Simplon develops its own electric motor

In collaboration with engineers and partners from Germany and Switzerland, Simplon has developed its own electric drive system. "E-Lion" has a rear hub motor and is operated via radio control.

The drive kit, which Simplon will most likely also sell as a retrofit kit for other products, has a maximum output of 35 Nm. It weighs 4.5 kilograms, has a hub diameter of 208 millimetres (36 holes), has a 6-hole disc mount and five support levels. As a guide, Simplon specifies 100 kilometers at the lowest support level and around 45 kilometers at the highest. However, these values are heavily dependent on the rider's level of support. The motor allows free choice of shifting groupset and cassette sprocket.

Control via speedometer
As the controller is housed in the motor, only one cable is used to the battery. The motor is controlled via a small wireless controller from "O-Synce", which in addition to conventional speedometer functions such as distance, total distance, travel time, time and maximum speed, also displays the range, speed and assistance level used.

Lightweight battery
The compact lithium-ion battery weighs 2.5 kilograms, is mounted under the pannier rack and has a service life of up to 2000 charging cycles. The battery housing is portable and lockable. The battery needs to be charged for 3.5 hours to reach full capacity, although it is 85 percent charged after just one hour. It is charged via a handy mains adapter (no bigger than a laptop charger). When the battery is empty, the system can still be driven quietly and without resistance.

For the 2011 model year, the Alulite, Kagu, Spotlight and Silk Carbon models with electric drive are available to customers.

www.simplon.com