Ducati has entered the E-Road segment – pedal-assisted road bikes – with the new Futa, a lightweight e-road that embodies the pure Ducati spirit by focusing on design, innovation, and fun in a perfect combination of comfort and performance.
The carbon fiber monocoque frame has a sport endurance geometry but with technical choices oriented towards aerodynamics and speed and is available in three sizes. The carbon fiber helps towards the weight of just 12.4 kg (27 lb) for a medium-frame model. Therefore, it is one of the lightest on the market among those that are electric. The Ducati racing bicycle comes in a gray and black color scheme and there with Ducati red accenting.
The Ducati Futa comes with an FSA HM 1.0 rear hub motor, located on the rear hub, with 250W and 30.9 lb-ft (42 Nm) of torque that boasts fluid and natural delivery in all conditions and is among the lightest and most compact in its category (8.7 lb). The motor provides pedal assist up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) in line with European regulations, with five power levels selected by the Garmin control on the handlebar. The K Force WE groupset boasts a 2×12 speed wireless electronic shifting that ensures smooth, quiet, fast, and precise speed changes.
The electric bike features a 250 Wh battery pack integrated into the down tube. Ducati doesn’t give per-charge range figures, but there is also an optional 250-Wh range extender that can be added to double the bike’s range.
The FSA App, available for iOS and Android devices, allows the driver to view statistics, system status, remaining battery life, and charging status. Through the app, it is also possible to download software updates and communicate with FSA service centers around the world.
Other features include an aerodynamic handlebar in carbon fiber for a forward racing stance, Vision AGX 30 wheels with carbon rims wrapped in Pirelli Cinturato Velo “tubeless ready” tires, and K-Force WE Hydraulic Disk Brake with 160 mm FSA rotor.
Its good quality and that it is a Ducati brand is something that, inevitably, has to be paid for. And therefore, this Futa has a price that is not exactly low. You have to spend about €7,690 (about US$8,400) to buy it. The new Futa will also be available in a Limited Edition: an exclusive version, only 50 numbered examples, for those looking for an e-road with even more sophisticated standard equipment.
