Audi e-bike
Described as a high-end pedelec for sport, fun and tricks,
the Audi e-bike Wörthersee features a futuristic carbon fiber frame that houses an onboard computer and a Li-ion battery pack, and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) wheels - both designed to keep the weight down.
Segway-Like Wheelie Mode
Locks via Phone
The concept blurs the line between
a "pedelec" - a bike that supplements the rider's own pedal power with an electrically-assisted "tail wind" - and a true e-bike, where the bike supplies all the power via an integrated electric motor.
In the case of the Wörthersee, the bike allows the rider to select whatever mode he or she would prefer, with up to five programs to choose from.
Riders can also select the "Pure" mode and pedal normally.
In the electrically-assisted "Pedelec Mode," a top speed of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) can be reached, with a range of between 31 and 44 miles.
The eGrip mode supplies all the power with the twist of a handlebar-mounted throttle control; that mode can take the rider to speeds of up to 50 km/h
(31 mph).
Audi's designers are responsible for every component of the e-bike, which features a lightweight carbon-fiber frame that tips the scales at a featherweight 3.53 pounds (1,600 g) reinforced only at load points, 26-inch CFRP rims with large-area blade-pattern spokes that weigh just 1.32 pounds
(600 g) each and a CFRP swing arm for the rear wheel.
All of which helps towards a total bike weight of
46.3 pounds (21 kg) including the swappable in-frame 48V/530Wh Li-ion battery pack. Charge time is reported to be 2.5 hours from a 230V mains supply.
Audi described the Wörthersee as the most powerful e-bike in the market - if the e-bike were to be sold, that is.
At the rear wheel, the maximum torque is 250 Nm or 184.39 lb-ft, with peak output reaching 2.3 kW.
A nine-speed hydraulically actuated gear shift controls the power.
While Audi designed the Wörthersee's drivetrain with efficiency in mind, the drive modes allow a bit of fun.
In "Wheelie" mode the bike itself provides power to allow the rider to focus on keeping the front wheel in the air;
-"Power Wheelie" can adjust the wheelie angle for less experienced riders, while "Balanced Wheelie" actually adjusts the speed of the bike, braking or speeding up to actually lift the bike's front wheel off of the ground as the rider shifts his or her weight. Leaning forward speeds up the bike, while leaning back slows it down. There's even a "training mode," Audi said.
The electric motor is a permanent magnet synchronous machine located at the lowest point on the frame, and drives the bottom bracket shaft directly, Audi said. In total, the power to weight ratio is 19.84 pounds per kilowatt, or 15.43 pounds per horsepower.
The e-bike's nine-speed hydraulically actuated gear shift is reported to have a similarly fast sequential action to the R-tronic transmission in an Audi R8.
CARBON FIBER FRAME
LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON FIBER WHEELS
ADJUSTABLE SEAT
INTERCHANGEABLE BATTERY
HIGH-TECH OPTIONS/FEATURES
E-TRON POWER
LIGHTWEIGHT CRANK PEDALS
ADJUSTABLE SEAT
TOUCH SCREEN
WITH TRIP COMPUTER
9 SPEEDS
LOCKS VIA PHONE
TECHNICAL SPECS
*ADJUSTABLE SEAT - the ability to continuously adjust seat height using a control on the handlebar.
*TOUCH SCREEN - Users can select riding modes, record trick sequences and adjust operation functions using the on-board computer's touchscreen display positioned within the top bar of the frame, which also shows speed, distance, battery level, energy consumption and slope angle. Operation can also be controlled using a WLAN-linked smartphone (an antenna is integrated into the front brake line), that's also used to deactivate the immobilizer.
*TRIP COMPUTER - That's built into the frame, with an integrated touchscreen that controls the riding mode selection, recording trick sequences and adjustment of various e-bike functions such as electric pedaling assistance and lighting. The display shows road speed, distance covered, state of battery charge, energy consumption and slope angle at any given moment.
*WI-FI CAPABILITIES - he Wörthersee even has Wi-Fi, which communicates with the rider's smartphone via an integrated antenna. The bike even records tricks and assigns "success points," which can be used to level up challenges or used to brag on Facebook.
*HYDRAULIC DISK BREAKS - front and rear, upside-down
*AIR SPRUNG SUSPENSIONS - at the front with 5.12 inches (130mm) of travel
*LED LIGHTNING that's integrated into the handlebar
*THE LOCK - instead of a chain, the smartphone is used to immobilize the bike. No, it won't prevent the bike itself from being lifted into the back of a truck, but no one will be able to surpass your stoppie record, either.
*NINE SPEEDS - hydraulically actuated gear
*CARBON FIBER FRAME
*CARBON FIBER WHEELS
*E-TRON POWER/CRANK PEDALS
*INTERCHARGEABLE BATTERY
*ELECTRIC MOTOR - permanent magnet synchronous
GALLERY
WATCH IT IN ACTION