The Electric Bike Corporation (EBC), the makers of EBCO bikes, have just announced a new brand. PULSE is “a range of affordable e-bikes with quality build and a reliable electric motor system from a recognised manufacturer, TranzX, to retail under the £1,000 price point so that they qualify for cycle to work schemes”, said Paul Stanforth of EBC.
The entry level ZL/R-2 will cost just £799, and will be available from the end of October. Available in either low-step (ZL-2) or diamond frame (ZR-2) builds, the bike uses an aluminium frame and a front suspension fork. The power comes from a Tranzx rear hub motor with three assist levels, and you get a 316Wh rack-mounted battery which EBC claim will give a range of 30-40 miles. The bike has a seven-speed Shimano derailleur transmission and comes complete with kickstand, mudguards, rear rack and integrated lighting. Both builds are available in two frame sizes, with the ZL-2 model using 26” wheels for both, and the ZR-2 using 28” wheels for the larger size.
There will be two other models in the intial range. The £999 ZL/R-5 is a higher-spec version of the ZL/R-2, with a Shimano Nexus 7-speed hub gear (and presumably a front hub motor) and an uprated 400Wh battery for a bigger range. The £999 ZF-4 is a 20” folding bike with a similar build to the ZL/R-2. These two bikes will be available from early 2017.
Paul Stanforth added, "With the huge growth in the e-bike market over the last couple of years it's very exciting to launch the PULSE brand and range of e-bikes now! Following from our continued success with EBCO we have seen increasing demand for reliable, quality and affordable e-bikes that offer a great riding experience. With an entry level price point of just £799 for an e bike with excellent build quality, components and tech package the bikes are really going to open up the market further. While £799 is not a new price point for e-bikes, we believe that PULSE is the first brand to offer such quality and true riding experience at this price”
