VOLTA – The smart urban commute.
Amsterdam-based design studio Springtime developed VOLTA ,
a smart urban E-bike for LA-based bicycle brand Pure Cycles.
Amsterdam, March 2018
The smartest e-bike ever. 40 Miles of power in a sleek, friendly package that doesn't scream e-bike, it just delivers. The VOLTA is a compact “20/20” electric bike for inner city use. The bike is light-weight and clean, and offers everything for a practical and cool urban commute.
In the design, we have been looking for a clean and readable expression. To achieve this, we have created a visual break-up between the core frame (which also holds the batteries) and the “extremities”: the handlebar/basket unit on the front and the universal accessory holder on the back. The belt drive version further strengthens the simplicity of the silhouette.
The bike offers a rear wheel-based motor, which the company claims gets up to 40 miles on a single charge (in “Eco” mode) and can reach a top speed of 20 mph. The integrated lights, which turn on automatically when it’s dark out, also intelligently signal braking. And a small integrated display can show both the current speed and charge level.
VOLTA has several smart features and innovations that support your urban commute and lifestyle.
Smart lighting
Integrated headlights and taillights activate at the first sign of low-light, and the automatic brake light helps keep you visible on the road, in traffic, and wherever your adventures take you. No hassle, no headaches, just illumination when you need it.
Anti-theft GPS tracking so you’ll never lose your ride.
Theft is one of the worst things that can happen to a bike (and its rider). We integrated GPS tracking into the Volta so even when it’s out of sight, it’s never out of mind and, if the unthinkable happens, you’ll be able to point the cops right to your ride.
Power how you want it, belt-drive or chain.
Whether you prefer the timeless look and feel of a chain or you’re ready to take the leap into the hassle-free world of belt drives, there’s a Volta set-up just for you. Belt drives are low-maintenance, mess free, and super durable so you can focus on the ride, not repairs. Chains are a bit more work, but if you’re a competent wrench, you might prefer the classic feel and knowing exactly what to expect on your maintenance calendar. It’s up to you!
Power where you need it
No complicated crank-drive, no clunky-transmission, just effortless power right where you need it. Our rear-mounted motor keeps the bike balanced and delivers performance directly to the rear wheel, so it’s all “grip” and “go”, no hiccups or false starts.
Heavy on power, light on weight - only 35 lbs!
An e-bike is not really convenient if you can’t carry it up the stairs when you get back home. We spent weeks refining the Volta, shaving off weight everywhere possible and developing the sleekest, slimmest, lightest ride we could, without sacrificing range or power.
Room for everything
The integrated front basket lets you load up your bike without sacrificing stability. With plenty of room for a briefcase, a case of beer, or all the stuff for setting up Steve’s surprise party – you can keep your back free of packs and still arrive with everything you need.
An e-bike that looks like a bike.
40 miles of charge packed neatly into the frame so your ride doesn’t scream “e-bike,” it just delivers. No big, ugly battery. No clunky add-on systems. Just pure power in a sleek package. Heck, your friends might not even notice it’s an e-bike (until you casually blast past them uphill).
