This year the IAA is the presentation platform for numerous alternative mobility offers. That is why a large number of manufacturers of bicycles and bicycle accessories as well as service providers for everything to do with bicycles are represented at the fair – although the major bicycle trade fair, Eurobike, was only recently held. The IAA organizer VDA has enticed the representatives of the two-wheeler industry among other things with attractive conditions for the stand prices, which several dozen bicycle manufacturers use to present their innovations to a large audience.
As at Eurobike, the focus at the IAA is on the pedelec. The Rotwild booth shows how unilaterally bicycle manufacturers are now relying on e-bikes. The small and fine bicycle forge has been making a name for itself with high-quality MTBs for around 20 years. However, the company now only builds eMTBs, while the cult brand, to the chagrin of many fans, has removed models with bio-drive from its range. However, according to Marketing Director Jonathan Zimmermann, the 30-strong Rotwild team had to opt for a more profit-oriented product range.
Auto suppliers also build e-bikes
The fact that you can make a lot of money with e-bikes is also evident from the stands of various automotive suppliers such as Brose and Bosch. The latter is presenting the latest expansion stage of its pedelec drives called Smart System at the IAA. This includes new connectivity technology including a smartphone app, a new display and operating solution and a powerful 750 watt Intube battery. You can see what a bike with the latest Bosch technology looks like at the Scott stand using the example of the new eRide 900 E-MTB.
Forward with brake light
With QiO, a completely new compact bike brand is celebrating its premiere at the IAA with a first model called Eins. It is a small city electricity in the style of the I: SY, which has been successful for years. QiO was brought into being by the multi-brand company Hartje, which had to cede the sales of I: SY to its competitor ZEG and has now developed a very similar opponent itself, which is characterized by interesting solutions such as a brake light function integrated into the rear light.
Some bicycle manufacturers develop their own drives. Specialized is showing its lightweight pedelecs with a drive system optimized on the basis of Mahle motors, which is characterized by a slim design and compact batteries and thus also low weight. The range extends from e-racing bikes to e-bikes suitable for everyday use such as the new Como SL. Despite the battery and e-drive, the slim bikes only weigh 12 to a maximum of 17 kilograms.
E-tandem: For long tours for two
On the other hand, a new e-tandem from Flyer is big and heavy, which, at prices starting at around 8,000 euros, allows two people to ride quite effortlessly thanks to a double battery with a capacity of 1260 watt hours integrated in the frame. Flyer has also developed the full-suspension E-SUV Goroc X for travel enthusiasts, which in addition to an intube battery also offers a range extender battery attached to the down tube. With the two batteries you will be able to power up to 200 kilometers without a charging break. The bike will hit the market in May 2022.
Airbag ensures safety on the bike
Sports backpack and protector manufacturer Evoc is showing a newly developed airbag backpack called the Protective Sports Pack. This is a compact transport bag which, in addition to storage space, also contains fall detection sensors, a gas shower and a reusable airbag. The latter throws itself around the shoulder and neck of the wearer in the event of a fall. The highlight: if the airbag has been triggered, it can be folded up again and reused. Only a new gas cartridge has to be inserted. The market launch is in 2023, the price is still vague. However, the solution shouldn’t be cheap.
Replacement of all vice
There are also a large number of pedelec-class trucks represented at the IAA, which, with four wheels and a passenger cell, are recommended as an alternative to delivery vehicles. City Q is the name of a smart concept from Norway, which relies on an innovation from the automotive supplier Schäffler called Freeride. The solution dispenses with power transmission between the pedals and the drive; instead, the pedals are used to drive a generator, which forwards a corresponding signal to the drive.
According to Christopher Gruen, who is responsible for business development at City Q, all that is needed is investors to bring his small truck onto the market as early as next year.
The near-series Urban M concept from automotive supplier Mubea is even expected to hit the market next year. The significantly larger cargo bike compared to the City Q is aimed primarily at logistics companies as an alternative to small vans. (SPX)