In a move mirroring the trend of automakers venturing into the electric bicycle market, Ford has partnered with cycling company N+, launching two officially sanctioned e-bike models that pay homage to the iconic Ford Mustang and Bronco brands.
The corporation seeks to capitalise on the rich heritage of its iconic Ford models, specifically the four-wheeled designs, by introducing its innovative Bronco E-Bike and Mustang E-Bike electric bicycle offerings.
“When people get behind the wheel of a Bronco or Mustang, they’ll experience an unmistakable rush of eagerness and thrill,” said Tyler Hill, Ford’s international model licensing manager. “These innovative e-bikes empower more people to embody the daring essence of a Bronco and the thrill of a Mustang from the moment they grasp the handlebars.”
The Bronco E-Bike features a proprietary full-suspension design, which Ford dubs its own unique suspension configuration. “Designed with a G.O.A.T. This rugged e-bike boasts an impressive twin suspension system and a comfortable motorcycle-inspired seat, delivering a riding experience that embodies the fearless essence of the Bronco.
The motorcycle-inspired seat could seamlessly blend into a dirt bike’s design, but its application to a traditional full-suspension mountain bike frame like this one imbues the Bronco E-Bike with a distinct Sur-Ron or Talaria essence. While the Ford model tips the scales at 68 lb (31 kg), it’s more akin in weight to an off-road e-bike than its lightweight counterparts, such as those designed for grime or path riding.
The Bronco E-Bike boasts a powerful 750W rear hub motor, capable of delivering either 85 Nm or 125 Nm of torque, depending on the specific configuration chosen from the spec sheet. Ford assures that its electric bicycle can reach a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour, conforming to the permissible speed limit for Class 3 e-bikes in the United States and governed by regulatory standards. If a left-side thumb throttle were installed on the bike, it would imply that the vehicle can be used in Class 2 mode without requiring pedal input from the rider. While some riders may achieve up to 60 miles (96 km) on a single charge of the 720 Wh battery, this is contingent upon operating at reduced speeds and navigating relatively smooth terrain.
The handlebars feature a built-in LCD display integrated into the bar-mounted console, alongside a pair of brake levers designed to work seamlessly with the quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
The bike is equipped with Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M hardwall tires, measuring 27.5 inches in diameter by 2.6 inches wide, as well as front and rear LED lights for enhanced visibility.
For $4,500, the Space 51 blue model is available, with a customization option adding $390 to choose from among 10 unique shades.
For those seeking a pony car aesthetic from an e-bike sticker, the Ford Mustang E-Bike appears to be a suitable choice. While sharing similarities with the Bronco E-Bike, this version replaces the bench seat with a standard bicycle saddle and upgrades its logo from the Bronco decal to a classic Mustang badge. There’s also the Mustang-style triple-bar tail design, a subtle yet stylish touch. Cute.
What sets the latest Mustang apart is the addition of Pirelli Angel GT semi-slick tyres, which Ford claims optimise the vehicle for speed and handling, thereby boosting safety and driver confidence.
The Mustang E-Bike boasts a competitive price point, coming in at a whopping $500 less than its counterpart, the Bronco E-Bike, with a suggested retail price of $4,000. Riders seeking alternatives to the base model’s standard Carbonized Grey Metallic paint can opt for one of ten additional hues at an upgrade cost of $390.
Electrek’s Take
While reducing a vehicle from four wheels to two may seem like a drastic move for an automaker, history has shown us that such transformations can happen quickly over the past few years. Car manufacturers are scrambling to launch their own electric bike brands, but so far, many have struggled to achieve significant success in this endeavour. While the outcome might be an e-bike with a premium price tag due to licensing fees, it ultimately falls short of providing any meaningful advantages over existing e-bikes.
Automotive manufacturers often partner with existing e-bike companies to streamline the process of creating car-themed bicycles, leveraging their brand recognition and expertise in design development.
Ford is seemingly involved with the Bronco and Mustang E-Bike, describing them as “formally licensed e-bike fashions.” In essence, N+ created the bicycles and integrated Ford’s logos onto them, a practice akin to the “Mercedes” electric bikes released by N+ in prior years.
Whether a Ford badge’s value, priced around $4,000 to $5,000 to riders, ultimately depends on individual preferences. I’m uncertain whether it does. Despite historical precedent suggesting otherwise, there is little evidence to suggest that collaborations between the automotive and e-bike industries will yield significant crossovers, at least not in terms of achieving the desired level of integration. As the realm of automotive-bicycle hybrids takes shape, I anticipate potential concerns emerging.
