Germany’s Hase Bikes – the people behind the telescoping cargo e-bike launched at Eurobike 2022 – have revealed a new addition to their Delta range of recumbent trikes, offering riders gas-start assist, rear suspension and adjustable raised seats.
Hase already has a non-electric Lepus in its Delta range of trikes – the recumbent is billed as “fun to ride at any age, but becomes an even more attractive option as we get older” – and a pedal-assist version that uses a Shimano STEPS mid-mount motor. The upcoming model essentially replaces Shimano’s Bafang M500 motor setup.
It’s a modest upgrade, but one that allows the addition of thumb throttle to give riders an initial push off the start line of up to 6 km/h (4 mph), after which they can pedal with motor assistance up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) or rolling with just the legs.
Like the STEPS model, the motor is crank-mounted, with a 504-Wh battery hanging from the frame behind it. Charging range figures aren’t given, but the e-trike benefits from an eight-speed Alfine Di2 internal hub for a smoother ride.
The Lepus E rides on two 20-inch spoked rear wheels shod with Schwalbe Marathon ebike tires and a single 16-inch wheel wrapped in Schwalbe Big Apple rubber up front, all paired with matte black fenders. Steering is provided thanks to a vertical handlebar with a smartphone mount on the left for navigation assistance.
Independent rear suspension with air shocks and anti-roll bar provide a smoother ride over rough terrain, and stopping power is provided by hydraulic disc brakes at the rear and a mechanical disc brake at the front.
The raised seat makes it easier to mount and dismount, potentially putting the rider at a similar eye level to car drivers for better visibility into traffic, and can be adjusted from 57 cm to 63 cm (22 – 25 inches) in height. Busch & Müller dynamo headlights and LED taillights also help with visibility.
This easier access, combined with a low center of gravity and stability when riding a trike, make the recumbent suitable for people who may have balance issues as well as older riders. The length of the Lepus E is also adjustable from 186 to 212 cm (73 – 83.5 inches) and its width is 89 cm (35 inches). Maximum payload is reported to be 140 kg (309 lb).
The Delta design means the e-trike can be parked with the front wheel in the air – to save space indoors – and can even be reduced to a compact, boot-friendly package of 124 x 89 x 61 cm (48.75 x 35 x 24 inches) for transport between trips in a small car.
The Lepus E will be available in semi-gloss carmine red and should go on sale in the last quarter of 2022 for €8,950 (about US$9,000). It can come with a host of extra accessories, including a rain cover, turn signals, panniers and even an attachment for safely stowing a walking stick.
source: Hase Bicycles
https://newatlas.com/urban-transport/hase-bikes-lepus-e/
