"As we see strong growth potential in electromobility, we gave the go-ahead for the development of our own e-bike in the summer of 2009," reports Stöckli CEO Beni Stöckli at the media presentation of the new e.t. called the newcomer. "One of the main requirements was to merge the electric components with an elegant frame design," the Stöckli CEO continues.

The bike manufacturer from Wolhusen relies on a modular system. This means that the e-bike can be individually equipped on the bike side in an à la carte system; for example, add-on parts such as mudguards, suspension forks or lighting systems can be freely configured. More interesting, however, are the options for customizing the battery: the lithium-ion pack is available in various sizes. Battery packs with 36 volts and 11 ampere hours (396 watt hours), 36 volts and 15.4 ampere hours (555 watt hours) and 36 volts and 17.6 ampere hours (634 watt hours) are used for different ranges.

The battery is housed in the voluminous seat tube and also functions as a seat post. The "battery support" can be locked on the quick release to prevent theft. The battery can be charged directly on the bike, and the battery pack can also be completely detached from the bike. To ensure that the power contacts are not exposed in the open seat tube, a kind of "bathing cap" protects the electronics from moisture. The battery is made by Panasonic. This manufacturer also provides the cabling and the "Bikebus" communication protocol, which connects the battery, the drive and the console. This protocol is based on the well-known "Canbus" from the bike and automotive industry, which was developed by Bosch in 1983 for the networking of control units in cars.

When it comes to the motor, Stöckli has opted for Swissness and has installed a rear hub motor from Ortlinghaus, a leading specialist in switchable friction clutches from Gams in the canton of St. Gallen. Manufacturers such as Storck and Simplon also rely on this drive manufacturer. The motor offers five support levels and three recuperation levels. Recuperation enables electricity to be fed back into the battery and the motor can be used as a brake, which protects the disc brakes on the bike.

Stöckli's "e.t." relies on an innovative dual sensor for the interface between man and machine. The sensor measures both torque and speed. The aim is to achieve an optimum level of assistance when starting off and at high speeds, while this dual sensor also helps to increase efficiency and range.

Stöckli is also focusing on individuality in the software. In the Stöckli branches, the e-bikes are to be adjusted precisely to the customer. According to Thomas Steger, Product Manager of the Bike division at Stöckli, the acceleration level can be selected, for example. The starting reaction can also be adjusted to the customer's wishes, so that the customer can determine whether the drive starts with a slight pedal impulse or only after a few turns of the crank. The reaction of the drive can also be adjusted when the 25 km/h threshold is reached, i.e. whether the drive cuts off assistance immediately at this point or whether it gently coasts down.

Stöckli has not yet shown any standard displays. In addition to the usual functions such as speed and mileage measurements, the definitive displays will also show battery consumption, remaining range or motor temperature. The definitive display is to be positioned near the right brake and gear lever.

The Stöckli e-bike will be available for test rides in the sports outfitter's stores from August 2011. The electric bike will be available on the Swiss market in a 250 watt and a 500 watt version, each with motor support up to speeds of 25 km/h and 45 km/h respectively. Four frame sizes are planned for the men's model and the bike is available in plain black. Two frame sizes will be used for a women's model with a low step-through, this model will be presented to customers in the trendy color white. Both variants are fitted with 26-inch wheels.

In Ride's first ride test, the new e-bike showed good handling. As the battery is housed in the seat tube, the weight is very central, with a high center of gravity that takes some getting used to. This high center of gravity is particularly noticeable when the "e.t." into the out of the saddle. The bike then develops unusually high lateral forces on the handlebars. The well-chosen wheelbase and the steering angle, which is not too steep, give the "e.t." a plush, safe ride. The 26-inch wheels help to shift the high center of gravity downwards.

The basic model of the "e.t." without attachments such as mudguards, pannier rack or lighting system, but equipped with an aluminum rigid fork, Shimano 105 gears and Shimano SLX brakes, is priced at CHF 3,890. The first deliveries are planned for December 2011.www.stoeckli.ch