Buying a bicycle isn’t particularly complicated, but if you suddenly want an electric variant, your budget can skyrocket in a matter of seconds. With the notable progress personal vehicles have made, anyone might conclude that electric bikes should be cheaper. The new Storm bicycle aims to establish that idea by offering decent specifications at a highly competitive price.
The Push Toward Electric Bikes
More and more cities are proposing to replace cars with bicycles for commuting. Two of the most media-exposed examples are France and Belgium, where the concept of reward per kilometer traveled has been tested. Some people have fully adapted to using a bicycle as their primary vehicle, but most still have reservations, especially when we consider factors like sweat and fatigue (after all, no one wants to arrive at the office or university looking like a wreck). That’s when alternatives like the electric bicycle emerge, eliminating the need to pedal during the most critical moments. The problem is that they tend to be expensive. Very expensive. If my searches are correct, the base price is around a thousand euros, and from there, there seems to be no upper limit.
Storm’s Specifications and Features
If the goal is to encourage the adoption of electric bicycles, economic accessibility is fundamental. With that in mind, we find the recently announced Storm bicycle. 29-inch all-terrain wheels, a 380-watt motor, 80 kilometers of range, a top speed of 32 kilometers per hour, a lithium battery that fully charges in ninety minutes, and a weight of twenty kilograms are the main specifications of this electric bicycle. Its battery is very easy to replace (at first glance it looks like a sealed bottle), its design makes it resistant to all types of terrain, and maintenance is on par with any other bicycle.
Crowdfunding Success and Pricing
The Storm electric bicycle began its round on Indiegogo last Sunday, and in less than 48 hours it crushed its original goal of $75,000. The project has accumulated more than $800,000 at this moment, with reservations exceeding 1,400 bicycles. A good part of its success is due to the official price: Each Storm will cost $499 until next February 6, although the extra for international shipping can rise to $250 in the worst case. If there are no issues, the first deliveries will take place in May of this year.
You can support the project and reserve your bike at Storm on Indiegogo:
