Ducati argues again that a two-wheeler doesn’t need a powerful, race-derived engine to be interesting by unveiling its first car e-bike. Called the Futa, the company’s newest bike is developed to tick many boxes like motorcycle which it is better known.
Checkweighing was a challenge during the design process; the the battery and the electric motor adds a significant amount of weight. Ducati solved this problem by making the frame of the Futa with carbon fiber, a material that has been found in its motorcycle product line. The bike’s total weight depends on its size, but we say it’ll balance around 27 pounds when buyers order the M model. Riders looking to shave a few pounds can opt for the Limited version. Edition, equipped with carbon, titanium and ceramic bearings, among other specific components.
Vision AGX30 wheels with carbon rims, carbon pedals and carbon levers also play a significant role in reducing weight. The powertrain is also relatively compact, and it is subtly and elegantly integrated; The Futa doesn’t look like it’s run on electricity at all. It’s equipped with a rear hub-mounted motor that adds 31 pound-feet of torque to the amount generated by the rider’s legs; For context, a Citroën 2CV from the 1970s puts 21 pound-feet under the rider’s right foot. Ducati has dialed in five levels of assistance that can be selected via the display on the handlebars.
Wireless teleport and a 250 watt-hour battery pack are standard, and a 250 watt-hour range extender is optional. Speaking of which, Ducati doesn’t reveal how long it takes to fully charge the battery, though that ultimately depends on the level of assist chosen and the terrain.
The company does not forget about more outdoor e-bikes in its range. The MIG-S mountain bike gets a new shell and more performance from a new engine supplied by Shimano, while the TK-001RR is equipped with a motorcycle-style air fork, along with other off-road accessories. .
Ducati dealers worldwide will start taking orders for the 2022 electric bike in the coming weeks. Pricing has yet to be announced. When these models arrive in showrooms, they will join a number of new motorcycles launched in the past few months, including limited edition XDiavel Nera, DesertX inspired the long awaited classicand a pair of new Streetfighter models shrink that scope.
