Push the (red) button

Posted by Stefan | Filed under Brussels, test drive

What’s more fun than riding a bike? Testing a new, innovative bike – boys and their toys, I know. Thanks to EVstart we were able to take the brand new Gocycle out for a spin.

And here’s the twist: the Gocycle is an electric bicyle. Which means that you can ride this bike like any normal one, but when you push the red button, you’ll receive a boost that will keep you going strong without moving a leg muscle.

If you’re a cycling purist, you might consider that cheating. But unless racing is your game, it’s not. If anything, it might just convince the folks who are scared of breaking a sweat or long distances to leave the car aside. Plus, there are no emmissions involved, unlike a motorcycle.

The Gocycle is designed by Richard Thorpe, who in the past has worked for classy car brands like McLaren Cars, Bentley, Audi, Ferrari and Mercedes. And it shows. This bike, with its magnesium frame, looks sleek.

Some figures for the gear heads: the bike weighs 16kg and delivers a constant 250 Watt through a 9 Ah accumulator (charging time of 3 hours) to keep you going for 30 km. Pricetag? 1399 euro.

Riding the Gocycle as a normal bicycle actually feels pretty comfortable. The photo below is me giving it a typical big city run for its money. When riding in Brussels, a swift and manouvrable bike is of the essence. And though I wouldn’t wanna try and jump a side curb because of all the technique hidden in the frame, I must say this is one very flexible cruiser. Perfect for urban traffic.

And here’s my buddy D’Hauwers doing his urban thang.

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Permalink | November 18th, 2009

4 Responses to “Push the (red) button”

  1. txell Says:
    November 18th, 2009 at 09:37

    You look so elegant!! So cycle chic ;)
    The bike would be so useful for me, I work in the highest part of BCN so I’ve to do “my little Tourmalet” twice a day ;)

  2. joostb Says:
    November 18th, 2009 at 20:37

    yes he looks fine fine fine :D

  3. Christa Says:
    November 20th, 2009 at 23:15

    It doesn’t look like the usual chunky electric bicycle – nice!

    Does it fold too? (If so, these photos would tell an even better story.)

    I want an electric, folding bicycle with feminine style and design though. This bike look masculine – made by men, for men. Okay, I could put a wicker basket on it, and it might work.

  4. stefanv Says:
    November 21st, 2009 at 15:57

    It is a foldable bike. But we didn’t have the time to try that out. So I don’t really know how practical it folds, just how it rides.

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