The VELLO BIKE+ has 20″ wheels and a frame that’s said to offer a ride similar to a full-sized bike, but which integrates a quick-folding system that allows it to be easily rolled or carried between rides, and to fit into the size of a standard suitcase for storage. The bike weighs in at about 26 lb (~12 kg), making it a real lightweight in the world of electric bikes, and it gets its motive power from a 250 W internal hub motor with an integral battery pack, which can be configured with either a chain and derailleur (less costly) or a carbon belt drive system.

According to the company, the bike can be ridden “for unlimited mileage” at up to 15 mph in self-charging mode, or for a range of between 18-30 miles in “turbo mode,” depending on the road grade and the desired speed. The internal 160 Wh battery pack can also be recharged via an external power source, with a charge time of approximately 3 hours.

“The energy with this new system is harvested as before by braking and pedaling, just that it now also converts mechanical energy into electrical energy thanks to the Integrated Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). In that way, additional energy is released to recharge the light integrated lithium-ion battery. Through this new technology, VELLO BIKE+ all-in-one changes the motor map automatically and continuously in order to keep the battery charged. The motor assistance and the cutoff speed both depend on the battery charge, the input from the pedals (speed-torque) and the road slope.” – VELLO

Source: Treehugger.com