Volata Cycles has introduced what is being billed as ‘the world’s first high-tech bicycle made for next generation cyclists’. The first model, created by the San Francisco-based company, is a ‘technologically advanced, low maintenance solution designed specifically for the performance and utility usage’.
The Volata is equipped with a 2.4” app-based embedded computer that integrates into the handlebar, allowing access to information such as performance, weather forecast, turn-by-turn directions, heart rate, and smartphone notification.
The safety features include an integrated horn which creates awareness of cyclists in traffic, while the automated front and rear lights ensure visibility throughout the day. A GPS-based anti-theft system informs the owner if anyone tries to steal the bike – via a motion detector, which monitors the bike status and sends the user real-time notifications to track the bicycle’s location.
A front-hub dynamo automatically charges the internal battery, ‘providing the cyclist with the luxury of never worrying about recharging’.
“The bicycle is the most efficient means of human transport ever invented, and in a time when the transition to sustainable transport is a priority, its everyday usage is increasing all over the world,” said Marco Salvioli, Co-founder and CEO of Volata.
“The problem is, the bicycle industry didn’t evolve on the tech side, and did not improve the bicycle with native digital features whose goal is improving riding experience and safety.”
He continued, “With Volata, we knew we had to push the limits of design and performance, introducing native technology into the bicycle, and we wrapped it up in a stylish Italian design. When you buy a car you don’t need to acquire lights as an accessory, or an iPad as a dashboard. As cars have evolved, also bikes need to evolve.”
With the integration of digital native features, combined with a unique design and low maintenance components, Volata feels that it has created a new bicycle category: an all-in-one, complete and versatile solution, optimized for the performance and utility usage and suitable for any terrain.
Product features
- A built-in 2.4” computer that GPS-tracks all trips and automatically syncs with Volata’s smartphone app and with the rider’s Strava account; the computer native apps are controllable with a thumb joystick without taking hands off the handlebar and display riding information, weather and instant temperature, turn-by-turn directions, heart-rate (measured from a Bluetooth wearable device such as Apple Watch)
- Automated front and tail lights
- Electronic 96 dB horn
- Front dynamo hub that automatically charges the internal battery
- Belt drive transmission – replaces the conventional chain and ‘requires zero maintenance’ – paired with an internal-gear hub Shimano Alfine 11 di2 with electronic shifting
- GPS- and Motion-based Anti Theft System
- Connectivity with Volata’s smartphone app, that collects all riding stats and shows bike’s location and status (like on modern cars) that can also be used to engage anti-theft system
Price and delivery
With an RRP of US$3,499 Volata is available for online reservation at US$299 via www.volatacycles.com. The balance (US$3,200) is due upon delivery that will begin in July 2017. Volata can be configured online, choosing between four sizes (S, M, L, XL), two colours (Ice White and Moon Gray) and three different saddles (two for men and one for women).
Volata Cycles is based in San Francisco with an R&D office in Milan, Italy. Volata aims, in the mid-term, to ‘develop bicycles for a wider market range, with the goal of convincing more and more people to use the bicycle every day as a primary means of transport’.
