ART & DESIGN DRAFTING CHANGES Sleek Italian trappings, innovative Hungarian designs, American homages to European style and German technical knowhow: the world of ebikes – velocipedes that add electric battery power to that generated by the rider – has undergone a dramatic change over the last few years, spurred by a band of companies around the globe that combine high design with the latest technology to create smart updates on a once-maligned product. The artisans behind this revolution may share a philosophy – mainly to realign perceptions that their creations are merely pedal bikes with a battery stuck on – but the results are startlingly different. From the elegant look of the cycles by US firm Faraday to the futuristic stylings of Hungary’s M55, the relatively new industry is producing a spectacular range of creations – and with technological developments coming through regularly, there’s no telling just how advanced they will get. FARADAY PORTEUR COOLY CLASSICAL Inspired by the quintessential European delivery bikes of the 1940s and 1950s, Californiabased firm Faraday – named for the English scientist who first recognised electromagnetism – captures the essence of bygone years yet combines it with state-of-the-art technology. As company CEO Adam Vollmer says, “The Porteur is a bike that hasn’t forgotten its roots – as a bike first and foremost.” Hence the lightweight battery that makes it ideal as a city runaround, with a touch of Gallic style. faradaybikes.com PUSHING THE LIMITS “Function for design, design for function,” says Manuel Ostner, CEO and founder of Germany-based PG-Bikes, summing up the mantra behind his unashamedly high-end products. The £50,000 BlackTrail, which boasted a top speed of 100kph, may have had a limited shelf life, but PG’s streamlined BlackBlock 2 more than compensates, with its twin motors and use of an app that allows riders to control certain aspects of the bike through their smartphones. The classic black look might appeal for its urban cool, but seven elements on the bike can be customised in 13 available colours, so any potential owners can set their imagination loose – a fitting complement to PG’s inventive efforts. pg.de PHOTOS FROM TOP: NICOLAS ZURCHER, MARTIN HOLZNER PG BLACKBLOCK 2
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