Honbike to launch with omni-channel routes to market

Honbike, a new electric bike label coming to market with a patented shaft drive technology will choose an omni-channel route to market once its Indiegogo funding round has concluded.

Already present in the Japanese marketplace where a $5 million fundraise took the brand to market, the brand sold 5,600+ units to achieve the highest tally for any Japanese crowdfunder over two rounds. At the present time the European Indiegogo is over 950% funded.

A refined product and fine-tuned European approach will include sales into the UK marketplace where B2B partnerships will be sought for sales partnerships and service, including following a service model akin to that recently announced by brands like Vanmoof.

Honbike Commercial Director Quinton Pullinger, a former GoCycle International Sales Manager told CI.N: “We are planning to have B2B partnerships with delivery direct to consumer or store, depending on dealer preference, in addition to our direct to consumer efforts. We have already partnered with one cycle to work provider, which again offers either direct delivery to their customer, or to their store for collection. We also plan to partner with servicing partners for our B2C as others are doing.”

The design is already the recipient of several design awards, ranging Red Dot gongs to an iF Design Award. These were in part handed out for the firm’s work to create a maintenance free drive system that comes fully sealed in the foldable aluminium chassis along with the 36V 6Ah battery. This patented shaft drive system endured 3,000+ fatigue and durability tests during development.

Corrosion-resistant, the frame is formed from single weld, moulded aluminium alloy. Lightweight, strong, and durable, its distinctive minimalist folding form includes single-arm cantilevered forks, giving easy access to 20” one-piece magnesium alloy wheels.

Another striking detail is the tiny 250W hub motor that weighs just 4.2lb and is far smaller than others on the market to date. Readouts of power come from an embedded OLED display at the stem, which has adaptive light settings that automatically adjust. Overall the bike weighs 20.8kg.

An added safety feature, Honbike automatically detects and adjusts to different terrains, applying power in tune with the rider. The same gyroscope technology reacts to acute cornering angles, cutting power if the bike tilts over 30° and slowing descents, giving complete rider control.

Pullinger added: “Micro-mobility is fast changing the way we live, work, and move. Honbike is all about e-Bike fun and freedom. With no chain, there’s no fuss. And there’s no grease, no snagging, and no jolting either. Taking cues from automotive and aeronautical engineering, we set out to answer a simple brief: create a light and durable e-bike that is easy to live with and a blast to ride. Reactions from our riders in Japan suggest we’ve done just that.”

Indiegogo pre-orders start from £1011; mudguards and lights included.