New electric bicycle boasts automatic wheelie mode

The ability of kids to master cycling skills, be it the perfect wheelie or the elusive art of bicycle drifting, is a source of amazement and frustration to older cyclists everywhere, but help is on its way in the form of a new e-bike from Audi equipped with an automatic wheelie mode.

Cyclists wanting pull off the perfect wheelie have to put up with the risk of injury or use a bicycle wheelie bar – an accessory similar to those attached to drag cars to stop them flipping over. However, the Audi bicycle offers a high-tech solution – in ‘wheelie mode’ the rider’s balance is maintained electronically with any wobbles counteracted by the electric motor.

The Audi e-bike features an ultra-light carbon-fibre frame weighing only 1.6kg, a 2.3 kW electric motor and a recharge time of only two and a half hours from a household supply.

The handlebars and seat feature integrated LED lights.

A top speed of 50 mph makes the Audi too powerful to be classed as a bicycle, but a tantalizing glimpse of how e-bikes might one day offer a faster and greener way of commuting than the car.

Cycle Insurance

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover, race event cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, they will come out and recover you and your bike. Electric bicycles can also be covered. Includes 90 days’ worldwide cover.