This coming week, Audi will debut the company’s new prototype of e-bike, that promises to be a highly advanced, versatile electric bike from the German automakers. the e-bike is a futuristic looking ride, sporting 26-inch wheels made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) that weigh only 600 grams and an ultra-light carbon-fiber frame that tips the scales at an impressively low 1.600 grams.
The bike can be driven by pedals, but an electric motor producing up to 2.3 kW (3hp), is located at the lowest point on the frame. A lithium-ion battery that weighs 5 kg is housed in the frame. It can be fully recharged from a 230 V supply in two and a half hours. The entire bicycle, including the battery, weighs 21 kg. Riding with the assistance of the electric motor allows speeds of up to 80 km/h for 50 to 70km.
The Audi e-bike Wörthersee runs on five different modes – In the ‘Pure’ mode the rider only propels the bike by means of the pedals. In the ‘Pedelec’ mode the rider is assisted by the electric motor. In the ‘eGrip’ program the Audi e-bike can be ridden with the electric motor providing all the necessary power. While, in the ’Wheelie’ mode the power flow is electronically controlled in order to assist the rider when the front wheel is in the air. If the rider wants to use the pedals and maintain a constant power input, the ‘Training’ mode can be chosen.
The rider’s smartphone can communicate by WLAN with the bike’s computer. The antenna is integrated into the front brake line. To ride the bike, the immobilizer is activated at the smartphone; the bike is then ready for use. The only thing that remains unknown is the price.
