At the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich, the BMW Motorrad has presented two more visions of individual mobility in and around the urban setting: the i Vision AMBY ebike and the Vision AMBY electric motorcycle. BMW says AMBY (Adaptive Mobility), which aims to interpret the idea of adaptive urban mobility on two wheels in different ways, is the heart of the two concepts.
The BMW i Vision AMBY is a high-speed pedelec for urbanists with enough grunt to occupy the space between current ebikes and light motorcycles. The concept pedelec features an electric drive system with three-speed ratings for different types of roads. The unspecified electric motor enables speeds of up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) on cycle tracks, up to 45 km/h (28 mph) on city-center roads, and up to 60 km/h (37 mph) on multi-lane roads and outside urban areas.
The design of the BMW i Vision AMBY is defined by visual lightness and powerful athleticism. Though resembling an ebike, the frame structure is larger, which features a wide handlebar with integrated horizontal LED light strip, the vertical LED rear light integrated into the seat post, an e-ink display shows the riding mode in use.
The 2,000 Wh battery, positioned in the center of the frame, enables a per-charge range of up to 300 km (186 miles), depending on the riding mode. Thanks to fast charging technology, it recharges in only three hours. The drive unit, which is positioned close to the pedals, only provides assistance when the pedals are being turned. It connects to the quick-release rear wheel via a belt drive, while the rear wheel itself is mounted to a single-sided swingarm.
The 27.5-inch wheels are fitted with larger and wider tires for exceptional comfort and safety even at higher speeds. Also, 120 mm of suspension travel front and rear is ideal for all applications in and around town at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph).
The modes available to the rider are stored in the app on the smartphone-linked with the “AMBY” Vision Vehicle. Manual selection of the modes is perfectly feasible, as is an automatic recognition of location and road type via geofencing technology and the associated automatic adjustment of permitted top speed. Users can prime the BMW i Vision AMBY for use, load their stored license classes and apply the required level of insurance cover on-demand using a specially developed app.
The app can also serve up ebike status, ride info, theft-proofing, and more, but can also be set to warn the rider of traffic approaching from the rear. The electrically adjustable seat post is optimized biometrically to match the profile stored in the app.
While users of the BMW i Vision AMBY high-speed pedelec have to constantly pedal in order to benefit from the assistance of the electric drive system, the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY accelerates via a throttle grip/throttle lever and has motorcycle-style footrests instead of pedals. The Vision AMBY will come with the same three app-driven power modes as the ebike, topping out at 60 km/h (37 mph).
Designed as a completely new concept between bicycle and motorbike, the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY echoes the expressive style and layout of a BMW Enduro motorbike. It comes with an integrated flat seat, chunky treads on both the 26-inch front wheel, which has a thinner tire, and the 24-inch rear wheel, with its more rounded tire. The large energy storage unit and drive unit form a dark graphic block at the center of the frame.
It would offer a range of around 110 km (68 miles) according to the WMTC combined cycle. The geofencing technology could provide the required parameters for automatically adjusting speed levels (25/45/60 km/h) and the matching insurance cover.
Other features include the small U-shaped LED headlight and double-element tail light, integrated seat with a height of 830 mm, and has the weight of just 65 kg. The potential safety features could also include a distance radar with a range of up to 140 m to provide a visual and acoustic warning in the app when there is a vehicle approaching from behind.
