German automobile manufacturer Audi has launched an e-bike which comes with a ‘bike lock’ controlled by Smartphone and ‘wheelie mode’ inspired from Segway. Unveiled in Germany on May 11, 2012, the Wörthersee concept further thins the line between a real e-bike and a pedelec, which is a bike that uses an electrically-assisted ‘tail wind’ to supplement the rider's manual pedalling. Audi's Wörthersee provides riders with five options which can be selected according to their requirements. It also features ‘Pure’ mode, which facilitates normal pedalling.
By selecting the ‘pedelec mode’, riders can achieve top speed of 80 kmph for up to 50-71 km. On the other hand, they can attain top speed of 50 kmph by choosing the ‘eGrip mode’, which supplies all the requisite power with a throttle control mounted on a handle bar.
Since the bike is built out of ultralight carbon fibre, it weighs just 20.87 kg. According to the company, excluding the 5 kg, 530 Wh lithium-ion battery, the frame weighs just 1.6 kg. The battery, which can be charged in just 2.5 hours through a 230 V power output, can easily be replaced with a fully charged unit.
If the concept ever sees the light of the day, it will be the most robust e-bike in the market, as per Audi. Equipped with a 9 speed hydraulic gear shift, it delivers peak torque of 250 Nm and maximum output of 3.08 hp.
Acting directly on the bottom bracket shaft and located at the lowest point on the bike, the electric motor is a permanent magnet synchronous unit. The company claims that the total power to weight ratio of the bike is 7 kg on every hp.
Though the German manufacturer has designed this bike with focus on efficiency, the drive modes allow riders to enjoy their ride. The bike provides all the power required to keep the front wheel in air in the ‘Wheelie' mode. For amateur riders, there is a ‘Power Wheelie’ mode that adjusts the wheelie angle. ‘Balanced Wheelie’ is another mode that assists in braking and adjusting the speed so that riders can lift the front wheel by shifting their weight. Shifting forward will speed up and leaning back will slow down the bike. It also comes with ‘Training Mode’ to help newbies, according to Audi. Among other features, there is a seat height control system which can be accessed from the handlebar while riding as well as a long slash styled headlight spreading across the length of the handlebar.
Wörthersee also has a trip computer that is integrated into the frame with a touchscreen. It assists riders to select the riding mode and record stunt sequences, besides adjusting functions like lighting and electric pedal assistance. Further, there is a display panel which shows road speed, distance covered, battery percentage, energy consumption and slope angle.
The bike also comes with Wi-Fi that uses an integrated antenna to establish communication with riders' Smartphones. It can record the stunts and assign ‘success points’ in order to level up challenges or to show off on Facebook, the largest social networking website in the world.
However, the highlight of this bike is the locking system, which does away with the traditional chain lock and locks it using a Smartphone. Though it would not prevent the bike from being stolen, it will ensure that no one surpasses the stoppie record set by the rider.
