Former Samsung designers develop lightweight e-drive for bicycles
Cyplore has developed a lightweight e-drive that turns bicycles into e-bikes. Behind the Hong Kong-based company are designers from well-known firms.
Cyplore hub motor installed
(Image: Cyplore)
Want electric assistance but don't feel like buying a new bike? Some companies offer retrofit kits that convert a conventional bicycle into an e-bike. The Hong Kong-based company Cyplore claims its kit is the lightest.
The motor developed by Cyplore is a hub motor for the rear wheel. It has a power output of 250 watts, offers a torque of 23 Newton meters, and weighs 1.7 kilograms. The motor supports speeds of up to 25 km/h in the European version and up to 32 km/h in the US version.
The battery is attached to a mount on the down tube – where many cyclists attach their water bottle. In fact, it also resembles one in shape. It has a capacity of 111 watt-hours, which is said to be sufficient for a range of 50 kilometers.
It can be removed for charging. Charging is done via a USB-C port. It is said to take an hour to fully charge.
Pre-assembled rear wheel or self-assembly
The company offers the electric drive in two versions: Cyplore One includes a rear wheel with a pre-assembled motor and the battery. For DIY enthusiasts, there is the Cyplore Flex version, where the motor must be installed into the rear wheel yourself.
Videos by heise
Behind the company Cyplore are former designers from Alibaba, Samsung, and Xiaomi. Currently, a Kickstarter campaign is running for the project, with a goal of 80,000 Hong Kong dollars, equivalent to just under 8600 Euros. 225 supporters have already pledged over 1.5 million Hong Kong dollars (around 166,000 Euros).
On Kickstarter, Cyplore Flex costs 4700 Hong Kong dollars, about 515 Euros, and Cyplore One costs 6105 Hong Kong dollars, just under 670 Euros. They are expected to cost 980 Euros and 1300 Euros respectively in regular retail later. Delivery to the first supporters is planned for November.
(wpl)
