ELMOTO HR-2 to conquer Europe this summer, USA next spring
Click above for hi-res gallery
If you happened to be at the International Bike Trade Show (IFMA) in Cologne, Germany last September (and who wasn't?), like many others in attendance you might have had your head turned by the ELMOTO HR-2 that you see pictured above. Combining some of the better qualities of a bicycle and an electric scooter with style, this light electric vehicle (LEV) is designed and built in Germany and we've learned that it will be hitting the European market this July. Built on an aluminum frame, the HR-2 uses 33 lb ft of torque from a brushless 1.7 kW motor to take you up to about 30 mph in a spirited fashion. It's lithium battery packs enough energy to keep you moving along for 40 miles and recharges to 80 per cent in 2 hours, all the way in 4 with an available high-performance charger.
The Marzocchi 888 suspenders up front and dual oil-spring shocks in the back should turn any rough surface into smooth sailing and help you enjoy your quiet ride. It comes equipped with an instrument panel that tracks your speed, battery capacity and remaining range to keep you informed. Buyers in Europe should be prepared to part with €3340 ($4,389) before tax and shipping. We're told that Americans who want a piece of this sweet emission-free action might have a chance at getting their own ELMOTO before Christmas though, if not, it will definitely be here by Spring 2010. Bookmark their website now and check it out again when it gets a make-over in May. Update: Video added after the break (thanks Skadamo!).
Gallery: ELMOTO HR-2
[Source: ELMOTO]
Video:
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
contact 10:01PM (4/10/2009)
wow, I typically commute on a 250cc scooter but with the speeds and range this bicycle is capable of I may change my thinking a little. The only downside is the price is VERY close to what new high quality EFI 250cc scooter will cost you that is capable of 90mph speeds and 200 mile range on only $5 worth of gas.
Reply
Evie 1:11AM (4/11/2009)
It won't have the top end but it has a very different experience. No noise, less maintenance, a cheaper overall expense in terms of electricity cost to gas. Of course less range and top end.
But a lot of people don't want to go 90 on a scooter, getting around their neighborhood on the right streets would make something like this just right.
When electric infrastructure starts to be around it will become more convenient.
travis 3:01AM (4/11/2009)
@evie
electric infrastructure has been around most places for decades..... its called an Edison 5-15R receptacle....
Bet you have one right next to the computer you're using..... Bet you have two.
Reply
George Krpan 5:29PM (4/14/2009)
I ride scooters and I ride bicycles.
Which one is more dangerous? The scooter, by far.
The reason? You have to ride a scooter out in traffic with all the cars.
The advantage of the electric bike is that it can be ridden where bicycles are ridden.
On the side of the road, sidewalks (legal in Los Angeles), footpaths, etc.
This electric bike looks pretty good. It looks like it handles and rides beautifully.
It's cost is surprisingly low but it's still too expensive. They went through all the expense to reinventing the bike and they are passing it on to the buyer.
Take a regular mountain bike, add a motor, and you'd be good to go for a lot less money.
Reply
Roland Mösl 7:43AM (4/26/2009)
I tested it on the Hannover fair April 2009.
This motorcycle is not able to start with me (75kg + 5 kg equipment) on 12.5% slope.
This is absolut ridiculous.
http://car.pege.org/2009-hannover/new-model.htm
Normal, all my test vehicles are tested on 22% slope.
I hoped for exciting test duells between German and Chinese products, but this one was more than frustrating.
Here a compare
http://car.pege.org/2009-hannover/compare.htm
Reply
ELMOTO Team 1:15PM (5/06/2009)
We are not sure, why Mr. Mösl writes a post like this, but it is definatly not true. Our bikes are able to ride a 18% slope with a comfortable speed. Mr. Mösl also has been invited by us to test the bikes again, but didn't response...
Kind regards
ELMOTO Team
Roland Mösl 12:12PM (5/05/2009)
I tested 2 different ElMoto at the Hannover industrial fair.
The older model with two wheel hub engines, the newer model with on wheel hub engine.
I stoped on the ramp and tried to start. I had to use my feet to start.
The older model was even a little bit better than the newer
To be sure, I repeated the test which each model 3 times. Each time the same result.
When Elmoto has one of his bikes near Salzburg, I would like to repeat all standard tests
like Rossfeldstraße
http://car.pege.org/2006-e-max-s/rossfeldstrasse.htm
Gaisberg near Salzburg
http://car.pege.org/2006-e-max-s/zistelalm.htm
And the famouse 22% from Fürstenbrunn to Großgmain
http://car.pege.org/2006-long-time-test-e-max-s/22-percent-gradient.htm
18% is a criteria for the cheapest class.
Since there are in Austria many access roads beyond 20% slope. Each vehicle has to go up the 22%.
I responded to Your first email April 29th 12:09, since the long response
had been in German language, I do not post it here.
BTW, my actions brought many technical improvements, so I told for example 2007 two companies, that I do not accept test vehicles without thermical shut down.
Only 4 month later, both companies had new electric scooters with a thermal switch off.
ELMOTO Team 2:25PM (5/06/2009)
After a phone call with Mr. Mösl we decided to meet each other on the next trade fair in Germany/Austria or we send a bike to his place and he can redo the test. ELMOTO thinks the reason could have been a bike with a very low battery. We are always glad that people take their time to test our products and give us some feedback.
We will keep this blog updated.
ELMOTO Team 9:51PM (6/04/2009)
ELMOTO produkt manager Florian Dobner shows the perfomance of the ELMOTO HR-2. The Hasenbergsteige is one of the steepest roads in Stuttgart with an incline of 15%.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae-4eKsIFhg
tesla 6:09AM (5/17/2009)
when it this bike on sale
what is the cost ?
Reply
duinneeile 2:53AM (5/23/2009)
this thing was supposed to have a motor on each wheel, you can see them in the you tube clips but the picture only has one motor on the back wheel. why the change, cost ?
also their web site has no info on cost or where to buy
Reply