Hello-Energy Cycles, a Los Angeles-based e-bike manufacturer, has launched its new “Protection Division,” dubbed HPC Protection, aimed at safeguarding its products and customers. To launch the product lineup, the company has introduced its inaugural offering: a cutting-edge 80 mph (130 km/h) Navy Edition electric bicycle, marking a significant milestone in their innovative journey.
Theoretically speaking, electric bicycles in the US are subject to a maximum speed limit of 28 miles per hour (45 kilometers per hour). But that’s merely a pedestrian limitation. If you’ve acquired the clearance to buy HPC Protection’s revolutionary new Revolution W electric bike, you’ll have multiple opportunities to exceed that speed.
Revolution W, a US-manufactured e-bike, boasts impressive power and speed, according to the company, making it the “fastest factory-built, military-grade e-bike globally.”
A 10,500-watt motor enables the bike to reach speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h), propelling it through the air with ease. At such breakneck velocities, doubts about the bike’s pedaling efficiency are natural – but the answer may surprise you.
“With its German-engineered Schlumpf Excessive-Velocity Drive technology, riders can expect to reach remarkable pedal speeds exceeding 50 mph,” stated the company. “With a simple tap of your heel, activate the 2.5x overdrive function and unlock maximum effectiveness at high speeds.”
The Revolution W boasts a throttle-only range of up to 100 miles (160 km), but this figure is likely to be achieved only at a slow average speed.
The Revolution W boasts an exceptionally long-range, overlanding-inspired e-bike design featuring extended travel suspension, much as one would expect from a high-performance off-road vehicle. The bike’s innovative design features 9 inches of rear suspension travel and an impressive 8 inches of travel up front.
While there’s no explicit pricing information provided, the bike appears to be equipped with an $1,800 to $2,000 fork, suggesting a figure likely seen on Department of Defense-funded products, potentially in the range of $5,000 to $6,000 or more depending on the build.
Together with the institution of HPC Protection, the corporate additionally introduced the onboarding of recent Advisor & Interim President/CEO Bryan Maizlish.
With a distinguished career in the public sector, Maizlish has served in various leadership roles within divisions of renowned organizations such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman’s TASC, Jacobs Engineering (Jacobs), and HUMAN, a Goldman Sachs-backed firm.
Army-backed e-bikes aren’t precisely new; however, they’ve gained extraordinary popularity than ever before. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensified, unconventional tactics emerged, with Ukrainian forces employing modified off-road electric bicycles to transport anti-tank missile teams and covertly deploy sniper units.
Throughout history, various militaries have long employed electrical bicycles for patrol duties and tactical operations.
Compared to traditional electric or combustion-powered motorcycles, electric bicycles offer a significant advantage in terms of reduced weight and enhanced maneuverability. While this bike might not exactly be speed-demon material, its pedals also provide a reliable backup propulsion system in case the fuel supply runs dry?
Electrek’s Take
As I venture out on uncertain terrain, I’ll take a calculated risk to assert that, owing to the unusual confluence of military experience and e-bike journalism, I’m among the rare breed of individuals who has had the singular privilege of piloting an e-bike as part of my duties. Outside conventional novel features like protecting your flash suppressor from debris, it’s challenging to surpass the advantages of e-bike versatility for a military personnel.
The ability to navigate challenging terrain with ease and discretion is a significant advantage that sets electric motorcycles apart from their gasoline-powered counterparts and traditional walking. For those who’ve conquered the grueling 12-mile ruck march, the prospect of riding a motorcycle like this must seem tantalizing.
While truly remarkable, such extravagant velocities seem impractical for off-roading purposes, at least outside of extended, relatively smooth, and straight dirt roads. While these energy and torque ranges may prove particularly advantageous in navigating off-road terrain and mountainous regions with pronounced inclines, it is equally important to consider the supplementary weight typically borne by troopers when evaluating overall performance. Having an additional pace available certainly isn’t a negative aspect, since you never know when you might need to make a quick departure.
