Audi recently unveiled the stunning Audi e-bike Wörthersee, a performance oriented electric bike intended for sports, stunts and trick cycling.
This highly advanced e-bike features a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) frame and 26-inch “audi ultra blade” wheels made from the same exotic material. The use of superlight materials allowed the German automakers to create an e-bike weighting just under 21 kilos! It is equipped with a 2.3kW electric motor that uses a lithium-ion battery with a 2.5 hour charge-up time. With just 9,13 kilos per kilowatt the Audi e-bike Wörthersee has a record breaking power to weight ratio.
Moreover Audi’s unconventional e-bike is equipped 5 different riding modes, courtesy of its hydraulic gear shift system which is very similar to the R-tronic transmission used in Audi R8 cars. There are options such the solely human powered “Pure” mode, the “e-Grip” electric only mode and the hybrid “Pedelec” mode. Using the “Pedelec” mode it can reach a top speed of 80 km/hr, while with solely electric drive it can reach 50 km/hr. This impressive e-bike gives you the power to perform impressive stunts and tricks similar to those performed with a motorbike.
With an increasing number of automakers entering the e-bike arena Audi wanted to make something radically different. For this reason they decided pass on the conventional approach of creating an efficient city commuter and decided to create a whole different kind of beast. The project was to develop a two wheeled power toy, ideal for stunts. For this reason the design team worked closely renown motorcyclist and stuntman Julien Dupont, who offered feedback and tested the bicycle throughout the development process.
Finally the Audi E-Bike Wörthersee is also equipped with a touchscreen user interface and WLAN connectivity. The touchscreen is used as a control and feedback instrument, while the smartphone connectivity allows the recording of stunts via a smartphone or camera and optional automatic stabilization. Of course other high-tech features such as hydraulic disk brakes, led lights and an advanced suspension system come as standard.
No pricing has been revealed yet nor have production details. It is more than likely that the Audi E-Bike Wörthersee will never make it into production, and it will be used solely as a development platform (with a strong marketing element of course). But it is ok, since Audi gave us one of the best looking and fun e-bikes ever made.
