The Owlet: A New Form Factor for the E-Bike | Core77
The Owlet: A New Form Factor for the E-Bike | Core77
While I think the aesthetics are slightly wonky, this Owlet is an interesting design departure for the e-bike form factor: It's sort of like, if you were in a manufacturing facility and wanted to make a bike, but didn't have access to the right materials.
No pedals, thus not an ebike but an escooter
Edit: spelling
At what point does it become a motorcycle rather than an e-bike? It's electric only without the ability to pedal it, so I'm not sure how it's a bike?
The Owlet has no pedals, just footrests; I suppose that technically it's a scooter rather than an e-bike, though the latter is how the company is marketing it.
Good question. It seems like the article calls it that because that's what the creators refer to it as. Why they call it an e-bike instead of a scooter... no idea. Trendy buzzwords, maybe? SEO optimization? It's no secret that "electric scooter" sounds lame but everyone wants an "e-bike."
People associate scooters and mopeds with being on the road with cars. By calling it an ebike they are making it clear what use case they intend for the bike. Hence why the promo video shows it being used in bike lanes and a couple having fun near a waterfront, that's the type of stuff you do on a bike not a moped.
Depends on local laws I would assume. Where I live e-bikes are limited to 30km/h and must have pedals (although throttles are still allowed). Functionally yes you aren't pedaling but in terms of speed and weight it is closer to a bicycle than a motorcycle. If I ride an e-bike but only use the throttle does it cease to be an ebike?
Honestly as much as I hate dudes on fat bikes ripping past me in the bike lane I can't think of any good reasons not to encourage all forms of micromobility. The more people who use and rely on cycling infrastructure the better. If that means I have to share my bike lane with douchebags on fat bikes so be it.
Just to be clear, I have no issue with fat bikes themselves. But we all know the type of person I'm talking about.
Thanks for the response, that's exactly what I was curious about. Wasn't sure if there were technical/legal definitions that would make this a scooter/"e-bike" vs a motorcycle.
The author of the article seemed somewhat uncertain themselves.
I like the aesthetics, but this seems like one of the most impractical things I've ever seen
Why?
Like I said, it looks really nice so if someone wants one more power to them.
I think it's impractical because the battery looks like it's sealed, it definitely doesn't qualify as an ebike anywhere with ebike regulations, there's absolutely no room for any on-bike storage bags, the handlebars being level with the seat seems like it would be incredibly uncomfortable, and the short wheelbase has me concerned about riding stability.
I like the look 😎
Not for me but I appreciate when things take aesthetic risks. I was genuinely shocked to see it was designed and made in California, every bit of the promo model looked so British to me.
Flesh cutter.
Hard pass lol
No tubing
Then what's that tube?
Can you put it in a backpack?