Chennai, 29th July 2016: After a blockbuster first round of crowdfunding, the Spero E-Bike is back, on popular demand! The SPERO E-bike is ready to revolutionize the way we look at personal travel. Coimbatore based jute machinery technocrat S. Manikandanlaunched the SperoE-Bike a few months back on the crowdfunding platform, Fueladream.com and received an amazing response. The first campaign exceeded the goal with >25% and raised Rs. 38 Lakhs with 100+ bookings from across the country.
Manikandan, the 38-year old MBA, has been working on this project for more than 3 yrs and is launchinghis second crowdfunding campaign on Fueladream– the Bengaluru based crowdfundingplatform, which curates and presents unique ideas and innovations of this kind. Besides just contributing to this project, the Funders even have an option of booking the SPERO E-bike through Fueladream.com.
You can read the first success story here – https://www.fueladream.com/home/campaign/125
Mr. Ram Prasad, the CMO of FuelADream says, “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Milltex to pull off something that seemed almost impossible, at the start. Attempting to launch the highest priced product to ever becrowdfunded in India, right at the time of the launch of our own platform, was, nearly, in that zone. But, clearly, there’s an appetite to take educated risk & reward innovation. We were bowled over by the response to this wonderful product!Given the awareness & credibility built from the first campaign, we anticipate more demand.And for that 2nd round of planned production, the second round of crowdfunding made sense.”
This cool, funky bike is setting the stage for continued innovation especially in the field of green technology.Manikandan understands and embraces the need for us to move towards a more environmentally conscious way of life. Which is why SPEROis designed as a top class, alternate mode of personal transportation.
Manikandan, the MD of Milltex Engineers says, “The response has been remarkable from our first campaign. Lots of people came up to contribute even Rs. 100 as a token amount, because they were so excited about the idea. The best feedback came from an old farmer who called me and said his son gifted it to him. He said his son would never have bought it unless he liked it.The experience I gained through years in the factory has given us the knowledge and expertise with handling machinery and sourcing materials that work best with this e-bike. We’re delightedto have built a high-quality e-bike, that is finding such acceptance through the crowdfunding model. The 2nd round of crowdfunding will benefit those Funders who will gain confidence from the success of the first.”
It is made with a judicious mix of locally sourced materials and local ingenuity, & key imported components – the battery comes from Samsung, the motor and tyres come from partners in Korea.
Here is the link to the 2ndcampaign – https://www.fueladream.com/home/campaign/303
FACTS & FEATURES
- Comes in 3 models
- E-30 – Has a range of 30 kms on a single charge (available only in Men’s model)
- E-60 – Has a range of 60 kms on a single charge (available in Men’s & Unisex models)
- E-100 – Has a range of 100 kms on a single charge (available only in Men’s model)
- Speed – 25 kmph max
- Acceleration – 0-25kmph in 10 seconds
- Gears – Comes with 5 speed digital gears in the electric mode
- Battery – 48V Li-ion battery with a 1-year warranty and charges from 20 to 80% within 4-6 hours.
- Weight – All bikes weigh between 25kgs – 26 kgs (with the battery)
- Battery weight of E-30 – 2.7 kgs
- Battery weight of E-60 – 3.4kgs
- Battery weight of E-100 – 3.7kgs
- Detachable battery for ease of charging
- Charging – From a regular 5amp socket like your Smartphone!
- Ease of use – Standard bicycle parts (Tyres, cables, mud/rear guards) can be used on the SPERO
- Tyres – Imported from Korea
- Advanced features – Pedal assist & regeneration
- Cruise control
- Front shocks & disc brake included
- Available with headlights
- Password protection
- Fits into all bike racks
- No driving licence required
- No insurance required
While this is a unique product, care has been taken to make sure that it would be easy to get spares and to be able to use extra features and accessories of regular bikes. Keeping the basic frame of the bike similar to a standard cycle facilitated this. Hence one can easily get a tire replacement, use regular bike locks, bike racks, rear splash guard options etc. The eBikeis available in funky and exciting colours.
The pre-order prices for the 3 models on Fueladream would be from 29,900 INR to 50,900 INR, which would be ~40% lower than their market price!To know more about the 2ndcampaign or to fund this initiative, you can visit https://www.fueladream.com/home/campaign/303
About FuelADream.com
FuelADream.com is a crowd funding marketplace for people & organizations that aim to raise funds for creative ideas, causes, charities etc. Founded in Mid-2015 and based in Bangalore, the start-up aims to impact 2.2 billion people in India, Africa & S.E Asia. Fuel A Dream has raised $ 250,000 in an initial round of funding over the last 8 months from a clutch of individual investors from the corporate world.
Fueladream.com is the brainchild of RanganathThota. His team is focused on transforming how people raise and contribute money for ideas, social causes and other activities. FuelADream.com connects the campaign owners (people who want to raise money) to funders in a very productive and engaging way.
The Campaign owners who have an innovative idea or a social cause at heart and who want to raise money for them can showcase their stories and get funders (both individuals and corporates) to support them on this platform. The company believes in creating a community of people who understand the power of giving and the impact they can make through this. Whether funding an idea that may enable blind people identify currency notes or getting an electric bike that will change how we commute to work or funding a fashion show by a talented young designer or helping a charity that takes care of orphans or raising a helping hand to aid victims of a flood– there are many a dream that need to be fuelled.
FAQs:
What is the background of the promoters of this product? Where is this bike produced?
The bike was produced by MILLTEX which began its humble existence in the 1970s, dealing in textile machinery spares and renovation kits. The group from its inception till 1990, renovated more than 7000 carding machines and with experience gained over the years established a private limited company – Milltex Engineers (P) Ltd. The current Management team (S. Manikandan, Supriya Paul &Mothilal) with a hope to build a better tomorrow is leading the charge in e-mobility. A holistic plan for mobility after careful study of the industry’s evolution, the current global scenario and the National Electric Mobility Mission 2020 was created. In early 2015, a team of motivated youngsters were given an assignment to design the first of the many products / solutions planned.
How is the bike on handling uphill terrain?
Performance on hills depends on the steepness of the hill and the weight load on the bike. In some instances, people will need to use both the pedal and the motor to go uphill.
What’s the maximum weight limit?
We’ve tested the bike up to 120Kgs. We cannot make any guarantees about performance or durability above that weight.
How high can the seat extend?
The seat can extend a full 12”. This put it 42 inches off the ground.
What is the frame size?
The frame is 44″ from axle to axle. 68″ tire to tire.
How much does the bike weigh?
Depending on the model the bike weighs approximately 23.5kgs without the battery & approximately 26 kgs with the battery.
How much does the battery weigh?
The battery weighs approximately 2.7 kgs for a E-30, 3.4 kgs for a E-60 and 3.7 kgs for a E-100.
What are the battery specifications?
48-volt Lithium – Ion battery is designed for long running time. Batteries can be charged hundreds of times without noticeable loss in capacity. Model: Li18650, BMS, Charger and Aluminum Case | Top quality battery, no memory effect, high energy density, long lifecycle. | Electric/Pedal assist range up to 40, 70, 120 kms (rider weight and terrain contingent) | Under Electric Power Range – up to 30, 60, 100 kms (rider weight and terrain contingent)
Is there a rear-splash guard option? Is there a back-tire rack option?
These are available as accessories.
Can I replace the parts on the bike?
Sure. We had a few different options for the parts that we decided to move forward with. The decision to select these parts come down to price, availability at scale and quality. It is entirely up to you on what parts you would like to use. Replace them at will.
I have seen the wheels on a bike before at my local bike shop, can I buy those if I pop a tire?
Absolutely. The SPERO eBike uses parts that are already on existing bikes on the market. The bike parts can be found online, or on other bikes so they are commercially available.
Is this a single speed bike? Can you limit it to 10MPH for off-roading?
Its has a 5 speed electric gear shift. Yes, you can limit the speed. Pedal power is on single freewheel gear, as it is designed to receive motor assistance.
Is there speed monitoring/digital display on the bike?
Yes there is built-in digital display/speedometer.
Is there a key/interlock to prevent accidental starting?
Yes there is interlock currently. However, the throttle will not start until you shift digital gear by pressing the button to activate the motor.
Will a standard U-Lock fit around the wider frame?
This varies depending on the type of lock, and the type of U-Lock that you use, but in general it will work with most consumer bike locks. Remember that the center portion of the frame is utilized for the battery compartment so all frame related locking would be through the back wheel and frame which is ideal in most cases.
For more information, visit http://fueladream.com/
