A bold new two-wheeler is preparing to take the e-bike world by storm. It is called Cyber, and as its name suggests, it looks like a ride that would fit just well in a cyberpunk, futuristic setting.
The e-bike world has seen dramatic growth in the last few years, fueled mainly by new consumers' needs, including sustainable commuting solutions, lightweight designs, and performance. Many manufacturers have set out to meet these needs by creating electric two-wheelers that perform well and boast designs as similar to traditional bicycles as possible by concealing all the electric components in the hub of the wheel.
UK startup WAU has taken a different approach and revealed an e-bike sporting an aggressively styled body with a muscular frame, a dramatic lighting package, and massive wheels shod in off-road tires. All these design elements stray away from the traditional bicycle look and make the new Cyber more akin to a muscular dirt bike that has just been dropped off on Earth by an alien race. Another thing many of you might have noticed is that this electric bike looks like a distant cousin of Tesla's upcoming battery electric pickup truck.
The cyberpunk-inspired electric two-wheeler is touted by WAU, which stands for We Are Underdogs, as a masterpiece of design and engineering, with the company claiming "there's never been an e-bike with this many features and this much tech packed onto two-wheels."
Photo: WAU/Indiegogo
The Cyber is offered in three mid-drive versions, with the motor tuned to the output of the market into which it is sold. The first is intended for the European market and other places where strict restrictions apply. It is equipped with a 250-watt Bafang mid-drive motor able of 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) and a top speed of 15.5 mph (25 kph).
The second version is for U.S. riders and boasts a 750-watt mid-drive motor and a 28-mph (45 kph) top speed.
There is a top-of-the-line model called Cyber 5000 that is meant to appeal to riders who plan on venturing off the beaten path or use the two-wheeler as an electric moped. This third model comes with a 5,000-watt mid-drive motor and is capable of a top speed of 55 mph (88.5 kph). To achieve the bullet-fast speed, the manufacturer has completely ditched the pedals and replaced them with footpegs, equipped it with full suspension, as well as smaller 21-inch wheels and 3-inch tires. This particular version will be powered by a massive 2.8 kWh 60-Volt battery good for up to 60 miles (nearly 97 km) and can be registered as an e-motorbike in the U.S. and as a moped in the UK, which means it requires a special license.
The first two models also come with high-capacity battery packs with Samsung 21700 cells. The 250W bike boasts a 48V/1 kWh battery that will offer a range of up to 200 miles at the lowest assist level, while the 750 W model will have a 52V/1 kWh battery providing 160 miles (257.5 km) of range. Regardless of the model, the battery packs can also be used to power gadgetry between rides.
Photo: WAU/Indiegogo
The newcomer is built around a distinctive, angular 6061-T6 frame and has KKE double-crown suspension forks and an eight-liter integrated storage compartment. As standard, it rides on 24-inch double-wall rims with puncture-resistant Duro road tires, but Kenda off-road tires are available as an upgrade. All three trims are fitted with a 10-speed Shimano gearset, and four-piston hydraulic disc brakes ensure the e-bike promptly comes to a halt when needed.
A smart color LCD display, built-in RGB lighting on the front, back, and sides, and a 58-dB horn are also part of the package.
The WAU Cyber e-bike is currently raising production funds through crowdfunding. Each model is offered in a limited run of 25 units and can already be pre-ordered on Indiegogo, with an early bird price of just $2,999. Deliveries are expected to start in February of next year.
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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