Honda has chosen to expand its presence in the two-wheeled vehicle sector. The Japanese company, known for its automobiles, motorcycles, and other motorized products, exhibited an electric mountain bike (e-MTB) prototype during the Sea Otter Europe event, held in Girona, Spain.
This launch signals Honda's return to the mountain bike universe after about twenty years. From what was demonstrated, the company approaches this project with considerable seriousness.
Currently, the Honda website in Germany allows interested people to sign up to receive updates on the future e-MTB. The page displays the phrase 'New terrain, same dream' and states that the bike is 'almost ready.'
The presented bicycle uses a central motor from the Shimano EP8 line. However, a notable aspect is the images of the prototype, which suggest a casing distinct from that used in the current Shimano EP801 model. While this does not confirm the arrival of a new Shimano motor, the difference generates anticipation while Honda provides no further details about the e-MTB mechanism.
More information on Honda's history and mountain bikes
Honda's connection to mountain biking is not recent. More than two decades ago, the company's motorcycle research and development division developed the RN01, a downhill-focused bicycle that had a unique feature: a closed transmission integrated into the frame. Honda even participated in international competitions with the RN01 before moving away from the sport.
Thus, the new project represents a particularly relevant return. According to Electrek, Honda is not simply putting its brand on an electric bicycle created by a third party. The company also displayed the new prototype next to the old RN01, along with its electric motorcycles and other recent off-road prototypes.
Despite the demonstration, crucial data about the future e-MTB is still missing. Honda has not disclosed the battery capacity, the final motor, the equipment weight, the cost, the name it will have in the production version, or the launch markets.
Nevertheless, the fact that Honda is already accepting registrations from interested parties for its 'new E-Mountainbike' suggests that the project may go beyond a mere design study. For now, the company has not specified when the bike will be commercially available or what its definitive characteristics will be.