Revolutionary Light e-Bikes
Wānaka based Frenchman Alex Guichard has been on a mission to design the world’s lightest e-bike fuelled by his passion for circular design.
His groundbreaking Le Velo Studio bike start-up has conducted five years of product development to transform the look, shape and weight of the modern-day e-bike.
“Our motivation has been to develop a super light bike to circumnavigate the e-bike’s main problems of being too heavy and bulky,” says Alex. “Most weigh in at 25 to 27 kilograms so the goal was reducing that by 30 to 40 per cent by replacing all materials with carbon fibre and removing the mid-drive engine from being integrated into the bike’s frame.”
“By placing the battery and motor hub in the rear wheel it allows the owner to choose between an e-bike or a push mode simply by swapping out the back wheel. This gives riders more flexible options and solves the bike’s end-of-life cycle allowing it to be upgraded, repaired or returned to a standard push bike.”
Le Velo Studio reflects Alex’s environmentally responsible design principles and has already been recognised globally being named a finalist in the prestigious Berlin Green Awards for the world’s lightest e-bike.
“I am committed to designing bikes that are elegant, timeless and inspired by the past. The first edition showcases our craftsmanship and artistry complemented with a sleek, matt black in finish and no branding – just a small brass head badge on the front.”
Nine years ago Alex designed a revolutionary lightweight chair – the Revology design #1 chair– made from linen and flax which won the gold medal for product design at the 2016 Melbourne Design awards.
“ Style-wise, the Revology design #1 chair was a contemporary nod to the timeless 19th-century bistro chair with a mix of form and function that caught the eye of the international design community.”
“My background is as a carbon fibre designer using natural flax composite materials and I would say it is my European eye for all objects, antiques, old buildings and architecture that inspires these products.”
Le Velo Studio has launched for presales allowing people to test ride the first edition bike before placing an order.
“We didn’t want the traditional selling model of producing large quantities to flood the market but rather make just enough to satisfy first orders,” says Alex. “People can contact us to test ride the bike during April and May before pre ordering their own Le Velo Studio model to be delivered in late August – September.”
Designed, engineered and assembled in Wānaka the Le Velo Studio team believe they have created a winning formula with their avant garde e-bike.
“There has been phenomenal response and enthusiasm for the bike with testing happening in Christchurch, Wellington, Wānaka and Queenstown,” says Alex. “We hope people will come on a journey with us to experience the quality and craftmanship of the country’s lightest e-bike.”
For more information & to preorder.
