So, these legends have chosen to pivot, if not entirely, then certainly enough to make a splash on the scene. What happens when automotive precision and efficiency meet the needs and features of micromobility? Today, we’ve compiled the 8 most insane collaborations between traditional automotive manufacturers & e-bike manufacturers. Or in some cases, spin-off products manufactured by the automotive companies themselves.
The Tesla Balance Bike
We’re starting slightly unusually. This product is neither electric nor a bike. It is a balance bike meant for toddlers. EV giant Tesla’s foray into the hyper-competitive kids’ toys market has drawn some interest. The $225 kids' balance bike features the futuristic Tesla look, the trademark logo, the all-white body, and an adjustable seat. Designed for customers aged 2 to 5, this product will teach your kids to aspire to an electric vehicle instead of a gas guzzler in a few short decades.
The Ford Mustang
If you hear the growl of an engine and the rugged look of a muscle car, you will instinctively think of the Ford Mustang. Ford has decided to capture the rugged essence of the iconic muscle car and concentrate it into an electric bike.
Priced at $4000, the Ford Mustang electric bike features a 750W rear-hub motor that can accelerate up to the legal limit of 28 mph while delivering a massive 85 Nm of torque. The Mustang’s 720 Wh battery is well concealed inside the bike’s body and can keep you going for 60 miles at a time. This high-end bike also features Pirelli semi-slick tires, 4-piston Tektro hydraulic brakes, LED sequential taillights, a dual-suspension system, and a Shimano 9-speed gear system.
The Ford Bronco
Nothing quite says "American utility truck" like the Ford Bronco. It lives up to its namesake; it is huge and powerful, and it can do a literal ton. But how does its spin-off e-bike compare? Priced at $4500, the Ford Bronco e-bike behemoth also features a 750W rear-hub motor that propels you with a torque of 85 Nm to the legal speed limit of 28 mph.
This bike also features a 720 Wh battery that gives you an average range of 60 miles on a full charge. The 4-piston Tektro brakes will stop you when needed, irrespective of how fast you were going. The Bronco’s integrated display gives you all the telemetry you need in one place.
However, unlike the Mustang, this bike features actual rear shocks that will absorb the worst of the bumps, hills, and other disturbances you’ll come by on your trail.
The N+ Mercedes F1 Bike
Available in small, medium, or large sizes, the N+ Mercedes Rallye Edition features a 250W motor, a 10Ah battery, and an optional 5Ah battery in the tubing to boost the existing range. Priced at $9400, this bike also features 9-speed electronic shifting to keep you going through the shifts, even automatically downshifting at extended stops.
The huge digital dashboard is designed akin to the Mercedes F1 cockpit. It gives you race-style telemetry on a bike. Should you avail of their offer of a free $400 helmet with the bike’s purchase, the bike’s lights connect automatically to the helmet. This will keep you in sync and signal your intentions to all the drivers on the road.
The Audi eMTB
Although famous for its 4-wheel drive Quattro series, Audi’s electric mountain bike range is no less impressive. Priced at $5850, the Audi eMTB 2.0 is not a partnership with a manufacturer; it is a passion project that you can buy straight from Audi’s own parts website. The bike features a 250W Brose mid-drive motor and a 720 Wh battery.
The bike also features a two-chamber front suspension and rear suspension coil, with a suspension seat post, the trifecta of comfort during rough rides. The bike also works in tandem with the hydraulic piston brakes to stop immediately when needed. The bike also features a Brose display unit that provides all the telemetry you need. It also features a 12-speed gear system to keep you going across all terrains.
The Hummer Recon EV bike
GMC’s collaboration with Recon Power Bikes brought about the aptly named GMC Hummer EV All-Wheel Drive e-bike. Priced at $3999 for the 17.5 Ah version and at $4175 for the 21 Ah version, these bikes feature twin 750W hub motors. Depending on the version you buy, GMC estimates a range of 40-50 miles per full charge.
The bikes also feature 4-piston hydraulic brakes, a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain, and 5 riding modes, each with progressively more assistance. The highest assistance setting employs both motors, working in tandem to turn both wheels to give you the biggest possible push when you need it. The bike also features a color LCD, front suspension, 4-inch hybrid tires with molded puncture protection, and a removable thumb throttle.
The Porsche eBike Cross
The Porsche eBike Cross features a Shimano DU-EP801 250 W motor that delivers 85 Nm of torque. The bike also features a 630 Wh Shimano battery, which can keep you going for between 31 and 62 miles on a full charge. It is also one of our priciest picks at $10,920.
The bike also features Magura MT7 disc brakes with 4-piston calipers at the front and rear, a highline 3 telescopic seatpost, a 12-speed Shimano gear system, and carbon wheels that stay sturdy even on the sketchiest of rides.
The Rivian ALSO TM-B
Flagship EV manufacturer Rivian’s collaboration with e-bike manufacturer ALSO has resulted in the $3,500 Rivian ALSO TM-B. This single-speed carbon belt e-bike features a 240 W motor and an 808 Wh battery, delivering an estimated 100 miles of range.
The performance version of the e-bike comes with various latches that enable a modular, swappable core unit. This lets you switch the bike's configuration from city to cargo to multi-utility in a matter of seconds.
Rivian has brought its EV-specific security systems to the bike industry. With this build, your bike’s motor instantly electronically locks as you walk away, making it virtually impossible to ride in that state.
