Reevo, the electric bike with spoke- and airless wheels

Originally from America, the Reevo is a futuristic electric-assist bicycle, featuring wheels without spokes and airless tires.

The electric-assist bike is a simple mobility solution. Just add a motor, a battery, and that’s it. However, some brands go beyond that and try to bring a completely unique vision.

A Unique Look Simplifying Maintenance

The Reevo does things differently. In stark contrast to a Dutch bike, this American bicycle stands on 27.5-inch wheels without spokes. So, no more bent spokes. How does it do it?

The rims are circular with triple layers, supporting the weight of the rider, up to 120 kg total. They also host autonomous lights powered by a dynamo, flashing during braking or turns. Some might think they are a bit low for traffic, especially for SUV or truck drivers.

To complete its alien two-wheel style, the Reevo features a one-piece aluminum frame. The motor is integrated at the bottom, near the pedal crank, connected to the rear wheel. Maintenance of the derailleur or chain is thus eliminated.

At the front, a small fork rests on the rim, but only on the right side, creating an unusual asymmetry. Due to the absence of spokes and hub, there are no disc brakes, only traditional brake pads. The Kenda tires are airless, making them puncture-proof!

A Heavyweight But With Enhanced Safety

The Reevo isn’t just about looks; it pays attention to the rest as well. Its LG Chem battery is removable, with a capacity of 504 Wh, quite large. However, the range is modest, announced at 37 miles or 60 km. Even a Decathlon Elops 920E performs better. The reason lies in the weight of the bike at 25 kilograms. It’s a bit heavy compared to high-end connected competitors, often under 20 kg, or even 14 kg for the Urtopia. Charging takes about 3 hours.

The motor limited to 250 W does not disclose its torque level or the operation modes. It should nevertheless exceed 60 Nm. Another disappointment is that the acceleration function via the throttle (similar to a motorcycle) is not available in Europe, due to homologation issues.

The Reevo can be unlocked using biometrics, specifically via fingerprint. No screen, but the bike is connected. To view speed, distance, and battery level information, your phone is used via an app with Bluetooth. Navigation can also be added, and phone charging is possible through a USB port.

The lock is a key feature: in addition to biometric unlocking, the kickstand can lock the bike. In case of theft, thanks to its GPS and GSM tags, it can be located through the app and sends notifications if it moves.

It lacks practical features for city riding, such as fenders or racks. However, the Reevo allows users to place a bag in the empty space between the wheels. Clever, but vulnerable.

The Reevo is stylish, but is it expensive?

It resembles a concept bike, but it’s not a crazy prototype. The bike will indeed be released, supported by a crowdfunding campaign. Launched at the end of 2020, it raised nearly 5.7 million euros.

Reevo announced last week that the first deliveries will start in February 2022. The brand hasn’t provided reservation numbers or production goals. The electric bike meets the European market standards with a top speed of 25 km/h and 250 W power, compared to 40 km/h and 750 W in the US.

The launch price of the Reevo was $2,199, but it has since increased. It is now €2,385 (at current exchange rates) or $2,698. The price is attractive considering the technology, large battery (despite average range), connectivity, and anti-theft systems. It is available in 3 sizes (M/L/XL) and 4 colors (black, blue, brown, and red).

On the downside, the production is not local to the US, as it takes place at Voltron in Sungai Petani, Malaysia.

Also read: Porsche fully invested in e-bikes and scooters?