Anyone see the campaign for Mate foldable E-bike? They have just passed their US$80k funding goal after only 4 days.
The "Introductory" price seems pretty good - Base model is US$599, but they slug you an additional US$200 shipping(!) Their campaign blurb claims "Direct from the world’s cycling capital, Copenhagen" - I think they mean "Direct from a factory in China"
Anyhow, still not too bad at about AUD$1,065 shipped (at 0.75 - unfortunate the exchange rate isn't what it used to be) But compared to this bike from Dellinger Apache 20 - Folding which looks pretty much like it and costs AUD$1,899
Pros
- 250w motor which would comply with AU standards on the Base Model Mate City and City +. (Mate S 350w wouldn't)
- Battery range 55km on City, 80km on City + (as it has upgraded battery)
Cons
- weight - 22kg!!
A competing bike - while not foldable is Sondors new Thin US$499 - Similar price, similar range, etc but it's about 17kg total (Not just "4.2 lbs" which is the FRAME only) but still significantly 5kg lighter than the Mate. Sonder is 350w though so not technically legal in Australia.
Thoughts?
My eyes hurt reading that