GM announced they’re launching eBikes in 2019. I’m less interested in the naming contest, it should be Bikey McBikeFace obviously, then GM marketing an ebike and launching one in 2019. Traffic and emissions solutions are considering in one form or another by companies in the transportation business as our cities become more crowded.
I’m not sure what the popular term for it is now, but the Last Mile has been marketed previously. And, in this context, that’s when you park your car outside of the congested city and then ride to your destination.
I covered car companies making bikes in 2012 and Ford ran a similar program in 2015. Way back in 2009, when they were near bankruptcy, I wondered if car dealers would become bike shops.
They didn’t but certainly have the retail infrastructure to sell bikes and if you’re selling a nice, new electric vehicle, why not upsell an ebike that fits in the trunk of frunk.
The GM eBike Brand Challenge launched with this pitch
Since committing to an all-electric future, General Motors is developing revolutionary, flexible electrification technologies that will enable our team to dream beyond the traditional vehicle and give our customers the freedom of movement that they seek. Today our team brought one of those dreams to life when we revealed two innovative, integrated and connected eBikes – one folding and one compact – without a brand.
And, “As an avid cyclist and urban commuter, I know how great it feels to get where I’m going easily and to show up sweat-free,” said Hannah Parish, director of General Motors Urban Mobility Solutions. “We blended electrification engineering know-how, design talents and automotive-grade testing with great minds from the bike industry to create our eBikes. Now we want to expand our thinking beyond the company walls and hear from people who like to move and have rad ideas.”
I don’t know how rad crowdsourcing your brand is, but the bike looks like it’s been well designed and thought out. The only details GM shared about it are:
We blended electrification engineering know-how, design talents and automotive-grade testing with great minds from the bike industry to create two innovative, integrated and connected eBikes – one folding and one compact.
Mid motor, built in lights, disc brakes, compact and/or folding.
Let’s see what GM does in 2019.
…We're riding townies, adventure, and mountain bikes. Find recommendations on our store page. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.