Check Out the "Swiss Cheese With Wheels" Evol E-Bike and Why It's Even Loved by Renault

Folks, take a nice long look at the e-bike before you. Check out the way the frame is built, the sort of tires on this bugger, that saddle, and above all, the fact that Renault recently unveiled this machine at 2024's Geneva International Motor Show. It's time to dive deeper into what the hell this automotive group is up to and how an e-bike got thrown into the mix.

Now, if you're up to date with this year's show, you're aware of the fact that Renault unveiled their R5 E-Tech EV, their "reinterpretation of the pop icon," the Renault 5. Well, alongside the E-Tech, Renault invited five brands - manufacturers of EVs from an array of industries, including urban mobility, personal watercraft, and even snowsports - to show the beautiful and 'green' network that electrification can bring about.

Well, one of the crews to share Renault's stage is none other than French e-bike manufacturer Evol. Yet who is Evol, and how the heck did they wiggle those elbows to bask in Renault's audience? To answer that question, I dove deeper, and in doing so, I learned why Evol might just be the next big urban mobility thing.

While I don't expect you to know who this crew is - after all, they're active over in Europe - it's important to note that Evol has been active in the e-bike industry since 2021. Yet, what sets them apart from basically every other e-bike manufacturer out there is the way they build their machines: they're based upon a BMX frame and design, with a few modern touches.

For starters, take a nice long look at the frame that Evol has created for their mobility machines. As you can see, it's all shaped around a mid-mounted motor, and if you know anything about this sort of e-bike style - the other is a hub-mounted motor layout - you're aware of the fact that this is what you want in terms of a setup that'll last you ages, is comfortable, has the right riding dynamics, and transfers power the best.

As standard, each frame is built around Bafang's M600, M560, and M510 motors. I've personally tested the M600, and all I can say is that it has plenty of power for an urban and even off-road setting. The only downside may appear when you start encountering hilly streets; being a BMX, just a single speed is in place.

But what about that whole Swiss Cheese look that the Evols have going on? Well, there's actually some method to the madness you see, and part of the story is all about strengthening the frame to the point where it can handle the added weight of a motor and a battery pack. Yet, the holes are all about keeping weight down to a minimum, not to mention giving this EV its signature look and appeal.

I do want to direct your attention to the section running along with what a seat post would be. It's here that each Evol bike hides a battery pack, and while we don't know just how much juice is in that battery pack, it's suitable for up to 40 km (25 mi). Furthermore, these babies can hit a top speed of 45 kph (28 mph), or at least the Renault version can.

As for the rest of the magic we see, Evol allows future owners to basically customize their BMXs to their liking. It's one of the reasons why we see countless styles and colorways being depicted in the image gallery. Even Renault has its own colorway for the Geneva event, in striking bumblebee yellow, the same as the new R5 showcased.

There's just one problem I have with what Evol shows us on their website. Currently, I was unable to purchase a complete bike; only a bare frame is available, and it doesn't even come with a seat. In all, we're being charged €800 ($870 at current exchange rates) for this hunk of aluminum, and once we begin to add a motor, battery, wiring, and all the other goodies needed to make this thing go.

Yet, in my digging deeper into the Evol, I was able to find several sources that do have complete machines up for grabs, and on average, these puppies are selling for at least €4,200 ($4,600 at current exchange rates). Quite a whole lot if you ask me, but then again, Evol is a startup, so let's try and support the little guy.

As for what Renault's part is in all this, it seems to be that they're shedding precious light on Evol and four other French startups that are bent on eco-friendly and electric mobility. The question then becomes, does Evol have what it takes to survive without hitching a ride on Renault's fanbase? Feel free to comment on that.