A compact new electric motorbike aims to change urban mobility forever.
Motochimp is “a two-wheeled zero emission joyride that puts fun, style and affordability on equal standing and promises to give city dwellers a completely new perspective on transportation”.
Launched this week at the Shenzhen International Industrial Design Fair, the Motochimp is the brainchild of Singaporean electrics experts, Vanda Electrics, the same company behind the upcoming new Dendrobium electric supercar (http://dendrobiummotors.com).
Designed from the outset to be eco-friendly, fashionable and the antidote to traditional urban transport, Motochimp offers ‘cost-effective city mobility’; it can be fast charged from any regular AC power plug in under an hour, giving a range of 60km.
Motochimp’s body is solidly fashioned out of extruded aluminum alloy and comes in red, blue or yellow – and it can be customized to individual taste.
The machine is just over a metre long, and the makers say its small wheelbase (750mm) allows the rider to safely steer around crowds and busy walkways.
Power comes from a 48V 350W electric rear hub motor, which accelerates the bike to cruising speeds of 30kmh. Energy is stored by a lithium-ion battery with a charge time of just 60mins from a standard home socket. This fast-charging cycle means that it easily fits into busy urban schedules, capable of charging fully in a lunch hour, ‘ever-ready for fast and frequent travel’.
There’s no bulky charging cable: just a standard AC power plug that fits snugly under the rider’s seat.
The traditional key is replaced by a contactless digital ignition lock. Using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, owners simply hover their digital ‘key’ over the transponder. Each pair has a unique digital ID code ensuring that the bike responds only to the owner.
A mini speedometer located on the handlebars next to the throttle features a bright and easy-to-read display interface so that riders can keep an eye on their speed at a glance.
Motochimp will go on sale first in Japan, but there are plans to introduce it into other parts of Asia and Europe. Prices will start from USD 2,000.
Vanda Electrics CEO Larissa Tan, explained: “Motochimp really celebrates the indie spirit of spontaneous urban mobility. It’s sustainable yet sassy, cost-effective yet cool, eco-friendly yet bursting with personality.
“In designing Motochimp, our original concept was inspired by a sketch from a 10-year old girl. When you’re on the Motochimp, you put enchantment back into everyday life, you see fun and wonder through the eyes of a child. We’ve really let our imaginations run free and we’re very proud of the results.
“Motochimp is also all about accessibility. With a range of up to 60km from a 60min charge – and all from a standard plug socket – it won’t cost the earth to buy or run. At Vanda Electrics, we want to revolutionise electric transport on a global scale – and Motochimp is key to that, it’s the new face of city transport – bold, edgy, fun.”
