As much as we would like to convince ourselves that appearance does not matter, they do. This is not a casual lecture or argument about the deeper meaning of life; Let’s just say that looks matter with new products. For example, most regular riders will not buy a new bike that is ugly, even if it promises decent performance.
In the looks department, Diodra is a winner by far too. It helps that, once you get close enough, you’ll see that it also delivers on the quality and performance side, turning this product into one worthy of consideration, if not your hard-earned money.
E-Bikes are a dime a dozen these days, as long as you’re interested in switching to a motorized two-wheeler for your daily commute. Depending on your budget and your daily needs, you can get anything from a cheap e-bike that will do for a while to the most high-tech machine with modern features, solid performance and top-of-the-line parts.
The e-bike market has seen an unprecedented boom in the past 4 years, and although analysts say the bubble has almost burst, growth remains constant. The context is a win-win: bicycle companies and suppliers win because of the sales boom, but customers also win because more products means higher competition, which, in turn, means more price and quality .
Photo: Diodra
That said, with all the progress in battery design and technology, e-bikes are still on the heavier side. Even those that are promoted as lightweight are still heavier than a traditional, unpowered version. This is not an argument for that: a heavier one e-bike it means less convenience for those who represent the target customer, citizens who live in small apartments with or without an elevator.
In short, when you have to carry your e-bike at least one flight of stairs every day, even 1 kg (2.2 lbs) extra can make a difference. There are light e-bikes on the market, it is true, but they usually come with carbon fiber elements or the whole frame, which makes them expensive.
The Diodra S3 is able to check these two boxes (light form factor and accessibility) with a surprising approach: a bamboo frame. Bicycles with wooden frames, whether wood or bamboo, are not a rarity, but you don’t see one at every corner, either. That’s because creating a wooden bicycle frame requires talent and knowledge, and even more time than working with aluminum or even carbon fiber.
Photo: Diodra
In the case of the Diodra S3, the choice of bamboo paves the way not only for the most impressive design that turns it into a rolling piece of art but also for a possible new record. Romanian startup Diodra claims the S3 will be the world’s lightest electric bike once it starts shipping. Exactly when it should happen is not mentioned.
The Diodra is available in two variants: the S3 electric version and the M8 pedal-powered model. You probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the two from a distance, and that’s because the S3 packs an in-wheel hub with the motor and battery. Estimated range per charge is a solid 100 km (62 miles), which puts it on par with similar e-bikes with big, protruding batteries on them.
The S3 tips the scales at just 15 kg (33 lbs), which would actually rank it among the lightest e-bikes in the world, if not more. tea the lightest of the lot. We assume that the record is possible with the bicycle as presented in the photos, no kickstand, no mudguards, no lights or bell, and no display. Sabin Damian, founder of Diodra, tells autoevolution that accessories will be available later, so riders can transform the rotating work of art into a suitable carrier.
Photo: Diodra
The absence of these accessories helps with the streamlined, absolutely gorgeous look of the machine. The cables are wired internally to maintain the elegant silhouette, and the display is made unnecessary by the use of the rider’s phone, associated with a dedicated app and mounted on the handlebar.
The 300-Wh 25Ah Li-ion battery powers a 500W motor electronically limited to 250W for EU countries, thus capable of maxing out at 25 kph (15.5 mph). For countries with less strict regulations on e-bikes, the Diodra S3 will be able to hit 20 mph (32 kph) with the assistance of the engine, but given its weight and geometry, it is not as if you could ride it like a traditional bike with ease.
Features include hydraulic brakes, puncture-proof continental tires, and carbon Gates action for easy maintenance. A full charge is achieved in 3.5 hours. Diodra says the S3 is made to live in the city regardless of the quality of the infrastructure because the bamboo frame will ensure bump-free rides. absorbing vibrations.
Photo: Diodra
The Diodra S3 will be offered in three sizes (S, M, and L) and only one color – laminated, waterproofed bamboo.
MRSP is set at €2,899 ($3,123 at the current exchange rate), but if you are convinced by what you read and want to take a leap of faith today, you can pre-order at a discount for €2,199 ($2,370). Only 100 discounted bikes will be available. While that’s still more than you’ll pay for a mid-level e-bike, it’s more affordable than what you’ll pay for a premium carbon fiber fabric model.
