Kia has unveiled two prototype electric bikes at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, 70 years on from the vehicle manufacturer’s inception as Korea’s first mass producer of bicycles.
The Kia Electric Bicycle (KEB) is being shown in both ‘City’ and ‘MTB’ (Mountain Bike) versions. The rear-wheel drive KEB is propelled by a 250 watt electric motor producing a generous 45 Nm of torque, and powered by a 36 volt, 10 amp lithium-ion polymer battery pack. Kia hopes the City model will appeal to commuters, providing a range of “around 40 km on a single charge and a recharging time of four hours”
Designed and engineered by Kia’s Research & Development Centre in Korea, the KEB features an “innovative monocoque” metal frame which looks like a carbon fibre frame; the company say a new manufacturing process uses “advanced metal stamping technology and a robotic automated welding process – resulting in automotive-industry standards of quality control”.
Both the City and MTB models feature the same drivetrain and power pack, weigh around 20 kg in total, and have a top speed of 25 kph (15.5 mph) to comply with EU regulations.
The City has a step-through frame, rear-mounted battery, 28-inch wheels and mud-flaps for the broadest appeal. The MTB has RockShox 100 mm front forks, a mid-mounted battery and 26-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres.
