Velospeeder – Ultra light – Sustainability Guide

In the growing urban space, the transition from cars to more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly travel, like bikes, is an important step in improving the quality of life. To make biking more attractive, Velogical engineering has developed an ultra-light retrofit bicycle motor.

The Velospeeder is a friction wheel drive. The two electric motors on the rear wheel rim are pressed against the rim and spin the wheel. The Velospeeder produces most of its engine power itself. The innovation lies in the geometric arrangement of the pendulum axis, the motor mount, and the power transmission on the friction wheel.

The average additional weight of conventional e-bike motors and retrofit kits is 4-7kg. The reduction of components in the Velospeeder saves as much as 20-50 % of material. Any pedelec that needs to be replaced is basically useless without a battery. A retrofitted bicycle will still ride properly, even if the battery is, at some point, no longer available. The Velospeeder delivers high performance and is largely maintenance-free. It is not possible to create a lighter or more resource-efficient bike motor. It will make a key difference in making mobility more environmentally friendly.

What is the mission of the project?

Energize your ride.

Where is Velogical engineering located?

Cologne, Germany.

To whom is this service aimed?

Our target audience: commuters, sportive and touring cyclists who need highly durable equipment.

Velospeeder was winner of the German Ecodesign Award 2018 in the category “Product”. At that time, the founders were asked 3 questions:

Can you remember the moment when you first had the idea for Velospeeder? How did the idea become a product?

In the late autumn of 2011, we discovered that we are both interested in the development of small, lightweight motors for e-mobility. We proceeded with the project and the first somewhat makeshift construction using modified commercial model aircraft motors performed surprisingly well. This key experience gave us the motivation to develop a friction drive for bicycles, with variable contact pressure and running on the edge of the rim.

What was your personal highlight in the development process for Velospeeder? Was there a low point?

A highlight was certainly the moment in late 2012 when the first self-constructed prototypes were ready and working. In that instant, it became clear that we were on the right path, and so we founded the company VELOGICAL as a limited liability company from the very beginning. One low point was during the unexpectedly hot summer of 2015 when it was evident that we needed to install thermal protection in the small motors. In the meantime, this problem is long solved.

Where do you see yourself and your project in the next five years?

In five years, we will have perfected the Velospeeder drive as far as it can go. In keeping with our self-conception, we are keeping our feet on the ground and only gradually expanding sales and production, at present initially with end customers, the first dealers and selected manufacturers. We are open to business partnerships for the use of our patents in the development of bulk business in Europe, the US and China.

Good Cases

Velospeeder – Ultra light

What is the mission of the project?

Where is Velogical engineering located?

To whom is this service aimed?

Can you remember the moment when you first had the idea for Velospeeder? How did the idea become a product?

What was your personal highlight in the development process for Velospeeder? Was there a low point?

Where do you see yourself and your project in the next five years?

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