DropBarFan

Ford stole 'my' idea of using a car to ride for most of commute & then grab folding bike to ride the rest of the way.

Seriously though, the new Ford bikes look very intriguing & they seem to have put a lot of thought & effort into their new bikes. However it's not clear if the bikes are concepts or actually headed for production.

Ford reveals electric bike project to drive megacities of the future with MoDe:Me and MoDero

Winfried

Why does it have to be electric?

Does Ford think everyone lives in a hilly area?

It's funny how so many non-cyclists assume commuting is like riding the Tour de France.

Reality check:

jur

A fair few car manufacturers have had a go at the branded bike in the back... none worked so far.

tcs

Some decades ago Honda offered a small motor scooter that folded and stowed in a fitted receptacle in the back of one of their kei car models. IIRC the idea was to drive in to the city to the last cheap/free parking or the edge of the congestion charge zone and ride from there. I understand Honda's gas powered scoot was quite heavy to tug in and out of the luggage compartment.

A silly idea, or one just ahead of its time?

tds101 

I posted this in the Electric Bike section of the forums the other day. I'm hoping the full sized ebike is worth the wait. I like that it comes apart in the center,... It's different.

DropBarFan

A lot of big US cities have hilly areas. While Dutch cyclists are pretty tough at dealing with weather, relative flatness surely helped create the cycling culture. Plus the E-bike aspect sort of fits in with popularity of hybrid or e-cars. One of the Ford models is designed specifically for possible commercial use where workers could use the e-boost. & the battery could also help commuters that need to wear business attire & avoid getting sweaty. Amsterdam/Copenhagen rarely get steamy summer temps.

Theoretically Ford could arrange for high-quality dependable parts. A friend got an e-bike; overall it's pretty good quality but battery failed after a couple of weeks & the adjustable stem lets the handlebar slip unless it's over-tightened.

DropBarFan

Heh, wonder if some well-heeled & fanatical bike collectors have a section of car-brand bikes? Porsche/Mercedes/Ferrari/VW etc. Some Porsche bikes listed at $9K, wow.

FrankHudson

And those with sicker-heels will probably want a Wallmart GMC Denali for their collections (grin)

osco53

They have to be electric to get non riders, 'most haven't been on a human powered vehicle in 20 years',, out of their cars. Also these non physical couch potato's would be dropping dead by the thousands if they had to pedal every hill at the start..... The funny thing will be when these couch potato's are a few miles from home and the battery dumps..

osco53

Worlds gasoline supply should be gone within 50 Years. Any fuel left will be held from the public for strategic defense...
This is a well thought out long term plan that's very old....

dadbar

I love the idea of integrating a bike with a vehicle so it is seamless....and maybe recharges as well. I saw this VW bike a few months ago in Berlin.....would love to have one.

osco53

I think Ford has a little catching up to do,,,,,




Ya think ?

tds101 

After the "official" clunker Ford branded bike I just sent back to Amazon today I think anything FORD is off my list. I have a Dahon Speed P8 coming after I return from my vacation next week. I can't believe I wasted my time on their "bikes",... Supposed Dahon collaboration or not.

DropBarFan

That bad, eh? Sorry to hear. I didn't realize the Ford bikes were already being sold.

tds101 

Look on Amazon. I verified it's authenticity on the Dahon website. It was very low end. Really nice looking though,...

I'll pass on any Ford bikes, motorized or not.

osco53

Looks good but definitely NOT designed by a cyclist,, most likely a motorcyclist me thinks..



Over built In the wrong places, would need to go on a diet big time...


Totally blown on Innovation because they did not go with the Bosch Mid drive...



I would not even look at an E-bike that did not allow me to use my gears to help the motor and battery...

tds101 

I didn't get that bike. That bike is a solid ride. I got a folding, non-motorized bike.
Ford by Dahon C-Max 7-Speed Folding Bicycle, 20", Gray | Amazon.com: Outdoor Recreation

The bikes posted in this thread are probably better quality, but I'd need to see them beforehand to restore my confidence in the Ford branded bike/ebike brand.

Besides, I'll have a Dahon Speed P8 in 2 weeks. I'm waiting to have it shipped until I return from my vacation. I should have just gone with the Speed P8 and avoided this.