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| layout | title | date | categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| post | Kickstarter: Dillenger E-Bike For Under $400 AUD | 2015-01-19 12:00:00 -0700 | crowdsource |
Evidently Dillenger decided to redesign their Cheetah folding ebike and decided to run a Kickstarter for it. It seems like they are only using Kickstarter as a marketing stunt, but nothing wrong with that. Dillinger wants to make an electric bike for the masses, and this fits the bill at $400 (329.02 USD as of 18/Jan/15).
Fold up electric bikes are awesome
For transportation, fold up electric bikes just make life easier. Just think, instead of using that gas guzzler for running errands around town, just hop on the electric bike and go (weather permitting). Perhaps take a trip into the city, the fold up features will let the bike be easily transported to the city and avoid expensive cabs or stressful driving conditions.With a sub $400 vehicle, this opens up the market for anyone to have cheap, reliable transportation. Sure, no one will likely tour the country on an E-bike, but with its claimed 45K(~28mi) range, a person can go a pretty good distance, especially for those who live in cities.
Better yet, e-bikes under a certain speed typically don't need to be licensed, plated, or insured (at least in the USA) which drives costs down even further. Some states of course, may charge fees for any electric vehicle, and given time the taxes will eventually come as electric bikes become more popular.
Dillenger's Cheetah reaches speeds up to 20km/h (~12mp/h) with peddle assist, meaning most state laws shouldn't require a motorcycle license. Thinking of peddle assist, the Cheetah does come with pedals, so if the battery dies while out and about, one can always peddle to safety.
Vandwellers, boatdwellers, and other alternate home lifestylers will love the convenience of the fold up bike. Park the van near the city; explore the city on bike. When tiredness sets in, start using the electric motor. The biggest problem for these people? Lugging the 28kg(~62LBS) bike in an out of the vehicle.
Will this ship?
The bike will ship. As noted above, Dillinger already sells the Cheetah, and this redesign is funded already. Dillinger sells many different electric bikes, and they are an already established business. If for some reason, Dillinger were to fail to ship, it would be a horrible black mark on their business that they may have trouble recovering from.Dillinger ships worldwide, and through Kickstarter, according to Dillenger, the bike will cost $399 AUD or "Approx. $323USD, 212GBP, 270EUR."
Kickstarter levels are all mostly the same. A $1AUD donation style, $19AUD get a t-shirt, the $399AUD as a limited run, another limited run at $409AUD, and a wholesale option for $3990AUD. The wholesale option nets 10 bikes at the $399AUD price, and they will pay half the cost on shipping. Shipping rates do not seem to be disclosed, assuming they are not included in the pledge levels.
NOTE: To ship a current model Cheetah to Illinois, the cost is about $68 via USPS from their US website.
Yea this thing is going to ship. Why wouldn't it? They are an established company and it would look terrible if they were to botch this. I believe there are shipping costs they will ask for on top of any pledges, but I don't see any mention of this. If this sounds interesting to you go support them on their kickstarter. So what do you all think? At $350ish USD, are you ready to take the plunge?