YouMo e-bike company portrait: An e-bike whose development is based on a family affair – that is rare and, in the case of YouMo, has led to an interesting product that could become very popular with individualists among cyclists. Velomotion took a closer look at the new YouMo e-bike concept and its history.
What do you do when your son wants a moped but your dad is against it for ecological reasons? Many would provide the next generation with an e-moped, but not Knut Späte: The engineer was inspired by Filius Jon's desire to design a new e-bike, especially since the material available on the market didn't quite meet his expectations. Comfortable but brisk; cool, but not overly sporty - it's quite possible that the air is getting thin and newcomers to the market have good opportunities. With strong partners from science, technology and finance behind you, YouMo – short for Your Mobility – has made it: A considerable number of model variants are now available. Time to take a closer look at the Swiss electronic individualist.
It is clear at first glance that Knut Späte did not want to put a run-of-the-mill electric bike on the road. With wide 08-inch wheels and a slack seat angle, the YouMo looks more like a cruiser bike; the highriser handlebars even add a dash of bonanza bike, as does the split top tube. The cover on the head tube, which elegantly accommodates the headlight, is completely playful.
YouMo e-bike: the unisex cruiser for everyone
Everything about this bike has a purpose: the saddle, which is set far back, ensures that you don't sit very high above the ground, despite the optimal distance to the pedals, and therefore always have your feet firmly on the ground when you stop. In this way, multiple frame sizes can be dispensed with; The YouMo is therefore "unisex" and "one size fits all" for people between 1,40 and two meters tall - and therefore also the perfect family bike.
In keeping with the rear-facing seating position, the high handlebars meet the rider, resulting in a comfortable, upright posture that is ideal for easy cruising. The double top tube allows the attachment of a stylish frame bag (YouMo offers a wide range of accessories) or a second battery, and the cover at the front hides a steering wheel lock - rather unusual for (electric) bicycles, but this is definitely good short-term theft protection. And the fact that the shape of the handlebars and the cover create a certain impression of a motor vehicle should, according to YouMo, signal speed and thus warn other road users to be more careful.
YouMo e-bike: Drive from GO SwissDrive
And the drive? It also comes from Switzerland, namely from GO SwissDrive Systems - a hub motor that is used by numerous well-known special manufacturers. The concept has the advantage of being compatible with a wide range of frame variants, from full-suspension mountain bikes to recumbent bikes. Hub motors are also smooth-running and quiet, so they are perfect for well-groomed cruising. The YouMo is powered by a battery with a whopping 540 watt hours, which guarantees long ranges; In addition, electricity can be generated by "recuperation" - this energy recovery is used on downhill stretches, where the engine becomes a generator and serves as an engine brake. This is combined with a ten-speed derailleur and of course disc brakes, a bright 70-lux spotlight and - depending on the version - components such as mudguards and luggage racks. A suspension fork is also available as an option.
YouMo E-Bike: Also available as an S-Pedelec
The minimalism typical of the brand also means that the YouMo is only available in black or white – nothing colorful distracts from the unusual design, and so the recognition value should also be high. Anyone who wants to call one of the independent bikes their own at some point will not be deterred by the price: the 25 km/h model costs the basic version YouMo One C 3.150 euros, the S-Pedelec in the top version YouMo X500 Rat Rod Edition is traded at 5.300 euros. Of course, you won’t find it in the nearest bike shop – and this is where another special feature of the young brand comes into play: In addition to a (still extensive) network of test centers, the provider offers the service of a test ride at the customer’s home – and immediately issues the following warning : "You won't want to give up the YouMo anymore." It's quite possible that that's true...
More information about the YouMo e-bike can be found here...