Wānaka company to launch 'World's lightest' e-bike

Wãnaka based, Le Velo Studio, is set to launch the world’s lightest e-bike, after being named a finalist for the prestigious Green Awards in Berlin, Germany. 

Le Velo Studio co-founder Alex Guichard says it has taken four years of research and development to redefine urban commuting and adventure cycling, resulting in e-bikes that set a new standard for performance, sustainability, and style.

“This is the first time a New Zealand company has reached the final level of this competition. This acknowledgement supports our belief that we have created something that will not only enhance the cycling experience for a range of users but also benefits the planet”. 

Weighing in at 12.3 kg, compared to 23-25kg for most e-bikes on the market, it’s also light on the planet, Guichard says.

“We focused on circular design principles and decided to use non-proprietary components. The end of life was highly considered. One of the main innovations of Le Velo Studio is the use of a rear e-wheel that includes the battery and the motor in the hub. A majority of e-bikes, with the battery or motor integrated into the frame, will end up in the landfill.  They also become obsolete when the motor or battery ultimately stop working. With Le Velo Studio, at the end of life of electronics, the users will be given the choice to repair, replace the e-wheel or just swap the e-wheel for a standard push wheel and use their bike for decades.”

Crafted from premium carbon fibre, the bike has been designed, engineered and assembled in Wãnaka.

“There is no more range anxiety, when the battery is flat, the user can still finish his ride as the bike becomes a standard lightweight push bike.

Director of the Green Product Awards, Nils Bader, says Le Velo Studio’s e-bike, called
‘The Bicycle of Your Life’ in the mobility category, is a good example of the level of creativity and passion with which our finalists are contributing to a more sustainable future.

 Guichard is grateful for any public support for the awards.

“It would be awesome to get a good push from kiwis with votes.”  

The online public vote, in which we are also represented, will take place until January 30. 

People can vote online https://www.gp-award.com/en/produkte/bicycle-of-your-life .

Main image (Supplied): Le Velo Studio co-founder Alex Guichard with the Wānaka-made e-bike up for an international award.