BMW has unveiled a visionary two-wheeled solution for the urban mobility of tomorrow called i Vision AMBY.
It is one of five different concept vehicles with which the BMW Group is presenting its vision of individual mobility in cities and their surrounding areas at the IAA Mobility event, arriving alongside the i Vision Circular.
Under a single umbrella spanning electric mobility, digitality and sustainability, the five pioneering concepts create a versatile mobility mix on two and four wheels fuelled by sustainable thinking that comprehensively addresses an extremely wide range of mobility needs.
The BMW i Vision AMBY and Motorrad Vision AMBY Vision are both fitted with an electric drive system with three speed ratings for different types of roads. The drive system enables speeds of up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) on cycle tracks, up to 45 km/h (28 mph) on city-centre roads and up to 60 km/h (37 mph) on multi-lane roads and outside urban areas.
The battery is positioned in the centre of the frame. Its 2,000 Wh capacity enables a range of up to 300 km (186 miles), depending on the riding mode. Thanks to fast charging technology, it recharges in only three hours. The drive unit, which is positioned close to the pedals, only provides assistance when the pedals are being turned.
AMBY is a neologism for “adaptive mobility” as it cannot fit in a defined vehicle’s category, according to Werner Haumayr, Vice President BMW Group Design Conception.
“Everywhere you look, apparently established categories are being blown apart – and that’s a good thing. In the future, classifications such as ‘car’, ‘bicycle’ and ‘motorcycle’ should not determine the nature of the products we think up, develop, and offer,” he said. “Rather, this paradigm shift gives us the opportunity to tailor products to people’s lifestyles.”
BMW explained that this vehicle occupies the space between a bicycle and a light motorcycle and allows customers to decide for themselves which roads or routes they want to travel on through an urban area.
Every detail promises that it is capable of more than a regular e-bike. The frame structure is larger, and the impression is one of greater strength and stability in every respect. The modern frame geometry feels like a mixture of racing bike and sporty e-bike. The upper frame tube, crafted from four sculptural aluminium profiles, represents an expressive and modern statement of intent – and not only in visual terms. A slightly rising sweep to its design underscores the dynamic intent.
A slim, horizontal LED light strip is integrated into the wide handlebars and underscores the cutting-edge, technical look of this frame section. Likewise, fully integrated brakes and internally routed cables set the seal on the aura of technical modernity covering the handlebar area.
The i Vision AMBY also forms part of the circular economy messaging for the i Vision Circular, which is also celebrating its premiere at the IAA 2021 Mobility. The frame can be clearly recognised as being made from the same anodised secondary aluminium as the main body of the i Vision Circular.
Other technological functions that could be included in the BMW i Vision AMBY are an ABS system optimised for bicycles, an automatic high-beam assistant and brake light assistant, and a daytime riding light – all of which could increase safety. A tyre pressure monitoring system similar to that fitted to BMW Group motorcycles is also a possibility.