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German multinational company creates futuristic electric bicycle inspired by model launched on the market in 1865
In 1865, the German multinational BASF was founded, and became one of the pioneers in the field of chemical products. The multinational chose to mark one of its anniversaries with the launch of a Electric Bicycle never seen until then. The model was named Concept 1865, and is inspired by an old bicycle, launched in the year of its foundation.
A Concept 1865 electric bike it was named in reference to the year that inventor Karl Drais added pedals to the first “penny-farthing”, which are those retro bicycles that have a front wheel much larger than the rear wheel.
BASF was inspired by the “penny-farthing” models and, as a result, created a practical and updated version of the electric bicycle for the current and future market. The cyclist sits on a detachable saddle that is practically on top of the front wheel, to which the pedals are attached.
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A Concept 1865 electric bicycle is equipped with a motor with a power of 250 watts which is built into the rear wheel hub. In the European Union the maximum speed allowed for e-bikes is 25 kilometers per hour (km/h).
With the exception of the metal axles, motor and brakes, according to BASF, the electric bike is built using high-performance polymers and specialized foams of its own production. The model was designed in collaboration with the DING3000 design studio.
The aim was to demonstrate the wide range of applications of BASF's revolutionary polymers, such as their use in tyres. They are produced with Infinergy, a form of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, which makes them lighter and more resistant to punctures.
Concept 1865 electric bike has suspension system built into the seat to provide more comfort to the user
The saddle is made of polyurethane foam and has a built-in spring so that the cyclist pedals more comfortably. The battery, which can be removed, is stored in the bank, the manufacturer did not provide information about autonomy and loading.
The Concept 1865 is not a launch as the first appearance of this model was in 2013 on the 148th anniversary of the German multinational. And there was also an exhibition at a fair in 2015, but after that not much information was released about the outcome of the project.
The e-bike was called, by the manufacturer itself, a connection between the past and the future. BASF released a video featuring the electric bike on its channel, check it out:
