per charge and weighing a (mostly) manageable 33 pounds, the Elbike really is a stunner for its price tag of right around $1,000.

The Elbike looks like an unassuming, single-speed bicycle. That’s because it’s designed by Mike Glaser, founder of customizable, single-speed bike company urbike, who wanted to bring his classic designs to the electric market.   

The battery is hidden in the diameter down tube, while the engine is out of sight within the front hub. That’s one sticking point for certain riders, as a front hub engine will make the front end of the bike heavier (even if just by four pounds). Most riders prefer mid-drive motors. But what you lose in location on the Elbike is made up for in uncomplicated design and lower costs. It also works like two-wheel drive—rear wheel power coming from your pedaling feet, front wheel pushed along by the engine.   

Here’s everything you need to know about the Elbike.   

The bike is single speed—for now. Elbike’s FAQ page on its website claims the e-bike will soon be available with 3-speed and 8-speed options for all you riders living in hilly areas.   

Elbike runs on a front hub engine. That prevents you from popping wheelies when you accelerate—and can move you along at a clip of 15.5 miles per hour with the 250 watts of pure power. 

It’s super lightweight. Elbikes are made out of aluminum, so they top out at 33 pounds. That’s not ideal for carrying a bike up a five-story walkup, but it’s doable.

The design is thoughtful—but minimalist. Elbike comes standard with a leather seat and handles, as well as a display showing your speed, distance, and with six adjustable power levels.   

You can pick different colors for every part of the bike. You get to choose between 200 colors for each part of the Elbike, from handlebars to frame.    

There are three sizes of Elbike available. Small, medium and large. Simple as that.   

Expect to charge your bike overnight if you want to get full range out of it. A full battery charge takes about six hours, and will send you about 50 miles of pedal-free travel if you’re just not feeling like arriving to work with a sheen of sweat over your entire body.   

Elbikes start shipping in February 2018. Get yours here.