Motorcyclist

eCycle and Machineart Develop a Hybrid Motorcycle Concept

Press release courtesy of Machineart

February 24, 2009

eCycle, Inc. and Machineart Industrial Design have collaborated on the design of a new hybrid motorcycle platform concept for the aftermarket.

The Concept eCycle is a series hybrid featuring the eCycle SolidSlotTM brushless motor/generator that can be used with variety of small displacement gas and diesel engines. The motorcycle operates much like a hybrid automobile in which both the engine and electric motor operate efficiently together. The electric motor is used for torque demands such as acceleration and passing and the gas or diesel motor for cruising and charging the batteries. It can be programmed for all electric operation for limited distances.

The purpose of the eCycle's Concept program is to demonstrate eCycle'stechnology and produce a Hybrid motorcycle platform for sale to early adopter enthusiasts and the aftermarket for individual development. eCycle has no plans to sell a complete motorcycle. Its primary interest lies in being a key supplier to those wanting to produce hybrid motorcycles, ATV's and similar platforms.

Concept Design Goals

Showcase the eCycle PLATFORM. The platform is the product, designed to be rational, rideable, and beautiful in its naked state.
Excite potential customers by designing complete vehicle variations showing PLATFORM design possibilities.
Visually express "Hybrid Technology".

Industrial Design

Machineart's three appearance concepts show the multiple applications and styling possibilities of the eCycle platform. The rolling chassis components are common to all with variations only in body parts. All three evoke lightness and the image of an advanced vehicle.

Concept eC1 is the visual descendant of the Honda 90 step-through design of the early 60's that put a generation of main-stream customers on two wheels. It is the run-about-town model designed to look light and easy.

Concept eC2 captures a sportbike flavor while retaining the same large seat and comfortable handlebar relationship of the eC1. It has minimal bodywork and a light, nose-down attitude.

Concept eC3 is a commuter variation that adds wind protection in addition to an integrated tail rack and side cases. The upper assembly is cantilevered from the top of the monocoque structure.

Performance

eCycle estimates the hybrid will have the performance of a 250cc gas motorcycle, except top speed. Zero to sixty in 6 seconds and a top speed of 80mph. Fuel economy estimated at 150mpg with significantly lower emissions. A variety of engines may be used.

Specifications

The front suspension is a single-sided swing arm design matched perfectly to the aluminum monocoque frame.
The chassis is asymmetrical
eCycle's hybrid powertrain ideally lends itself to a forkless, single-sided front suspension.
A SolidSlotTM brushless motor/generator provides electric power - 42VDC up to 400A
A wide range of engines is possible
The battery bank consists of three 12 volt cells
Wheels are 16 x 3, CNC precision machined from pressure cast aluminum blanks manufactured by All American Wheel.
The front brake is an inside-out rotor with an opposed piston caliper with Performance Friction pads and is integrated with the front suspension upright.
The rear brake consists of a single-piston caliper with a floating rotor and Performance Friction brake pads
Tires are Pirelli MT75; the front is 100/80-16 and the rear 120/80-16
Two-speed transmission designed by eCycle
The final drive is Gates Polychain 30/71
The fuel tank capacity is .90 gallons
Front suspension is torsion complemented by a coil-over adjustable Penske Racing Shock
The rear suspension is a coil-over adjustable Penske Racing Shock
The wheelbase is 50 inches
Fully programmable vehicle management system
Weight is 220lbs (100kg)

Design Team

eCycle, Inc.
4700 North 5th Street
Temple, PA 19560
Head Engineer - Daniel Sodomsky
610. 939. 0480

Machineart Industrial Design
17 Slacktown Road #3
Frenchtown, NJ 08825
Head designer - Andrew Serbinski,with Daniel Howell, & Richard Wyant
908.996.7210 x10
serbinski@machineart.com
www.machineart.com

EC1

EC2

EC3