BMW has unveiled two new electric vehicles with interesting specifications for their categories. Both have the same performance, resulting in a high-speed electric bike and a low-speed electric motorbike.
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The two models were presented at the IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany.
BMW has introduced the i Vision AMBY, which is a high-speed electric bicycle.
The i Vision AMBY technically falls into the category of electric bicycles, but shares little with other e-bikes. The design uses similar suspension components as other high-spec bikes, but the electronics appear to be completely custom.
The higher-power motor and the massive 2,000 Wh battery allow it to achieve much higher speeds. This large battery also enables the vehicle to cover distances up to 300 km in the lowest power mode.
Using an accompanying smartphone, riders can choose between the European legal speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph), a second pedelec speed mode that reaches 45 km/h (28 mph), and a new high-speed pedelec mode that increases speed to 60 km/h (37 mph). You could even automatically slow down when you get into the city center and then use the top speed once you get on a longer road.
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Naturally you will need to register the bike and obtain a special license plate to use it on public roads if you want to ride it at higher speeds.
The pedals are required to power the engine. Without a hand throttle, riders will have to keep pedaling continuously to achieve and maintain the high speeds of the bicycle. The range also drops significantly to just 75 kilometers when riding at 60 km/h.
The bike also features other interesting design elements, such as LED lighting bars integrated into the handlebars and the seat, as well as an angular frame with a very upright position.
On the other hand, the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY electric motorcycle appears to be designed for very relaxed rides.
Instead of a pair of pedals, the Vision AMBY features a more realistic foot position.
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It is interesting that the Vision AMBY electric motorcycle also achieves the same top speed of 60 km/h, which is rather slow compared to other entries in the lightweight electric motorcycle category. Its lightweight design will make it compete more with small electric bikes such as the Sur Ron Light Bee, although the possibly street-legal design of BMW will give it a significant advantage over off-road alternatives.
BMW Motorrad has not yet shared details regarding the motor or battery configuration in the motorcycle version of the AMBY series, but it will certainly have at least as much capacity with the 2,000 Wh battery that is also found in the high-speed electric bicycle version.
In contrast to the BMW i Vision AMBY bicycle that has been designed for the road, the motorcycle looks as if it was designed mainly for off‑road riding. The wider tires and the more robust suspension system appear ready for off‑road routes.
