It's still a tender plant: One trend at Eurobike was electric assistance on mountain bikes. For some manufacturers, e-drives are the future, for others it is more of a trial balloon to utilise existing know-how and cooperation. Still others are pushing smaller projects in order to be there from the start. Even if the electric MTB market is still in its infancy compared to the trekking market (750000 e-bikes sold in 2009), there is a lot of work being done to energise off-road cyclists too.
In addition to the various systems with electric motors, there are two different camps:
- Firstly: e-bikes. Here, the motor power can be used independently of muscle power or accelerates to more than 25 kilometres per hour. Insurance, registration and a driving licence are mandatory for e-bikes.
- Secondly, pedelecs.
The Pedal Electric Cycle is a bike with electric pedal assistance up to a maximum of 250 watts, which only switches on when you pedal and switches off at 25 kilometres per hour. Registration and a driving licence are not required.
The bikes with hub motors (Haibike, KTM, Storck) and mid-drive motors (Flyer and Focus) are pedelecs that already have plenty of power and range, but are too heavy for off-road use. The 1.9-kilo Gruber assist drive, on the other hand, has little effect on the handling of the bike, but has less power.
In order to make e-drives for bikes really attractive, a lot still needs to be done in terms of weight, battery capacity, size and, of course, price.
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Why did you decide in favour of the Gruber drive for your electric enduro?
We wanted a system that would not negatively affect the bike's suspension. Concepts with hub motors simply increase the unsprung mass on the wheel too much. This comes at the expense of riding enjoyment. The look also plays a decisive role. Apart from the saddlebag with the battery, the system is concealed inside the seat tube.
The electric drive makes the bike heavier.
The Gruber drive weighs 1900 grams with battery. This is very light compared to other systems.
Your bike costs 5999 euros. How much of that goes on the Gruber drive?
Without the charger, the price of the Gruber Assist drive is around 2000 euros.
Their first e-bike is an enduro bike with 160 millimetres of travel. Most other manufacturers rely on hardtails.
For us, riding fun is clearly in the foreground. This requirement is best met by an enduro bike that allows you to pedal quickly uphill and have unlimited downhill fun. With the electric support, you can now manage the ascent to your favourite trail three times instead of just struggling up one and a half times. Once we have gained more experience, we may well consider expanding the e-bike theme into other bike categories.
Where do you see e-mountainbikes in five years' time?
I think that a lot will happen before then. A lot will happen in terms of batteries, motors and control technology. Of course, the prices will have to become even more attractive.
Focus Jarifa Offroad:
Pedelec with the 250-watt mid-motor from Panasonic.
