the electric avionics VM merges wood and metal with 1930s style

avionics has created a handmade electric bike for MB&F’s MAD gallery that blends minimalistic features with a retro style reminiscent of the 1930s. like the V1 before it, the VM combines wood and metal, and is packed with a 5,000 watt brushless electric motor.

images courtesy of MB&F and avionics

the avionics VM harnesses 125 Nm of torque and has a top speed of 36 miles per hour (58 km/h). it features a 24-ampere hour lithium-ion battery pack and can travel an estimated range of 74.5 miles (about 120 km) in low- power street mode and can be topped up in two to three hours from a domestic plug socket. there’s also a usb port for charging the bike.

the bike is programmed with two other street modes limiting its power to more street-friendly speeds, which include 750 W, 500 W and 250 W. 26-inch rims wrap all-terrain tires with a zigzag tread and stopping power comes from hardy disc brakes measuring 203 millimetres (8 inches) on both the front and back wheels.

the e-bike features a chromium-molybdenum steel frame that supports a wooden chest that houses the battery, immobilizer, and electrical components. jatoba wood is also used for its other accents, including the saddles, handlebars, grips, headlight and fork covers.

the bike was created exclusively for the swiss watch-maker’s mechanical art devices (MAD) gallery and has a limited production of 5 units. no pricing information was available at the time of writing but the V1 was given a recommended retail price of us$9,480 during its 2017 indiegogo campaign so its likely the VM will be upwards of $10,000.

‘when you look at avionics from the profile you will see the section of the airplane wing created from the leaf spring and part of the frame,’ said avionics co-founder bartek bialas. ‘this is an unusual solution for suspension and a feature distinguishing avionics from any other bike or motorcycle.’

project info

company: avionics
collaborator: MB&F MAD gallery