The 'Hummingbird Flax' accelerates what environmentally friendly means for the electric bicycle industry with its first-ever plant-based frame. The bicycle was created by the 'Prodrive' engineering firm that is most known for its work with Subaru and Aston Martin in the competitive motorsports space.
This is a foldable step-through e-bike with a minimalist frame, an elongated seat, and a pair of elongated handlebars for comfort and convenience. By virtue of the Hummingbird Flax being made from plant fibers, it is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 10kg while fully equipped or 6.9kg without its electric components. Despite its plant-based lightweight frame, Prodrive states that the Hummingbird Flax is incredibly durable, rivaling even carbon fiber frames.
As for the internals, the e-bike is powered by a 250-watt rear hub motor supplied by a 158 Wh battery that results in a 31-mile range and a 20-mile top speed. The e-bike is available from Prodrive for £4,995, or approximately $6,000 USD.
Plant Fibre-Based E-Bikes
The 'Hummingbird Flax' Features a Fully Sustainable Plant-Based Frame
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Bikes - More bicycle manufacturers may look to plant fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional bike frames.
2. Lightweight E-bikes - There may be new opportunities to create ultra-lightweight e-bikes without sacrificing durability.
3. Eco-friendly Transportation - Electric bicycles made from sustainable materials may become more popular as consumers seek environmentally conscious transportation options.
Industry Implications
1. Bicycle Manufacturing - Bicycle manufacturers may need to invest in research and development to incorporate plant-based materials into their designs.
2. Automotive Engineering - Automotive engineers may need to develop new methods for manufacturing lightweight, durable materials for e-bikes and other sustainable transportation options.
3. Sustainable Product Development - There may be opportunities for companies and startups to develop new eco-friendly products, such as e-bikes made from sustainable materials, to meet the growing demand for environmentally conscious transportation options.