No fiber or aluminum: electric bicycles from Esel Bikes made with wood
Esel Bikes: the whip that defies the rules of the electric motor
When we talk about electric bicycles, the first image that comes to mind is a shiny aluminum frame or an ultra-light carbon fiber structure. But Esel Bikes, an Austrian brand, stands at the other extreme: 100% of its frame is laminated wood. And it's not an aesthetic whim; it's a return to what worked centuries ago, applied to modern mobility.
As the brand itself explains, "what worked 500 years ago still works today. It's not nostalgia, it's proof." And if that doesn't make you listen up, perhaps knowing that the wood used is sustainably sourced, PEFC certified, and comes from slow-growing Austrian forests: birch, ash, and walnut, will.
The hidden virtues of wood in the world of bicycles
Wood is not only beautiful and sustainable. It has a filtering and vibration absorption capacity that makes long rides much more comfortable. It reduces cyclist fatigue in a way aluminum or steel can only dream of. Furthermore, its strength rivals carbon fiber, and the best part: it is repairable, a quality difficult to find nowadays in high-tech materials.
This means that, although wood may seem like a classic resource, it is fully prepared for daily use and to withstand the rigors of the road or rough terrain.
Construction and design: laminated wood with a futuristic touch
Esel Bikes achieves a balance between stiffness and lightness using laminated wood layers of birch, ash, and walnut, with hollow construction to neatly integrate the electric components. This is not just a wooden bike, it is a design that challenges prejudices.
For example, the Esel eGravel Performance weighs only 15.8 kg, a weight comparable to aluminum or carbon fiber bicycles. The frame protection is multi-layered, resisting rain, humidity, and UV rays, a guarantee that the wood can withstand demanding outdoor environments without problems.
Featured models and technical specifications
Esel eUrban Performance
- Price: 5,490 euros
- Frame: laminated birch, ash, and walnut wood with carbon fiber fork
- Motor: 250 W hub motor with 42 Nm torque
- Battery: integrated 350 Wh (optional 250 Wh)
- Transmission: Shimano XT
- Braking: Shimano MT420 2-piston
- Weight: 16.5 kg
Esel eGravel Performance
- Price: 6,690 euros
- Frame: same as the urban, laminated wood and carbon fiber fork
- Motor: 250 W hub motor with 42 Nm
- Battery: integrated 350 Wh (optional 250 Wh)
- Transmission: Shimano GRX Di2
- Brakes: Shimano GRX
- Weight: 15.8 kg
The motor and range: discreet but efficient
Power and motor location
The electric motor is the most discreet you can imagine: installed in the rear wheel hub, with a torque of 42 Nm. It is not a motor that attracts attention, but it supports the set with just enough power for urban and trekking use.
Range according to the battery
The main battery is integrated into the down tube and offers 350 Wh, translating to a range of about 80 km depending on conditions. For those seeking a lighter weight, there is an option for a 250 Wh battery, which will reduce distance but also total weight.
Who would have thought that wood would be the new carbon fiber? Esel Bikes has questioned the rules of the game. Its commitment to a frame entirely of certified and sustainable laminated birch, ash, and walnut wood not only adds a touch of exclusivity but also a more comfortable and ecological riding experience.
A product that, moreover, looks to the future without losing its traditional roots, with sleek designs and integrations that do not give up the most advanced technology, such as the electric motor in the hub and an integrated battery that blends in seamlessly.
