If part of your trip to and from the office involves popping on a train or bus, a folding ebike can help make the remainder of the commute a lot less sweaty than a motorless ride. The C1 from startup Wowcat aims to get you there in style too.
We were quite taken by the futuristic styling and super-smooth lines of the Fiido X folding ebike, and the C1 rocks a very similar vibe but instead of magnesium alloy for the frame material, Wowcat has gone for strong and lightweight carbon fiber. And this contributes to a total weight of just 38 lb (17.4 kg).
The new ebike is powered by a torque-sensing 250-W or 350-W rear-hub motor that provides pedal-assist over seven levels up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h), with Shimano Tourney 7-speed mechanical gears offering ride flexibility as well.
Also like Fiido’s stylish folder, the C1 gets its juice from a seatpost battery that’s reported good for up to 75 miles (120 km) of assisted riding per charge. Users can check ebike status and trip info on the 3.5-in (8.9-cm) color display positioned mid-handlebar.
Elsewhere, the ebike rolls on 20-inch wheels wrapped in 2.3-inch-wide tires, stopping power comes courtesy of mechanical disc braking, and there’s integrated LED lighting front and back. Wowcat reports that it should fold down for between-ride transport in 10 seconds or less.
The Wowcat C1 is currently listed on Indiegogo at US$799 for the 250-W model and $999 for the 350-W variant, though those perk levels are due to rise soon to $1,699 and $2,099, respectively. The usual crowdfunding cautions apply, but if all goes to plan with the rest of the already funded campaign, shipping is estimated to start in February 2023.
Carbon-framed folding ebike rides for up to 75 miles [New Atlas]