Using an electric bike instead of a car is certainly a responsible thing to do, but it may not capture everyones' imagination. Well, if you're one of those people who need a little more enticement, then you might like the Archont electro. Made by Belgrade, Serbia-based Ono Bikes, the e-bike is eye-catching, fast … and pricey.
- Each Archont is built-to-order by hand, featuring a swooping stainless steel frame and fork. And if you think it looks long, you're not imagining things – the extra-large model measures 3 meters (9.8 ft) from tip to tail, and weighs 55 kg (121 lb).
The bike features a 7-kW rear hub motor powered by either a 72V/20Ah lithium iron-phosphate or 74V/23Ah lithium-ion battery pack, protected within a locking carbon fiber casing. A full three-hour charge should be good for a range of up to 60 miles (97 km) in throttle mode alone, thanks to some assistance from a regenerative braking system. Doing a bit of pedalling will obviously increase that range.
While in said throttle mode, riders can shift between four forward "gears," along with a reverse(!) gear. Care should be taken when going into reverse, however, as the Archont can reach a top motor-only speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) – this presumably means that buyers will have to register it as a scooter. A constant speed can be maintained using a cruise control feature, plus users can cap the top speed at a more "comfortable" level.
A mobile app is currently in the works, which will allow the rider's docked smartphone to serve as an electronic dashboard. That dash will display data such as battery level and speed, plus the phone's accelerometer and gyroscope will also allow it to serve as an anti-theft device (the phone itself will be contained within a locking compartment).
Other features include a Schlumpf hub transmission, Shimano Saint hydraulic disc brakes, a Brooks saddle and Schwalbe Big Apple tires.
But yes, about that "pricey" thing … if you're willing to preorder an Archont electro right now, be prepared to pay at least €6,666 (about US$7,094). Once the preorders are over, that price will rise to €9,999 ($10,640).
There's also a non-electric version, for people who aren't feeling quite so rich. It can be pre-ordered for €1,999 ($2,129).
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