Wānaka-based Le Velo Studio has been named a finalist for the prestigious Green Awards in Berlin for “the world’s lightest e-bike”.

Le Velo Studio co-founder Alex Guichard said the bike had taken four years of research and development and he was thrilled the project had been recognised by the Green Awards. 

“This is the first time a New Zealand company has reached the final level of this competition,” he said.

“This acknowledgement supports our belief that we have created something that will not only enhance the cycling experience for a range of users but also benefits the planet.” 

The bike (which is crafted from carbon fibre) has been designed, engineered and assembled in Wānaka. 

Not just light on weight (weighing 12.3 kg, compared to 23-25kg for most e-bikes on the market), it’s also light on the planet, Alex said.

“Weight is the first enemy for any e-bike; however, our e-bike is easy to carry upstairs, put on a car rack and safe to ride compared to heavy e-bikes.

“There is no more range anxiety, when the battery is flat, the user can still finish his ride as the bike becomes a standard lightweight push bike.”

Alex said the design used “circular design principles and … non-proprietary components”, taking the bike’s end of life into consideration.

“One of the main innovations of Le Velo Studio is the use of a rear e-wheel that includes the battery and the motor in the hub. A majority of e-bikes, with the battery or motor integrated into the frame, will end up in the landfill,” he said

“With Le Velo Studio, at the end of life of electronics, the users will be given the choice to repair, replace the e-wheel or just swap the e-wheel for a standard push wheel and use their bike for decades.”

Green Product Awards director Nils Bader said the Le Velo Studio e-bike, called ‘The Bicycle of Your Life’ in the mobility category, was “a good example of the level of creativity and passion with which our finalists are contributing to a more sustainable future”.

Alex said “it would be awesome to get a good push from kiwis with votes”. 

The online public vote will take place until January 30.

PHOTO: Supplied