Erik Buell Ventures Into Electric Bike Territory

Erik Buell made his name in the motorcycling industry making sportbikes with Harley-Davidson powertrains under the brand name Erik Buell Racing. After EBR closed its doors last year, Erik Buell has now stated that he will venture into a new territory: electric bikes. For this venture Buell has partnered up with F-X Terry of Vanguard Motorcycles and Frederic Vasseur, founder of Spark Racing Technology, makers of Formula E racing cars, to form a new company, VanguardSpark. No points for guessing how they got the name.

VanguardSpark has revealed sketches of two of these upcoming electric bikes, which according to the company showcases the “design direction of the models.” Hence it is safe to say we might have to wait a little longer for more details and specifications.

The first of the two models, named 'Speed Bike,' will be a pedal-assisted electric bicycle which will rival small scooters and mopeds. The second model is called the 'Commuter' and will be an urban-based electric bike with an expected range of 150+km.

From the sketches, we can also see a carbon fibre monocoque shell which encompasses the battery pack and a hub-mounted electric motor on the rear wheel. We are expecting both the bikes to be completely utilitarian in nature and not performance-oriented.

The company has also filed four patents, so we might see some new technology coming through with the two e-bikes. With the prototypes expected to debut in few months, it sure is a good time to keep an eye out on Buell’s new company.