GM names new Oshawa-designed e-bike brand ARĪV
Pre-orders open now but only in select European countries
After a global crowdsourcing campaign, GM has announced the name of its new e-bike brand: ARĪV.
The e-bike offshoot of GM will launch with a two bike line. The ARĪV Meld, a compact e-bike, and the Merge, a folding e-bike, both have strong Canadian connections. They were engineered and designed in GM facilities in Michigan and Oshawa, Ont.. Both bikes are designed to address the needs of urban commuting.
It is unclear what connection ARĪV ebikes will have to Ontario going forward, as GM has announced the Oshawa plant is closing.
GM applied its experience with electric vehicle motor software and controls to the ARĪV line. The company developed a proprietary GM motor from teh ground up specifically for the new e-bike line. The new motor will enable speeds up to 25 km/hr with four levels of pedal-assisted power.
One feature that will make the folding Merge is the ability to roll the bike on its wheels while folded, and even engage Walk mode to get a motor assist while ascending steep terrain on foot. The compact Meld also features the same walk mode.
The ARĪV e-bike app will connect riders phones to their bike via Bluetooth, providing ride metrics such as speed, distance, battery charge level, motor assist level and distance traveled. A specific smartphone mount securely attaches your phone to the bike, while an integrated USB port will charge your phone as you ride. GM plans to add features to the ARĪV app, including a assist mode which will use a proprietary algorithm to help riders finish their commute sweat-free
Charge time for ARĪV e-bike batteries is claimed to be approximately of 3.5 hours. A full charge will give you a range of up to 64 kilometres on a single charge. Given the bike’s commuter-oriented design, GM has designed in safety features such as integrated, rechargeable front and rear LED lights.
GM announced it would be introducing an e-bike line in November 2018. The bikes are now available for pre-order in select European countries. Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany will be the first to have access to the ARĪV eBike line. GM expects to begin shipping to customers in Q2 of 2019.
Pricing for the ARĪV Meld is €2,800, while the ARĪV Merge folding e-bike is €3,400 in Belgium and the Netherlands. German pricing being €50 less for each model.
