It's a tough slog pedalling a new vision, but a group of Vancouver businessmen believe Stromer electric bikes, or e-bikes, have the business potential to provide a low-cost, environmentally friendly solution to the urban commute.
One of the group, consultant and mechanical engineer Claes Fredriksson, who specializes in clean-technology solutions, said e-bikes use 1/50th the energy of a vehicle, and the electric motor gives off virtually no emissions. They are reliant only on charged batteries and, unlike other e-bikes, the Stromer has its battery built into the frame, resulting in a cleaner look.
"We think there is the opportunity for battery-swapping outlets in the future," said director Roger Mueller who, with co-founder Juerg Moser, launched myStromer E:bike Canada this year. "But first we need the critical mass."
A clean ride
The Stromer e-bike is a pedal-assist model, which means that the speed of the bike will be increased with the individual pedal effort. Fredriksson said this is an attribute over conventional cycles as individuals can arrive at the office without being "all sweaty."
Cost savings to the corporations, said Fredriksson, lies in reducing the company's parking needs, insurance costs and operating costs of a corporate vehicle.
The e-bikes sell for $4,000 or would lease to a company for $130 to $150 per month (depending on the model) over a three-year lease term, which can be bought out at the end of the contract.
Three e-bike models offer different maximum speeds of 25, 33 and 48 kilometres per hour.
The 500-watt, rear-wheel-mounted motor runs on a 36-volt, lithium-ion battery concealed in the bike frame, giving it a streamlined look.
"You can charge it right on the bike or it's easy to take the battery out and change it over," said Fredriksson. It recharges at a 110-volt outlet in 2.5 to three hours when fully drained. Travel range is 30 to 90 kilometres, depending on terrain.
Revenue models
Moser said he is looking at three revenue streams:
•a retail store;
•placing Stromer e-bikes in other bike outlets; and
•developing the fleet-leasing side.
He envisions that Stromer stores will have a different look than the conventional bike store – more like what is seen in Europe.
"They are like the Apple stores," he said. "They are cleaner [than a regular bike shop] and appeal to the business person."
Stromer bikes have been appearing on B.C. streets since last fall when they were offered to the public for a ride at Blenz on Fourth Avenue and at Leonidas Fresh Belgian Chocolates downtown. A soft launch was held in Surrey when the company partnered with Iscleaner.com, the Swiss Business Hub Canada and the City of Surrey to send a rider on a Stromer e-bike through India on a two-month journey.
In Victoria, Rider's Cycles imported six Stromers from a U.S. distributor. Owner Jett Junio sold one immediately, with a second used as a demo bike.
"Based upon the reaction, I expect to sell quite a few," he said, adding that he has fielded a query from Saanich municipality regarding the use of the bikes for employees. Junio said that he wanted to stock an e-bike and when looking at the Swiss bike decided that in terms of technology "there is nothing close to what Stromer offers."
