Photos of a folding e-bike concept released by Spanish mountain bike maker Unno suggest that Cupra could enter this market. The promise is enticing and would come as no surprise given that other automakers have already done the same. There is just one small detail that changes everything…
You will also be interested
While its parent company seat launched into soft mobility with an electric scooter and scooter, Cupra, the sports brand of the Iberian manufacturer, will it get started in turn with an electric bike? The question arises after the publication by the Spanish cycle manufacturer Unno of images of a folding electric bicycle concept imagined for Cupra.
On Instagram, the Spanish brand specializing in MTB exceptional, explains that he took up a challenge launched by the car manufacturer who asked him for an “electric, compact and folding” bike. The result is surprising to say the least. Starting with the choice of a front wheel much larger than the rear wheel. This is called a mule configuration, popular with some manufacturers of MTB who appreciate the compromise it offers: the larger front wheel provides stability and facilitates crossings, while the smaller rear wheel keeps the bike dynamic and responsive thanks to the shorter chainstays.
The style of the Cupra Born
Typically, a mule mount combines a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. In the case of the electric bike imagined by Unno, the difference in size is greater, no doubt to facilitate the folding of the frame. The latter adopts a very sloping geometry to allow effortless stepping over. The front wheel mounted on a single-sided fork uses a quick-release system that allows it to be removed by pressing a button, like on a wheelchair.
Folded up, this VAE Unno-Cupra seems indeed very compact. Its sleek and angular design is reminiscent of the Cupra Born. In short, the concept is rather attractive and its relevant technical proposal. But there is a big catch…
Indeed, it turns out that Unno introduced this concept almost two years ago, as evidenced by these Instagram posts from February 2020.
Since then, nothing has happened and Cupra has not made the slightest announcement concerning a electric bike. Unno just gave himself a little buzz by reposting these photos…
Interested in what you just read?