Overseas, especially in Europe, "fashionable electrically power assisted bicycles with inconspicuous batteries and motors" are a bit of a boom. It is gaining popularity among design-conscious cyclists. Unfortunately, Japanese bicycle makers have fallen a little behind in this area.


But this situation is changing. One of the changes is the Daytona Pottering Bike's "DE01" series. Developed by Shizuoka Prefecture motorcycle maker Daytona, it has been on sale since August 2015.


The concept of the "DE01" series is "assisted bicycle that does not look like an assist". The aim is to combine the convenience and comfort of a power-assisted bicycle with a cool design, and the idea of making the battery and motor inconspicuous has been incorporated.


The battery, which tends to be light due to its design, is stored in a leather bag. I made it a fashionable accent on the design. The motor uses a "hub motor" that is mounted inside the wheel. It looks like a hub dynamo equipped with a mama, so it doesn't stand out at all. And meters are eliminated from around the handle. With these ideas, the "DE01" has a look that looks like a regular bicycle.


It's a nice point to fold even though it has electric assist. For example, if you use your bicycle for commuting, you must secure a bicycle parking lot in both your room and office. But if it's foldable, you can usually bring it in your room and at work in the office for storage.


By the way, according to Daytona, the feature of the "DE01" series is the unexpectedness of "Eh! This is an assisted bicycle !?" And it seems that the effect is "I want to climb a slope" and "The range of action is widened by a radius of 10 km".


On October 16, 2015, I saw the actual "DE01" for the first time at my favorite cycle shop, but as Daytona aimed, I was surprised to hear "Is this an assisted bicycle?" rice field. With this design, even those who thought "Electric power assist is a vehicle for mothers with children, right?" Would like to ride it once.


The saddle height can be adjusted between 810 and 970 mm. Even a slightly taller man can ride it well. It takes 4 to 5 hours to charge. It can travel about 50 km on a single charge.


According to Daytona, the initial lots that had been on sale since August are almost sold out. It seems that some stores are out of stock. However, new lots will start shipping in November, so if you are interested, why not take a look at the stores in November? Even if you don't plan to buy it, if you like bicycles, you will surely find it "interesting!"


See the Daytona Pottering Bike website for a list of retailers and more.