Latest e-bikes at IFMA
According to German trend researcher Matthias Horx, the bicycle is the "first evolutionary winner of climate change", and this will be reflected at IFMA Cologne, which will run from September 18-21.
The event will cover high-tech functionality as well as looking at the demand for sustainability and climate-conscious behaviour. The main focus will be on city and trekking bikes including e-bikes, which are the “boom bicycles of the new era” according to the fair’s organisers. E-bikes and pedelecs – bicycles with electric pedal assistance – were once an overlooked segment, but now most European manufacturers with a trekking and city segment includes pedelecs in its portfolio. A conference and special dealer training sessions will be held as an additional feature in the enlarged test and exhibition area at the event.
Trekking bike manufacturer Giant’s new pedelec Twist Sport RS features derailleur gear systems that allow the bicyclist to cover long distances. Its two-storage-batteries system enables bikers to undertake long journeys — up to 130 kilometres are possible. Giant will also presenting a new motor system. The Clutch Tight Motor in the front wheel combines high performance with minimal resistance and, when the rider switches to driving with epower, 100 per cent power transmission is available.
Meanwhile, Riese und Müller has extended its portfolio to include a complete fleet of hybrid e-bikes. Its folding bike Birdy will also be featured at the show, which has a motor in the rear hub and a rechargeable battery in a bag attached to the handlebars.
Hercules is also extending its collection of e-bikes with a new trekking variety featuring a powerful bionix motor. And Kalkhoff has, in cooperation with Panasonic, launched an e-bike for the fast-paced sector with a high-performance motor that lets the bicycle reach the speed of a moped provided the cyclist keeps pedalling.
