Volta e-bike does look like an e-bike

[Alan Acock]

Title should say DOESN'T LOOK LIKE AN E-BILE. I just saw an article about the Volta e-bike (Kickstarter). It apparently puts the batter in the top tube and has what appears to be a very small rear hub drive. From the video it does not look like an ebike and claims a 40 mile range. My question is, How in the world would you replace a batter that is in the top tube? Am I missing something that is obvious?

 

[Cameron Newland]

Title should say DOESN'T LOOK LIKE AN E-BILE. I just saw an article about the Volta e-bike (Kickstarter). It apparently puts the batter in the top tube and has what appears to be a very small rear hub drive. From the video it does not look like an ebike and claims a 40 mile range. My question is, How in the world would you replace a batter that is in the top tube? Am I missing something that is obvious?

I assume you'd have to remove a cover on the seat tube to get access to the top tube battery, which would be disconnected and would slide out. That's how it works on the Faradays, I believe.

Another good question about this bike: how does it have a range of 40 miles with such a small battery? I assume that its true range is <15 miles, but I haven't tested it, so I don't know.

 

[Alex M]

Here are some comments, including comments from their engineers: http://www.theverge.com/circuitbrea...olta-pure-cycles-electric-bicycle-kickstarter

It does have a regen.
Battery somebody said is 2.9 AH @36V.
22" wheels are not for everybody - I wouldn't want it, this could explain "some" of those 40 miles but still sounds like a stretch. Probably - with a low average speed and under very specific conditions, like a long downhill followed by similarly long flat section.
Only 3 assist levels, and one zero assist.
Rubber belt drive... more durable than a chain, they say???
iOS software for GPS and tracking is an odd choice (vs Android).

Sounds more like an experimental machine.

 

[Joe Remi]

It's kinda interesting as a light, electric mini velo that's easy to carry and store. I don't see the point of a singlespeed belt-drive, though..I'd opt for the derailleur chain version.

 

[bob armani]

Title should say DOESN'T LOOK LIKE AN E-BILE. I just saw an article about the Volta e-bike (Kickstarter). It apparently puts the batter in the top tube and has what appears to be a very small rear hub drive. From the video it does not look like an ebike and claims a 40 mile range. My question is, How in the world would you replace a batter that is in the top tube? Am I missing something that is obvious?

Alan- I agree with all of your questions concerning this bike. Seems like a lot of e bike company specs are over exaggerated for marketing purposes. You can pretty much assume if you tackle a few steep hills and are around a 200lb rider, you can bet you will probably shoot for 10-12 miles max IMHO.