Since the main drive of electric vehicles is to try and reduce the carbon emissions and thus provide a greener future for our society, having things taken one step further into the realm of “natural technologies” was one thing we kind of saw coming. What we didn’t see coming was how cool this new paradigm can be, but thanks to Dutch entrepreneur Jan Gunnerweg, we now know that the future can be so much brighter.
Should we be surprised that the e-Bough comes from the Netherlands? Not at all, since this country could actually put a bicycle on its national flag, with most of its inhabitants using bikes on a daily basis. However, having an (almost) entire pedelec made from wood is something we don’t stumble upon every day… yet.
The frame is made from select oak wood harvested from responsibly managed forests in the French Jura, treated to make it impervious to inclement weather conditions. While exceptionally aesthetically-pleasing, the downside of such frames is their weight, comparable to that to classic steel-frame bikes. However, wood absorbs vibrations better and adds to the comfort of the ride, while being also quieter and less prone to deterioration. If this appeals to you, then you shouldn’t have any issue with the e-Bough.
Definitely not a mountain bike, the e-Bough is however an exceptional city bike, with 26- and 28-inch wheels versions. The rather weak front brake requires a lot of awareness during rides. However, the 225W rear hub motor allows the bike to reach 25 km/h (15 mph) so you’re not going to break any Isle of Man TT records. The battery charges fully in about 8 hours and provides assistance for around 40 km (under 25 miles), depending on usage.
The e-Bough comes with an easy-to-use dash allowing riders to select the pedal assistance level and offering info on the battery. The e-Bough can be yours for €2,500 ($3,385).
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