Dahon has unveiled the K-Feather, a 12 kg (26.5 lb) folding electric bicycle that brings ultralight performance to the mass market with a starting price of $1,199 in North America and €1,499 in Europe. The new model targets urban commuters and last-mile riders, offering a compelling alternative to high-priced ultralight e-bikes.
While not the absolute lightest e-bike available, the K-Feather comes close at a fraction of the cost. By comparison, premium ultralight e-bikes such as the LeMond Prolog, Trek Domane+ SLR, and Hummingbird Flax range from $4,500 to nearly $9,000 and weigh as little as 10 kg (22 lb). Dahon’s offering provides about 90% of the weight advantage for around 25% of the cost.
The K-Feather utilizes Dahon’s proprietary DELTECH frame reinforcement system and a “super down tube” design to increase rigidity while minimizing weight. “It felt incredibly light, both underneath me and while folding it up and carrying it around,” one early tester said of the bike during a visit to Dahon’s headquarters in China.
Powered by a compact 250W rear hub motor with 32 Nm of torque and a 24V 5Ah battery, the K-Feather is designed for short urban trips, with a claimed range of up to 40 km (24.8 miles). It features a torque sensor-based pedal assist system, which Dahon says delivers a more natural riding experience. Smart power management, including auto shut-off on downhill segments, helps conserve battery life.
Equipped with 16″ dual-wall rims, 14g spokes, and a load capacity of 105 kg (231 lb), the K-Feather is built to accommodate riders between 145 cm and 190.5 cm (4’9″ to 6’3″). The model is available in six color options and is currently on sale in the U.S., with pre-orders open in Europe ahead of a September shipping date.