Click images to visit the Mando Footloose website
The Footloose by Mando is doubtless going to make you want to test ride it. Asserting that it is the world’s first chainless hybrid electric folding bike, Korean auto suppliers Mando Corp and Meister Inc have collaborated to bring us this beautiful design.
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Designboom states it can go up to 18.6 miles with the motor alone, and farther with pedaling by the rider.
“By directly transforming electricity via an alternator connected to the crank, power is generated directly from the user. The energy stored in a lithium-ion battery, which is then used to actuate the engine. Using an electronic control unit (ECU), the ‘footloose’ works with sensors and an automatic gear changer to monitor terrain and adjust the motor’s output as necessary. It monitors the system for problems, which it displays via a handlebar-mounted human machine interface (HMI).”
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It will apparently be available in the European markets starting 2013. Here is a video illustrating the bike a bit more:
COMMENTARY: This is a paradigm change in the e-bike world for sure. It is a clean and simple design. It removes all of the typical bicycle drivetrain components: the chain, chainrings, cogs, derailleurs, and shifters. This also removes the dirty, greasy chain!
Of course it adds the alternator and some other electronic components but overall it appears to be a system with less components. As long as it proves to be reliable, the series hybrid system could be a great e-bike drive system for the future.
The Footloose was developed in a partnership project of Mando Corp. and Meister Inc. (automotive suppliers in South Korea). British designer Mark Sanders and Dutch e-bike expert Han Goes were very involved in the design.
Footloose Design By Mark Sanders
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Footloose Advanced Technology
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Footloose Specifications
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Footloose Color Options
Mando Footloose in white and black colors (Click Images To Enlarge)
Mando Footloose in grey and light blue colors (Click Images To Enlarge)
Courtesy of an article dated November 26, 2012 appearing in FeedBox
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