Kuberg is a small manufacturer of electric
motorcycles, based in the Czech Republic. While they source some parts from
outside suppliers, much of the manufacturing work (including battery pack
assembly and frame fabrication) is done in-house. The company is run by true
dirt-biking enthusiasts. Kuberg currently offers three models in addition to
the FreeRider, which are marketed towards both teens and adults.
Reading the spec sheet, it’s hard to tell if the
FreeRider is a downsized electric motocross motorcycle, or a high-powered
electric mountain bike. Many of the Freerider’s components – including
suspension, brakes, and handlebar – are sourced from mountain bikes, not
motorcycles. But the custom-designed trapezoid battery pack, and huge bespoke
8kW BLDC motor tell you that this is no ordinary e-mountain bike.
The in-house built battery pack is a 48V / 22-Ah
unit mounted in a metal enclosure below the seat. While detailed specs for the
pack’s configuration are not advertised, I asked Kuberg to provide a little
more information on the pack’s configuration and the cells used in the pack.
They told me the pack is a 13S/10P layout, and while the exact cells used
couldn’t be disclosed, Kuberg reassured me they are top-brand Japanese cells
from leading producers, with a very high C rating.
The pack’s BMS is spec’d at
150A continuous and 200A peak, and the Kuberg-designed controller on my test
bike is designed for 140A continuous and 170A peak output. The motor is a huge, heat-sink
shod 48-volt brushless DC unit rated at 8kW. Kuberg says the bike’s top speed
is 55 km/h, and claims the FreeRider’s battery will last one hour at
full throttle with a 75kg rider.
Add up all these components, and keep in mind that
Kuberg’s dealers need to make some profit to keep the doors open as well, and
you’ll quickly realize what a bargain the FreeRider is at its US$ 3995 MSRP.
