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maxon launches light and invisible e-bike drive system

Ralph Näf, former MTB pro and team manager, tests the BIKEDRIVE Air. [© maxon]

 

 

First, maxon's drives flew on Mars in the NASA helicopter; now they're letting bike riders lift off. After several years of development, the maker of precision drive systems has unveiled the BIKEDRIVE Air -- a light and invisible e-bike system consisting of a mid-mounted motor, integrated battery, and control element. It can be used to build extremely lightweight racing, gravel, urban, and mountain bikes. The first bicycles made by maxon customers are just being introduced to the market.

Many existing systems provide powerful support, but they are heavy and sluggish to handle. maxon's aim was to change this.

Integrated out of sight: This e-bike system by maxon is almost completely hidden from view. [© maxon]

 

 

With the BIKEDRIVE Air, maxon has created an invisible e-bike system that weighs only 7.7 lb (3.5 kg) including battery that can be integrated into frames by bike manufacturers. The system is so compact that it fits into a wide variety of frame designs (even kids' bikes). With this system, it is possible to build electric racing bikes that weigh less than 24 lb (11 kg), and E-MTB (electric mountain bike) trail full-sussers with less than 35 lb (16 kg).

maxon will be offering the BIKEDRIVE Air system exclusively to bike manufacturers all over the world. [© maxon]

 

 

The BIKEDRIVE Air system represents 60 years of experience in the development and production of electric motors, gearheads, and electronics. Its centerpiece is a mid-mounted e-bike motor that provides riders with a natural cycling experience and agile handling. The secret behind this is the unique freewheel technology. Support is given only when it is necessary, which makes it feel like riding with a tailwind.

You can double the range with an additional battery
This e-bike drive is almost completely hidden from view. Only an inconspicuously integrated control element on the top tube hints at the extra power hidden inside the bike. Even the associated 250-Wh battery is elegantly hidden in the down tube. If desired, the range can be doubled with an additional battery.

Riders have the option of individually adjusting the support levels provided by their e-bikes and easily accessing important data at any time. To make this happen, maxon developed the maxon Connect app. With ANT+ or Bluetooth (BLE), other devices such as a Garmin, Sigma, or o-synce can also be connected easily. For dealers, there is a user-friendly Service app.

maxon is rolling out the offering of its BIKEDRIVE Air system exclusively to bike manufacturers all over the world and is available for consultation. First partners are already integrating the drive into their new bike product lines.

Learn more at maxonbikedrive.com.

Source: maxon

Published February 2022

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