The first Brompton folding bike made waves when it was designed and built back in 1975 by company founder Andrew Ritchie. Fast forward to 2017, and the London-based brand aims to do it again with its first compact electric model. Aptly named Brompton Electric, the bicycle is not merely a sleek e-version of the popular folding bike. It also features an innovative motor that’s unlike anything else the company has produced before. To create the bespoke unit, the bicycle manufacturer partnered with Williams Advanced Engineering of the Williams Group, owner of Williams Martini Racing Formula One team. And the result? A high-tech 250W front hub motor which integrates racing technology in its design to provide superior performance.
Weighing 16 kg, the e-bike comes with a removable 2.8 kg battery which you can easily stow away in a bag. On a full charge, the battery and motor provide assistance for up to 50 miles, and cyclists can also choose between three power assistance levels. Or select zero assistance. Lightweight and as easy to fold away as the original, the new Brompton Electric may just be the ideal companion on daily city commutes. But for now, the bike is only available to pre-order in the UK, in either gloss black or gloss white. Photographs© Brompton Bicycle.
