Detroit DB-E Ebike is a Traditional Looking Ebike That Conceals its Batteries in the Wheel Hub
Ebikes are taking the world by storm. They are changing the way we commute in urban areas and offer us an easy way to move around without expending a lot of physical energy. Over the years as ebikes have become more mainstream, their design has deviated from the traditional bicycle design into more futuristic looking designs that sets them apart from their pedaling companions.
However, a new startup is returning to the original bicycle design with an electric bike that has its batteries concealed in the rear wheel hub. The DB-E from Detroit Bikes, looks indistinguishable from a regular bicycle. However, when the frame it taken apart it reveals a complex design with batteries and electric motors in the wheel hub.
Image: Detroit Bikes
Unlike other ebikes that hide the battery inside the bike’s frame, the DB-E frame is a regular sized bicycle frame that looks no different and weighs the same as a traditional bicycle frame. Without the visible battery pack, when you ride this bike others may get the impression that you are some kind of superhuman as they see a regular looking bike moving at speeds that is only common to electric bikes.
The DB-E is revolutionary electric bike with a unique powertrain that combines the motor and battery inside the rear wheel hub. From the look of a trained eye, the reinforced housing in the rear wheel is the only give away that it is an electric bike. The system is called the Zehus Bike+ hub, a combined system that houses a 250 watt motor and a 173 Wh battery pack.
Image: Detroit Bikes
The bike is able to achieve pedal-assisted speeds of 15.5 mph with a range of up to 35 miles on eco mode and 20 miles on full power. The batteries are partly charged by kinetic energy recovery (KERS), a system that uses the energy generated from braking to recharge the batteries.
Image: Detroit Bikes
Unlike most ebikes, the DB-E does not have a digital control interface preinstalled on the bike. Instead, the rider uses an app to monitor and adjust the Bike+ hub system. This is another reason why many would not recognize the DB-E as an electric bike upon first look. The rider would need to mount his or her smartphone to the handlebar to engage the bike’s electric system through the app.
Image: Detroit Bikes
In addition, the app can be used to lock the motor when parked so no one makes off with your pricey investment or you can completely disable the motor for storage. Other features include a belt drive system unlike a traditional bicycle chain, hydraulic brakes, six ride settings and more. The DB-E weighs only 32 pounds and if you are interested in getting one of these, the price starts at $2,599.
