E-Bikes have become popular in recent years as a form of eco-friendly transportation. A manufacturer is now looking to push the boundaries of electric mobility by introducing a new way of energy storage using hydrogen. This manufacturer aims to provide a comprehensive concept that includes energy generation as well.
In Germany, more E-Bikes are being sold than conventional bikes without electric drive, indicating that the technology is well-established and mature. Most E-Bikes currently use batteries to store significant amounts of energy, ranging up to kilowatt-hours. However, there are also concepts that rely on hydrogen for energy storage.
HydroRide, a manufacturer based in Switzerland, also utilizes hydrogen for energy storage. The company primarily targets rental companies and other commercial clients rather than individual customers. These clients are expected to benefit from very fast charging processes. Instead of waiting for hours to charge batteries, hydrogen containers can be exchanged in just three to ten seconds. The actual advantage of this system may vary depending on the specific circumstances, as rental companies could simply keep spare batteries on hand.
HydroRide offers not only two compatible E-Bikes but also a suitable hydrogen generator. The generator can be powered by solar energy, producing 20 grams of hydrogen in 5 hours using high-purity water as the source material. The manufacturer has introduced two different E-Bikes. The Sport Bike has a futuristic appearance, and a foldable E-Bike is also planned to be offered.
The maximum speed is stated to be 23 km/h, with a range of 60 kilometers. This places it in the middle range of electric bicycles rather than exceptionally outstanding in terms of performance.
Silvio Werner, a senior tech writer with experience in technology journalism for over ten years, has published numerous articles on Notebookcheck since 2017. His current focus is on mini-PCs and single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi, as well as wearables and smartwatches. In his primary profession as a laboratory engineer, he is well-versed in scientific principles and complex measurement interpretation.