Montague Bikes has introduced the M-E1, a full-sized folding electric bike for general aviation.
The patent-pending design allows the full-size mid-drive e-bike to stow in a plane’s cargo hold or back seat, offering reliable ground transportation and recreation, according to company officials.
“We set out to build an electric bike that can go where others cannot. Pilots, travelers, and so many outdoor enthusiasts have been deterred from owning an e-bike due to space constraints and a lack of portability with the current designs,” said David Montague, president of Montague Bikes. “The M-E1 offers pilots a compact folding design for easy storage that unfolds in seconds to deliver a full-sized electric bike to take them anywhere they want to go. Pilots need an e-bike that can handle the trails in the remote areas they fly to and still stow in a tight space at the end of the day. Small wheel folding bikes won’t cut it, but the M-E1 can do it all.”
Montague’s patent-pending frame design makes folding and transporting the bike quick and effortless, according to Montague. The weight of the bike is supported by the double-leg kickstand during folding, so riders don’t need to lift or support the bike in any way, he explained. Once folded, the bike can be rolled for transport by holding the handlebar and tilting the bike onto the wheels.
For even more compact storage, the handlebars fold with an additional quick release, creating a 38″ x 38″ x 13″ package.
The Montague M-E1 comes equipped with a Shimano STEPS E6100 mid-drive motor. The 250W motor ensures riders can tackle trails and hills with ease, according to company officials. A 36V lithium battery pack provides up to 80 kilometers of pedal assist on a single charge. The system is paired with a Shimano Deore drivetrain for reliable shifting, and an SR Suntour NEX suspension fork for a smooth ride over the rough or non-existent roads around remote airstrips, company officials add.
The Montague M-E1 sells for $3,599.
Montagues are nice, but bulky. I’d been looking at the Pim Mylo, a foldable trike with 14 inch wheels. Folds up to about golf club size. Weighs about 45 pounds. Maybe good enough for the “last mile” commute once you get to where you’re going. Prices are creeping up to $1600 now. Less messy than a folding Dahon’s chain. Heavier than a foldable stand up scooter, but more stable, and probably less dramatic. Wear a helmet!
I was hopeful until I got to the price. Anything with “aviation” attached to it is automatically expensive… I can get the Lectric folding bike for $900 and it goes 45 miles on a charge
I was keen on taking a bicycle with me in a C172. I borrowed a friends foldable bike that had 20″ wheels. Full-size whieels are 26″ at least. That bike would not fit thru the baggage door and I had to lift it over the back seat. That was a struggle. I then decided any foldable bike that would fit thru the baggage door would have to have smaller wheels, being 16″, I found.
I researched and found a brand, Brompton, and a local dealer that let me borrow one to test the fit. I now take the bike with me when appropriate for the mission.
The photo showing the folded “full-sized” bike next to what appears to be a C182 is misleading.
How much does it weight?
Their web site only says the weight of the motor 2.88kg, don’t think you will see it hanging off the wing of a bush plane.
The Montegue website says 54 pounds.