With the latest technology developments and the growing demand for healthy travel solutions, electric bike manufacturers launch new models almost every day with all sorts of configurations, features, and functions. But when it comes to two-wheelers for city commutes, riders are mostly looking for the right combination of performance and convenience, and lightweight folding e-bikes seem to tick many of the boxes on the city dwellers' checklists.
The perfect urban bicycle doesn't exist, but manufacturers are striving to at least get close to it. Coh&Co, a Danish bike maker, has added a new and innovative folding e-bike to the growing pile of city commuters available in the market. Called Siggi, the newcomer is a folding e-commuter whose frame and fork are made from a proprietary robust composite material and which can be optioned with an all-in-one hub drive system from Zehus.
The company's founders say that, through their extensive experience and from customer feedback, they've found out that city dwellers prefer compact bikes that not only are responsive and can adapt to everyday urban life but can also be easily stored and carried around. Their solution is the adaptable Siggi foldable e-bike, which is offered in various configurations to meet diverse rider preferences.
For those who want effortless pedal assistance, it can be configured as a single-speed PAS (Pedal Assist System) electric bike, while those who want a bike able to tackle different terrains and adapt to various riding circumstances can have it with a four-gear internal hub. There is also an option for those who prefer a non-electric bike, as the Siggi can be ordered with a Shimano Alfine 11-speed gearset.
For the electric versions of Coh&Co's Siggi, the bike maker partnered with Italian manufacturer Zehus Motors, which provides a motor and battery system integrated within the bike's rear hub, a design that ensures a continuous and smooth assist experience when pedaling forward and charges the battery when backpedaling.
Photo: Coh&Co
The utility and appeal of the Siggi e-bike are also enhanced by its ingenious frame and fork technology, made of a heavy-wear composite material based on carbon fiber and basalt. The company dubbed this novel material StoneWeave and says it's not only durable but also sustainable and fully recyclable.
The same material was used to make the left-side fork, enabling an easy and compact fold. A nifty component of this foldable bike is the rear rack, which doubles as a parking stand, and the frame's top tube can act as an easy-to-grasp handle to allow easy carry when necessary. The small 20″ wheels also help in making it easy to fold and carry on the train, store in your home or office, and pack in the trunk of a car.
Tipping the scales at just 28.6 pounds (13 kg) as an e-bike and 22 pounds (10 kg) in its non-electric incarnation, the Siggi is pretty lightweight.
As for how the folding mechanism works, the bike's frame is raised, and the rear wheel flips over and hovers over the rack, with the front wheel by its side. The rack-turned-stand even has rollers to allow easy maneuverability once folded. The handlebar also collapses, and the seat can be pushed down.
Elastomer springs front and back ensure a comfortable ride, and the foldable aluminum handlebar has adjustable reach, so the riding position can be modified based on the rider's size for optimized control and comfort.
The Siggi folding electric bike is available on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, priced at 1,610 Euros ($1,794 USD) for the non-electric version and 2,395 Euros ($2,669 USD) for the variant outfitted with the electric components. Worldwide shipping is expected to begin in January 2024.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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