FUELL for the future?
Erik Buell branches out into the world of electric two wheelers
Well you can't keep a good entrepreneur down, especially an inspired motorcycle engineer! Although a new Buell motorcycle is currently leaping out of its box, its progenitor Erik Buell is not at the helm this time as he is frying other fish. Buell has teamed up with Frédéric Vasseur of Spark Racing and Francois-Xavier Terny - to produce a new brainchild – the start-up e-bike company FUELL. This time instead of a combustion engine, the new company FUELL is focusing on high-spec light electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and mopeds.
FUELL's first two products from his new company, were the Fllow electric motorcycle and the Flluid electric bicycle.
The Fllow motorcycle is a fully faired sports bike style machine, with a wheel mounted motor in either 11kW (14.8hp) or 35kW (47hp) capacity. It has a fully connected dash with many new tech features, plus a large boot (13 gallon capacity) cushti! The smaller engined version is really a competitor in the scooter market, while the bigger one is a rival to other larger electric motorcycles.
Erik Buell himself says of his creations, that they are part of a very necessary green revolution. They should take only 30 mins to charge on a public 20kw charger, and the speedy charging is designed to be competitive with petrol powered vehicles to really give gas a run for its money in this evolving world. Here's what Buell himself has to say:
“The next step from e-bicycles is the field of step-through mopeds/compact motorcycles. This electric challenge is critical, as this vehicle type is the leading urban mobility vehicle in many countries. The process and invention to switch existing units to clean, safe and recyclable vehicles is an enormous endeavour, but one that must be done to address air quality problems and environmental pollution. The first step of electrifying existing designs is happening, but it needs to reach a new level of design to truly change things.
FUELL is taking a totally new approach, which integrates a friendly and familiar shape with future styling and technology never seen in this class. Our idea is to combine a magnesium shell chassis with unique battery packaging and ultra-high torque hub motor, to create a light stable and nimble vehicle with a stunningly sporty ride for a fun everyday commute – at a cost comparable to gas equivalent and packed with tech features.”
FUELL is also working on a new electric moped with no pedals, so that there are vehicles in the range suited to every commuter and rider to make the offerings truly competitive.
Here is Erik again on his e-bikes:
“With this market now developing fast, e-bikes must start integrating more quality, more power, more range, and more utility. E-bikes need to develop formats to cater to the various needs of urban mobility. A critical step in e-bikes’ advancement is the connectivity and safety systems that are part of the smart city environment.
FUELL started with the leading edge of existing tech, and will go well beyond next – bringing both new formats and safety features supplying more information to provide riders unprecedented control over their environment. Be ready for FUELL Flluids featuring cameras and connectivity that extend the rider’s senses!”
So is Buell ahead of the curve again here? What do you think of these innovative new machines and could you see yourself riding one around town?
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