Since the launch of Boris bikes, the UK in general, and London in particular, has been gearing up for healthier transport in the future. With the advent of the pandemic, biking (in all its forms) has become one of the most popular ways to get around London and more incentives are being injected into the economy all the time. Ready to capitalise on that interest, legendary Italian motorsport company Ducati, has announced a new line of electric bikes – and they're not holding back on the design or price.
The team from Borgo Panigale and MT Distribution (licensee and commercial partner), have collaborated on three new models of folding bicycles with pedal assistance. Specifically the Urban-E, under the Ducati brand – as well as the SCR-E and SCR-E Sport, which are dedicated to the Ducati Scrambler world.
The two folding e-bike models dedicated to the Ducati Scrambler “Land of Joy” have been available in the market since late July, while the Ducati branded e-bike will be available to buy from October.
According to Ducati, the SCR-E is not just a bike, it is a high-refined machine with massive wheels 20” x 4” that will allow riders to travel with full grip – even on rough or off-road sections. It makes use of a 374 Wh battery fully integrated into the frame, which can give your pedalling a boost up to 44 miles (70km). The frame itself is aluminium and is equipped with deluxe handlebars and easy-folding technology to help make closing the bike really simple.
The rear lights are integrated into the seat post to maintain a clean and attractive aesthetic line. The LCD display is of the latest generation and mounts a twilight sensor for the automatic switching on of the lights and the detection of the external temperature.
The Sport version will be very similar, but it will be fitted with a more powerful 468 Wh battery that can assist your travel up to 50 miles (80km). The Urban-E is the product of a special collaboration between the Italian brand and Italdesign's Industrial Design division. The handlebars have a fully integrated LCD display in the stem, that allows the rider to control all the assistance functions, to check the remaining battery charge and to turn the LED lights (integrated in the frame) on and off. It also has a 378 Wh battery integrated into the frame with a curved housing – reminiscent of early motorbike fuel tanks – and it has been painted in Ducati's famous racing red.
Judging from the images we've seen, these lightweight frame bodies and mechanically precise gearing will make this generation of Ducati eBikes very agile – and potentially a good choice for hours of fun in the urban or off-road jungles
With a starting price around €3,700, these new eBikes won’t be cheap – but if the images and video are anything to go by, Ducati won't have much trouble achieving a sell-through.
The actual two-wheeled experience that we're waiting for in the WhichEV labs, is a chance to get onboard a full blown Ducati racing motorbike – especially if the early mock-ups are anything to go by. We're hoping for a Ducati that resembles the Panigale Superbike – but with even better performance. Something to take on Harley Davidson at the high end. Now we just need to be patient.
If you want more two-wheeled options, don't forget to check out the free WhichEV guide to electric bikes.