eSpire electric bike with video

[Paul_G]

http://www.gizmag.com/espire-hybrid-drive-bicycle/16601/

Paul G

[Jerome Daoust]

> http://www.gizmag.com/espire-hybrid-drive-bicycle/16601/
Good find Paul.

Looking at the specifications website:
http://3-element.com/en-us/
It looks like "good enough" power at 1.2 kW.
Reminds of the Opti in its configuration, enven using the same Rohloff
14 speed.
Battery capacity is insufficient at 820 Wh, but seems easy to swap for
a fresh one. Nice 3 year warranty (like Opti). Or maybe the 80% charge
in 45 minute is good enough to avoid needing a 2nd battery.
Speed of 45 km/h (28 mph) on-road and 65 km/h (40 mph) off-road is
excellent.
Suspension and travel seems great.
Price is expensive, between the Stealth/Bomber and Optibike/850R, but
closer to Bomber.

I can't help but think that someone has been looking at the Optibike/
850R, and designed a more "open" (easy to change battery and parts)
configuration from there.
The eSpire is a welcome contender to the Stealth/Bomber and Optibike/
850R. Hopefully that will create a healthy competition for consumers.

Jerome

[Jerome Daoust]

Direct link to the video (available in HD):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxmKRcDHXMk

[remf]

Yes good find. It uses the Clean Mobile bottom bracket drive, weighs 66 lbs, uses a Rohloff, 17 Ah Li-ion...yes the inspiration is clear. Aesthetically, not at the same level but agree there's a lot to be said for open frame access for easy maintenance. That's the trade-off I guess, though IMO Stealth manages to do both brilliantly, open access & beautiful design.

[remf]

The KTM eGnition is similar using Clean Mobile tech. A more solid & streamlined design but no Rohloff on this one.

[Jerome Daoust]

Lots of pictures of the eSpire here:
http://3-element.com/blog/?cat=3&lang=en-us