Vello
The lightest e-bike in the world: Electric folding bike from Vienna is said to weigh less than ten kilograms
The Vello Bike+ Titan is currently the lightest e-bike on offer from the manufacturer. With the new model, another 3 kilos could be saved.
© Vello / PR
It is supposed to be the lightest e-bike in the world – the Viennese bicycle manufacturer Vello wants to crack the magic limit of ten kilograms with a new model. The current record is 12.9 kilos.
Even the Bike+ Titan is a real featherweight at 12.9 kilograms. Now the Austrian manufacturer Vello wants to undercut its own record with a new model. He promises that the new folding bike shouldn’t be heavier than a six-pack of water and that it should be able to be folded into a handy format in eight seconds.
According to the manufacturer, a new titanium frame that weighs only 1.9 kilograms helps the rider to drop below the 10 kilogram mark. Also planned: Large 20-inch wheels, Bluetooth connection for a suitable smartphone app, an electronic motor lock, theft tracking and an optional remote control.
E-bike with a theoretically unlimited range
For the drive, Vello relies on the so-called “KERS” technology (stands for “Kinetic Energy Recovery System”), which is supposed to help the bike achieve “unlimited range”, even if this of course only applies under optimal conditions and with the appropriate use of muscle power. “Unlimited” because the e-bike regenerates itself through recuperation, i.e. charges itself when braking or coasting.
If you mainly let the engine work, the new Vello has a range of around 50 kilometers, according to the manufacturer. If you want to charge the battery faster, you can simply plug the e-bike into the socket – there is also a charger.
Depending on the application, buyers can opt for two different rear derailleurs in addition to the standard version, such as “Speed-Drive” for city traffic and “Mountain-Drive” for mountainous routes. The fast variant is designed to make it easier to drive at speeds above the 25 km/h limit, while the mountain option supports routes with gradients of up to 17 percent.
Less weight, more money
Vello has not yet named a price, and the Bike+ Titan is still the lightest model in the manufacturer’s shop. At 4490 euros, its price is already at the upper end for electric folding bikes, and the new version will probably also be in this price segment.
Cheaper, but also heavier, is the in-house Bike+ without a titanium frame for 3290 euros with 13.9 kilograms or the Brompton Electric C-Line Explore for 3495 euros with 15.53 kilograms. Of course, there are also electric folding bikes for around 1,000 euros, but most models here weigh well over 20 kilograms. The Camp-20D models from smartEC and the Z101 from Zundapp are popular.
source: Vello