When is an e-bike really an e-bike? What expectations do consumers have of a bicycle that can use additional energy from a battery for propulsion?
With its new X20 model, MAHLE Smartbike Systems believes to have launched the lightest e-bike drive system on the market, weighing in at just 3.2 kilograms—including the battery. “The Stuttgart-based automotive supplier’s e-bike business segment has thus set a new industry benchmark for the power-to-weight ratio of e-bike drives”, that is the claim of the German company, whose CEO left the company only after a few month in office. MAHLE and Matthias Arleth (54), Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, had decided to terminate their cooperation by “mutual agreement” (April 16, 2022). Whether the claim that is now being raised for the new X20 model on the market has played a role is questionable.
MAHLE bets also on an aesthetic advantage, because the X20 is concealed within the bike’s frame and hub. In addition, artificial intelligence delivers a customizable cycling experience that is – they hope – perfectly tailored to the rider. The new drive system is available as of April 20, 2022.
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