New folding off road electric bicycles by ford !!

[dks]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3137360/Ford-unveils-terrain-electric-bike-Folding-MoDe-Flex-sat-nav-collision-sensors-adapts-roads-mountains.html

The MoDe:Flex joins the MoDe:Me and MoDe:Pro bikes unveiled at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona under Ford's Handle on Mobility scheme.
Its prototypes are each powered by 200-watt motors, fold to fit on a train or in the boot of a car, and with pedal assist, help riders reach speeds of up to 15mph (25km/h).
It builds on the technology used in Ford's previous electric bikes but adds a twist - the battery, motor and wheels can be easily swapped and replaced for different riders and varying terrains.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

That looks interesting. I'm glad there more development in ebikes as I really feel there the future for a lot of us

It'll have to be fitted with sub 20 inch wheels to be aloud on our trains though

Sent from my XT1039 using Tapatalk

[Etherealicer]

(Image removed from quote.)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3137360/Ford-unveils-terrain-electric-bike-Folding-MoDe-Flex-sat-nav-collision-sensors-adapts-roads-mountains.html

The MoDe:Flex joins the MoDe:Me and MoDe:Pro bikes unveiled at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona under Ford's Handle on Mobility scheme.
Its prototypes are each powered by 200-watt motors, fold to fit on a train or in the boot of a car, and with pedal assist, help riders reach speeds of up to 15mph (25km/h).
It builds on the technology used in Ford's previous electric bikes but adds a twist - the battery, motor and wheels can be easily swapped and replaced for different riders and varying terrains.


(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Technically, its not folding, but taking apart. No problem if all you do is put it into the trunk of your car, but problematic if you want to take it into public transportation and such.

In general a cool idea, however e-bikes tend to be really heavy (rechargeable battery and such). That alone could make it a deal-breaker for lots of girls I know. And since you are only going short distance (for anything longer you take the car, that is the idea here right?), why do you need an e-bike, why not just a bike? That's why I think the smallest is probably the best idea.

What I do like is the driving aids. Like, telling you when a car approaches from behind, probably not handy in a city, where it will constantly vibrate. But on a more empty road it could be gold (especially because some modern cars can be really quite, add a bit of wind and you won't hear them). Light at the end of the handlebars I find great too (but they have to be invisible to the cyclist or else they hinder his vision / night-vision adaptation). Finally I wouldn't mind turn indicators on my bike, although I think hand signs do the trick. But automatic turn indicators I don't like at all. Hopefully some of this technology comes to bike (preferably without battery (powered by the in wheel generator) and without requiring a smartphone).

P.S.: I also hope they included a way to charge the bike while its in the trunk, that would be good idea.

[dks]

I like bikes, especially off road, but hate steep hills (going up..)  I assume that this will make it easier to go uphill, whilst still having fun on small inclines and flat paths.
Folding may be good if you carry several bikes, but do not want to carry the outside the car on a rack (drag, pain to set up...)

and it does look cool