Yamaha Switch On: the shift towards electric bikes and scooters

Already active on electric scooters and e-bikes abroad, Yamaha Europe will expand its range starting this year 2022.

We don’t think about it much, but Yamaha could be a major player in electric scooters and pedal-assisted bikes. The brand even wants to remind us that it was the originator of the Frog electric scooter concept, and the e-bike called PAS, back in the 1990s.

Like many manufacturers, Yamaha has missed the boat on the energy transition in Europe, although it is active in Taiwan. No electric scooter is currently available in the French lineup. However, it has experience in bicycles, providing motors.

The Yamaha EO1 series, finally!

In the coming months, Yamaha Europe CEO Eric de Seynes announces the unveiling of “numerous new models”. The first will be the Yamaha E01, production version of the concept bike presented at Tokyo Motor Show 2019.

Equivalent to 125 cc, “it will not be available for purchase,” but will be present only in large cities like “Paris, Milan, or Rome.” It will be integrated into shared vehicle fleets. Yamaha aims to use this as a 2 to 3-year experiment, fine-tuning the final model, which won’t be released before 2025.

The Neos goes electric

Launched in 1997, the Neo’S is a small 50cc scooter, known as MBK Ovetto, which had a 15-year career. For 2022, it will switch from this internal combustion propulsion to an electric motor. However, it will keep its two “eyes” formed by the headlights, making it quite recognizable on the street.

Unlike the E01, it will be available for purchase by individuals, but also targeting fleets and professionals. It features removable batteries stored under the seat. This electric scooter will reveal more “in a few weeks”, and is set to launch in spring, says Paolo Pavesio, marketing and Motorsport director.

The Yamaha B01, a Japanese Fantic Issimo

But there’s something more curious, as it straddles between a scooter and the electric bike. The Yamaha BO1 is a concept bike, inspired by “mopeds.” Its proportions resemble a scooter, but with the width and seat of a bicycle, with batteries under the seat. It shares many features with the Fantic Issimo, collaborating with the Italian brand, notably its tubular frame resting on large tires.

The comfort will be exceptional, judging by recent prototypes, including a front suspension fork. The motor is centrally located, connected to the rear wheel via a traditional chain. President Eric de Seynes wants to create a sub-family, with the production model arriving “soon, early 2023”.

3 upcoming Yamaha electric bikes

Besides the scooter, the Japanese manufacturer is heavily investing in electric assist bicycles. This sector is expected to account for “30% of the bike market” in Europe, declares Clément Villet, director of smart motorized vehicles.

Already supplying motors and batteries for many brands, Yamaha will launch its first models in Europe. In Japan, such bikes have been available since… 1993, and in North America since 2010. Once again, we’ll have to wait to see them in person.

But the presentation already indicates 3 models. Two seem similar, a suspended VTC and gravel type, with a traditional derailleur and a centrally positioned battery. This is a significant change from previous models with batteries between the rear wheel and the frame.

The third is an e-MTB, a colorful trail bike that will reveal more this summer, like its two cousins. Its launch will be in the second half of the year, with prices still unknown.

Also read: Reevo, the electric bike with no spokes or air tires