In 2021, living more sustainably and consciously should be a priority for all of us, – whether it’s making changes in our daily lives, consumption, or even our means of transportation. Our typical fossil-fuel-consuming means of transportation need to be replaced by greener and more environment-friendly alternatives, and Electric Bicycles are an appealing option! Not only do they curb fuel consumption and reduce automotive emissions, but they’re also a healthy source of exercise for us! I mean, not only do we get to save the Earth from air pollution, but we can also get some intense cardio done. And they’re becoming an increasingly popular option day by day. It’s estimated that by 2023, the total number of electric bicycles in circulation around the world, will be 300 million, which is an exponential increase, from the 200 million back in 2019. It looks like everyone is slowly and steadily hopping onto the e-bicycle bandwagon! And, we’ve curated a whole range of innovative designs for you. From a sleek portable e-bike with a unique three-fold mechanism to a transforming and self-balancing unicycle – we have a whole collection of sleek, modern, and super cool e-bikes for you!
1. BaoPham Design’s e-bike concept
This e-bike concept from BaoPham Design features centerless wheels that reduce the rotating inertia found in heavier wheels. Equipped with slim road bike tires, BaoPham’s concept e-bike boasts an aerodynamic build that cuts out the extra drag from air pressure and skin friction to give the bike a speedy ride. Conceptualized with a swift, Z-frame, the e-bike concept from BaoPham Design would host an electric motor located in the bike’s rear-wheel rotor that would be activated once the pedals are moved. The Z-frame of BaoPham Design’s e-bike would be constructed entirely from metal or aluminum for a sleek look and swift ride. Additionally, the hubless wheels of BaoPham Design’s e-bike reduce the rotating inertia found in wheels with spokes and a hub.
2. The ONEBOT-S7
E-bikes are a household name now, they are a common mode of transportation in many cities – with safety norms – for cyclists. Add to that the convenience of being able to fold the bike instantly, and it becomes a versatile option to get from point A to B efficiently, effectively, and quickly. To ensure this portability and convenience, the ONEBOT-S7 uses a unique three-fold structure – as opposed to the two-step folding design that we all are familiar with – which makes the e-bike ultra-compact when folded so it can fit in the boot of the car or slide under your workstation (however and wherever you please to use it). Compressed into the smallest single unit possible, this e-bike when folded measure only 60cm in height and length and just 35cm in width. ONEBOT-S7 is fitted with a removable battery pack in the frame, tucked neatly under the seat post. It sits there unobstructed and blends with the uniform frame design and colorway eliminating any distraction from the chrome-like finish of the e-bike.
3. Titaa
While riding manual unicycles might be too much of a learning curve for most, self-balancing, electric unicycles sound more like something we could all get behind. Titaa, a unicycle with just those sorts of mechanics, conceptualized by Husky Design is a dual-purpose, modular vehicle that can transform from a bicycle into a self-balancing unicycle. In its full form, Titaa is an electric two-wheeler in the shape of a cargo bike. When riding Titaa as a two-wheeler, users sit upright on a curved, elevated seat rest that slopes down toward the bicycle’s set of foot pedals. There, users can rest their feet while the motor charges the e-bike ahead. Built into the rear-wheel component, Titaa runs on a battery-operated system that can be replaced and recharged near the vehicle’s foot pedals.
4. The PXID – A1
Dubbed the PXID – A1, this compact electric bicycle folds to the size of a small suitcase for easy transportation in the boot or even be carried to the office floor, that’s if the boss permits. The folding bicycle rides on 14-inch tires and the rear tires get power from the onboard electric battery for assistive riding on ascends. The seat is height adjustable and the revamped design as compared to the earlier S1 model adapts an angular frame design. This gives the A1 a far better foldable aesthetic that’s practical in use. In fact, it is so compact in the foldable position, you can even store more luggage in the boot of your car with the A1 foldable electric bicycle sitting on one corner!
5. The Pilot Bicycle
This final design is centered on a lightweight 7005 series aluminum frame and striking hubless wheel characteristics. To finalize the hubless wheel design that is functional to the last detail, Franz took help from his mechanical engineering colleagues. In the end, the off-center axle design had the additional gear to spin the wheels at a proper rate with pedaling motion. This is assisted by the onboard motor for that extra boost on inclines when the throttle is pressed. The Pilot bicycle finally came to life after countless edits and alterations to the design. The next step was to finalize the colors, materials, and finishes.
7. Lyft’s redesigned e-bike
For the past three years, Lyft has been developing an e-bike that embodies the best in safety technology and low carbon footprint. Now, finally, it sees fruition in the form of this upbeat e-bike. According to Lyft‘s President and Co-Founder John Zimmer Lyft is all about “creating affordable, reliable and joyful transportation experiences – and few things create joy like riding this new e-bike“. The single gear transmission e-bike is built for every kind of rider with improved ergonomics and is pure joy to ride in cities – thanks to the transmission tuning for any kind of speed or road grade. It bears a very sleek form factor perfectly matched to the smooth and adaptive motor integrated into the frame. Keeping in mind the young riders, Lyft’s e-bike comes with personalized features including a built-in speaker system, hydraulic brakes for consistent stopping power, onboard sensors for safety, retroreflective paint to shine in the dark, and lighting effects keeping in mind urban riders demand.
8. The One Line
South Korea-based mobility designer Jung Soo Lee has mustered up the niche idea of a two-wheeled commuter for the whole family inspired by the simple line, and that’s the reason she likes to call it the One Line. The idea is darn simple – a line is the mainframe of the commute, and depending on who’s going to use it, One Line can adapt to that form. It can be a classic Korean bicycle with a basket (having integrated light) to keep the groceries you just bought from the supermarket or fresh flowers for your lover. Then in another avatar, it can take the shape of an electric scooter for faster commuting from one place to the other. One scenario for usage is the e-kickboard, wherein the line frame design now functions as the platform for standing. For the first two iterations, the battery is placed under the seat with LED indicators displaying the remaining battery levels.
9. Prototype 0
Called Prototype 0, this velodrome track racing bicycle imagined for speed heads shines out with its unibody design that’s centered on drag reduction and aerodynamic optimization for maximum acceleration with minimum effort. The ultra-slim profile of the Prototype helps in achieving the least possible aerodynamic drag which is great for effortless commuting. The bike is a fixie – a single-speed gear bicycle that is tailored for urban riding for extra degree control. Don’t expect it to be as good for steep ascends or rugged terrain, as it’s purely designed to be a racing demon for smooth tarmac surfaces. The presence of a bigger gear shaft means that the control is going to be the ride’s forte.
10. OOH Bike
Victor Tabares, a designer based in bustling Barcelona, felt inspired to design and produce OOH BIKE. Since this e-bike retains its pedaling capabilities, most of the standout features from OOH BIKE are integrated into the bicycle itself. Just within the cyclist’s periphery vision, the battery levels are displayed along the top of the bicycle’s frame. Lit-up, neon lights signify the bicycle’s battery levels by the quarter. The front wheel on the OOH BIKE is entirely hubless, producing a metropolitan finished look that gives an otherwise integrated and functional bike some style. Additionally, the spokeless front helps rotate the wheel quickly and with little effort. While centerless wheels are primarily, it seems, an aesthetic decision, they do work well in city environments.
