Innovative motorcycle designer Erik Buell is set to redefine urban mobility with the launch of the Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 ebikes under his Fuell brand. After successfully crowdfunding the first Flluid ebike in 2019, Buell has now expanded the lineup with two new models boasting Valeo’s latest auto-shifting mid-driver motor.
Erik Buell, widely regarded as one of the motorcycle industry’s greatest innovators, began his engineering career at Harley-Davidson before going solo in 2015. He later founded Fuell (formerly VanguardSpark) and introduced the first Flluid ebike through a crowdfunding campaign.
The latest additions to the Flluid family build on the original’s long-range formula. The Flluid-2 step-over model features two removable 1-kWh battery packs that offer a combined per-charge pedal-assist range of up to 225 miles (362 km) – five miles more than the triple-battery Eunorau Flash. Meanwhile, the more accessible step-through Flluid-3 comes with a single 1-kWh battery, allowing for up to 110 miles (177 km) of travel before recharging.
Both ebikes include a charger that can juice up each battery pack to 80% in four hours, or to full capacity in six hours. Additionally, the Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 are equipped with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive and Valeo’s new 750-W Cyclee mid-drive motor, generating 130 Nm (95.8 lb.ft) of torque and offering automatic shifting between seven gears. Riders can also choose to switch gears manually if they prefer.
The standard configuration for both models provides pedal-assist up to 20 mph and throttle up to 20 mph. Fuell also offers 28-mph (45-km/h) S-Pedelec versions with a 1,000-W motor for Class 3 riding enthusiasts. Due to regulatory restrictions in Europe, lower-powered ebikes will be available for that market.
Aesthetically, the new models resemble the original Flluid, featuring aluminum alloy frames that support rider heights ranging from 5.08 to 6.39 ft (1.55 – 1.95 m). Embedded connectivity allows each model to wirelessly link to a smartphone via a companion app for remote unlock, anti-theft alerts, GPS tracking, and in-depth ebike data analysis.
The Flluid ebikes are designed for long-range urban exploration. Both models come with a suspension fork, 27.5-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli Angel GT Urban tires, and Tektro hydraulic brakes. Additional features include a 900-lumen Roxim Z4E Pro headlight, a braking tail-light, a rear cargo rack, full fenders, and a side kickstand.
“The creation of the Fuell Flluid-2 & 3 e-bikes was a complex and demanding journey that took many years of research and development,” said company CTO Erik Buell. “We faced a lot of challenges, such as creating e-bikes that comfortably fit customers from 5-ft tall all the way to 6ft4 tall, packing 2,000 Wh of battery into the frame without getting it too massive, and providing a ‘just right’ balance of agility and confident handling to the riding experience. I am proud to announce that we have successfully overcome all these challenges, developing ebikes that meet the needs of today’s urban commuters.”
Fuell has set Indiegogo pledge levels for the Flluid-2 step-over ebike at US$4,159 and the step-through Flluid-3 at $3,829. As with any crowdfunding project, potential backers should exercise caution. However, the already funded campaign has an estimated shipping date set for July, suggesting that the team is on track for a timely delivery.
The Flluid-2 and Flluid-3 ebikes represent the culmination of years of research and development, and their impressive range and innovative features are a testament to Erik Buell’s dedication to creating sustainable urban transportation solutions. By addressing the needs of modern urban commuters, these new models offer a promising glimpse into the future of personal mobility. For more information on the Flluid-2 and Flluid-3, check out the video below.
Source: Fuell Flluid
