Basic Motors could also be higher recognized for its lineup of full-size vehicles and SUVs, however a just lately printed patent exhibits the legacy automaker has no less than thought of one thing a lot smaller and nimbler: an electrical bike.
The patent, which surfaced earlier this yr in a report by Visordown, outlines a light-weight, scrambler-style electrical two-wheeler that has set off a recent wave of hypothesis about GM’s potential curiosity in electrical bikes or micromobility.
The design within the patent submitting exhibits a slim electrical bike with a flat bench seat, upright handlebars, and dual-sport tires, suggesting a utility-forward experience meant for gentle off-road or probably even combined city use (if it have been homologated for road use).
The rear hub motor and what seems to be a central battery housing level to a easy, low-maintenance drivetrain, probably aimed on the commuter or leisure rider market.
The general look is someplace between a moped and a small electrical dust bike, harking back to fashions just like the Sur Ron Mild Bee or Talaria Sting, although barely extra street-looking with much less of a deal with pure dust.
Whereas the patent doesn’t embody efficiency specs or agency manufacturing plans, it’s the clearest sign but that GM is no less than experimenting with the concept of higher-powered two-wheeled EVs. And there’s some precedent. GM beforehand dipped a toe into the micromobility waters with the Ariv electrical bicycle venture, and extra just lately partnered with Recon Energy Bikes to launch a Hummer-branded fats tire e-bike.
Each efforts confirmed that GM sees worth in providing electrical alternate options past the normal four-wheel format, even when the Ariv program quietly ended after a brief run.
Whether or not this patent results in a full-fledged GM electrical bike stays to be seen. It’s solely potential the design is an idea or expertise demo with no intention of hitting the market. However there are different potentialities too. GM may develop a bike below certainly one of its current sub-brands, create a brand new division particularly for electrical powersports, or companion with an current two-wheeler producer to license or co-develop the platform.
The timing wouldn’t be far-fetched. Regardless of bumpy roads within the bigger flagship electrical bike market, light-weight electrical bikes are booming, with firms like Ryvid focusing on city riders in search of clear, compact alternate options to conventional gasoline-powered bikes.
On the identical time, a rising variety of youthful shoppers are bypassing automotive possession solely, as a substitute trying towards e-bikes, scooters, and low-speed electrical bikes for each day transport. A small, fashionable, and inexpensive GM electrical bike may hit that candy spot.
In fact, turning a patent drawing right into a real-world car is an enormous leap, and GM’s personal e-bike historical past is a reminder that two-wheeled tasks might be short-lived. Nonetheless, it’s arduous to disregard the symbolism of this transfer: even certainly one of America’s largest automakers is exploring what private electrical transportation appears to be like like once you reduce the car in half. GM may not be able to ditch its vehicles, nevertheless it clearly hasn’t dominated out hopping on a motorbike.
