FLIT-16: a brand new generation of folding e-bike

designed in cambridge, uk, by ex jaguar landrover engineer dave henderson, the FLIT-16 is not only an aesthetic folding e-bike, but is a smooth and easy ride. beautiful design combined with a compact folded size and incredible ride quality creates an e-bike that’s perfect for the modern city commuter: stylish, fast and fun. ‘our vision was to make an electric folding bike that feels great to ride, whilst keeping the convenience of a compact commuter bike,’ says dave henderson, technical lead at FLIT. 

a custom lithium battery is integrated into the frame, giving the bike a clean and simple look

‘using my background as an automotive engineer, I focused on the e-bike’s geometry to give a comfortable and responsive ride, perfect for city journeys.’ dave worked with david turpin, designer at FLIT, to create a ‘contemporary design with clean, simple geometric shapes.’ designed to be electric from the start, the FLIT-16 is developed around a custom lithium-ion battery pack that has been built into the frame. this keeps the design beautifully simple, while significantly reducing its weight and maximising the rigidity of the bike. 

our folding e-bike design has been optimised for the most compact folded size, so that it fits neatly into the lives of city commuters

the 250 wh battery uses the latest generation of LG cells, offering 30 miles (50km) range on a single charge. in the rear wheel, a high torque motor provides boosts the rider’s own pedalling effort to give a controlled and responsive ride. both the rear light, which is built into the rear of the frame, and the fixed front light are switched on via the handlebar display. the rear light also functions as a brake light and offers excellent visibility during night riding. 

powerful LED front and rear lights are integrated into the frame, providing excellent visibility during night time riding

the e-bike weighs just 14kg including the battery, making it lightweight and convenient to carry. a unique folding mechanism means that it can be folded in 10 seconds. when folded, it can easily be rolled on its rear wheel, to maneuver through crowds or along a station platform. the frame is made from a heat-treated 6000 series aluminium alloy, providing excellent strength to weight ratio and corrosion resistance. for durability, key contact surfaces have been reinforced with stainless steel inserts to minimise wear. 

weighing just 14kg, the FLIT-16 is easy to carry upstairs or onto the train

‘we’ve been overwhelmed by the support and excitement we’ve received since launching the FLIT-16 this july. we’ve received amazing feedback from 100’s of test riders and experts all around the uk. we’re also thrilled to have won the acid design award and have been selected as a finalist for the eurobike startup awards,’ says alex murray, co-founder of flit. 

‘we started working on this project because we saw the power of cycling to improve our congested city centres. by creating a folding e-bike that both looks great and is incredible to ride, we hope to get as many people as we can out of their cars and cycling their cities instead.’ for its design innovation flit has won multiple grants, and has support from the likes of the design council, the university of cambridge and the department for transport. 

a custom-built suspension unit makes sure every city journey will go smoothly, and with a rear hub motor, you’ll feel the kick, but always be in control

the FLIT-16 recently won the acid design & ip champion award and has also been selected as a eurobike startup award finalist. the FLIT-16 is currently available for preorder on kickstarter. the crowdfunding campaign runs through to 7th september 2019.

the FLIT-16 hinges have been engineered to maximise durability. key contact points are reinforced with stainless steel horseshoe inserts to reduce wear

with a powerful 220W rear hub motor, the FLIT-16 is effortless to ride

the FLIT-16 recently won the prestigious ACID design award for its innovative design

the FLIT-16 is perfect for city exploring

the FLIT-16 folds in under 10 seconds, so that you can take it with you anywhere

flowing geometric shapes and clean lines combine to give the FLIT-16 its beautifully simple design

product info:

product name: FLIT-16

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edited by: cristina gomez | designboom