Los Angeles-based electric bike manufacturer Hi-Power Cycles has announced the formation of a new “defense division” called HPC Defense, unveiling an 80 mph (130 km/h) military electric bike as one of its initial products.
The Revolution W, touted as the “fastest factory military-grade e-bike in the world,” is fully manufactured in the US. It features a 10,500-watt motor capable of propelling the bike to speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h), far exceeding the civilian electric bike speed limit of 28 mph (45 km/h) in the US.
The bike is equipped with a German-made Schlumpf High-Speed Drive that allows riders to pedal at speeds over 50 mph. With a 2.5x overdrive feature, riders can maximize efficiency at high speeds with a simple click of their heel.
According to Hi-Power Cycles, the Revolution W boasts a throttle-only range of up to 100 miles (160 km), though this is likely measured at lower average speeds. The bike is also designed for long-range travel, featuring 9″ of rear suspension travel and 8″ of travel in the front.
Pricing details for the Revolution W have not been disclosed, but given its high-performance components, including a fork that costs between $1,800 and $2,000, it is expected to be priced accordingly.
In addition to the launch of HPC Defense and the Revolution W, Hi-Power Cycles has appointed Bryan Maizlish as Advisor & Interim President/CEO. Maizlish, a veteran of the public sector industry, has held leadership positions at Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman/TASC, Jacobs Engineering, and Human Security.
Military electric bikes are not new, but they are gaining popularity. The recent conflict in Ukraine has highlighted their usefulness, with Ukrainian defenders using off-road electric bikes for transporting anti-tank missile teams and inserting sniper teams. Electric bicycles offer advantages over traditional dirt bikes, including lower weight and increased maneuverability. Additionally, the pedals can serve as an alternative propulsion method if the bike runs out of fuel.
