Skip to main content

Flash-forward to an electric bike packed with intelligent features

It seems like every week a new ebike is announced, each trying to distinguish itself from the crowd of battery-powered bicycles. Adding to this growing segment is Seattle-based Flash, which launched its eponymous ebike in an Indiegogo campaign Thursday, touting it as “The Bike Evolved.”

Flash is loaded with tech features that include lighting, security, and a frame-mounted touchscreen that works both independently of and in conjunction with a smartphone app.

Flash | Order Yours Today

The ebike’s 500-watt, 36-volt battery is mounted inside the bike frame. The battery isn’t replaceable by the user and is charged in place. Charging from fully depleted to maximum charge takes 4 to 5 hours.

Recommended Videos

The in-frame mounting means you can’t buy a spare battery as a backup or to extend your range, but it also keeps the design simpler and cleaner. That design decision also means no one can steal just the battery –if they want your battery, they have to take the whole bike.

The Flash bike has four pedaling-assistance power levels. The bike also can run on battery power only via a hand grip throttle. Maximum speed with combined pedaling and battery assistance is 28 mph. Top speed with throttle use engaged is 20 mph. The maximum range is 50 miles. Both speed and range are dependent on user ability and weight, tire pressure, weather, and incline.

According to the company, test riders have been able to climb 8 percent grades using the throttle only — no pedaling — at speeds of 10 mph. The test riders have also reported easily climbing 12 percent grades while pedaling with the highest power assist mode activated.

Lighting on the Flash includes a high-intensity LED headlight with a 430-foot beam distance, plus combination automatic brake and turn signals built into the frame. Front and rear running lights help others see the bike duing any time of day. On the chance that someone doesn’t notice you, an 85-decibel electric horn can help get their attention.

There are three levels of security integrated into every Flash. A movement-sensitive alarm displays a warning on the bike’s screen if the Flash is bumped. Try to steal it and the lights start flashing and the 85-decibel horn blares continuously.

The associated smartphone app receives an alert via push notification any time the armed security system registers an alert. If someone does steal your bike, the company can help locate it with GPS tracking. That last feature does mean the company also has the ability to track when and where you travel, which may be a concern for some prospective buyers.

The bike’s touchscreen serves as a keypad to arm or disarm the security system. If you set your destination on the smartphone app, the bike’s touchscreen, located on the frame just under the handlebars, will guide you with turn-by-turn directions.

You can use the app to track your riding distance and time, which is useful for travel data and as an activity tracker. You can also use the app to check the bike’s battery charge level and to receive remote security alerts.

The Flash ebike Indiegogo campaign has two special price levels still available. The early-bird price is $1,200, with delivery in January 2018, and the early adopter price is $1,500, with delivery in March 2018. Once the Flash is in full production, the retail price will be $2,000.

Bruce Brown
Digital Trends Contributing Editor Bruce Brown is a member of the Smart Homes and Commerce teams. Bruce uses smart devices…
Tempo builds its e-bikes to replace cars as primary transportation
tempo e bikes designed to replace cars as primary transportation carmel lifestyle  1

Is it practical or even possible to use an e-bike as your primary mode of transportation? According to Tempo Bicycles founder and CEO Van Nguyen, e-bikes can definitely take the place of cars, especially for commuting and running errands around towns and cities.

Nguyen believes riding e-bikes to work and for play and errands results in healthier cities with less traffic congestion and pollution and healthier riders who benefit from exercise and just being outside. Nguyen told Digital Trends she rode her e-bike around San Jose with her offspring in a child seat on the back until they were old enough to ride their own bike.

Read more
New all-electric Volvo XC40 will feature Android infotainment system
new all electric volvo xc40 will feature android infotainment system 5

On October 16, 2019, Volvo will introduce the all-new, all-electric XC40 with an Android Auto-based infotainment system featuring Google technologies built in. This allows your vehicle to have nearly the same capabilities as your smart phone. According to Volvo, the new infotainment system offers customers unprecedented personalization, improved levels of intuitiveness, and new embedded Google technology and services.

Volvo is the first company to coordinate with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android, with the Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store built-in. The two companies have been development partners for the past several years. This new system has been dubbed Android Automotive OS.

Read more
Ram 1500 REV vs. Ford F-150 Lightning: Classic trucks go electric
Ford F-150 Lightning

The first Ram electric pickup truck is on the way. The Ram 1500 REV is set to be one of the most desirable electric trucks out there, thanks not only to the Ram name but also to its high-end specifications.

But, of course, it's certainly not the first electric truck out there. The Ford F-150 Lightning is a favorite among electric truck buyers, thanks to the fact that it continues that Ford F-150 legacy with a tried-and-true design coupled with new technologies.

Read more