Earlier this year, folding bike specialists Tern twinned up with Bosch to produce an electric folding bike for urban commuters. The idea, like so many before it, first debuted on Kickstarter and the resulting pledge ended up securing in excess of $92,000 from 89 keen backers.
- Best folding bike 2016: buyer’s guide and 9 of our recommendations
- Best electric bike: how to choose the right one for you
- Brompton S2L review
The first production bikes are expected to land with those early backers in February of next year but in the meantime we’ve got our grubby mitts on one, so here’s the lowdown on this £2,900 / $3,580 pedal-assist folder from Taiwan.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Vektron was introduced to resolve what Tern considered to be three critical shortcomings of most electric bikes: portability, storage and security. Let’s start with the first point – portability – and it’s one that Tern knows well, being one of the world’s largest manufacturers of folding bicycles.
Like the company’s popular Verge and Link line of folding bikes, the Vektron uses 20in wheels and an alloy frame with a hinged centre section. Another similarity to its non-motorised siblings is that the Vektron is easy and relatively quick to fold/unfold. It has to be said that anyone expecting a Brompton-esque folded footprint will be disappointed, though what Tern has achieved is undoubtedly impressive here.
Once folded, the Vektron can be pushed via its saddle in a similar way to a wheelie-bag, though it’s not a particularly elegant solution – particularly over rougher surfaces. Usefully, a couple of magnets and a rubber strap help prevent any unintentional unfolding moments. A quick-release mechanism on the pedal spindle allows for quick and easy removal of the bike’s driveside pedal, which can be stowed via a specific mount behind the saddle.
Pre-ride impressions?
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
via BikeRadar All the latest from BikeRadar.com http://ift.tt/2hJ5uQ7
No comments:
Post a Comment