World's first folding e-bike makes its debut

Already home to the world's most powerful supercomputer, Wuxi, Jiangsu province has yet again proved itself to be a home for cutting edge technology and innovation following the debut of the world's first foldable electronic bike, on July 30.

Developed by Wuxi Koler Wheel Intelligent Technology, the "Dou Na K1" is made of super lightweight composite alloys and weighs in at a meager 9.8 kg. When fully folded, which takes only a matter of seconds, the bike is able to fit inside a backpack and carried with ease.

The Dou Na K1, the world’s first folding electronic bike, developed by Wuxi Koler Wheel Intelligent Technology. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The bike can reach speeds of 20 kph and has a range of 20-55 kilometers on a single charge. Its lithium batteries, which weigh less than 4 kg are tightly packed within the wheels in order to save on weight and space.

Wuxi Koler Wheel's charismatic founder and CTO, Le Zheng, has spent 12 years on the project and has a wealth of experience in lightweight battery technology. Before he founded the company, he worked for electric vehicle mass manufacturer Yadea Technology Group. Le was one of the main contributors in vastly increasing the range of electric vehicle batteries.

From an early age, Le was fascinated with complex electronic devices and problem solving. "I have always dreamt of making an incomparably small, light, foldable and affordable electric bicycle out of all the impossibilities," Le said. "I try to imagine myself as someone from something like the Japanese animated series Dragon Ball Z, who has a magic power and can get anything done."

Having developed most of the technology from scratch, Le said that Koler Wheel plans to create a mobile app capable of pairing with the bike to monitor data such as battery charge levels and distance travelled.

"The bike is made from lightweight composite alloy materials, the generator, battery, controller and the control system are all embedded. The generator, which we developed, is very light," Le said.

Founder of Wuxi Koler Wheel Intelligent Technology, Le Zheng speaks to a reporter at a launch and investment event held on July 30. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China is home to more than 1,200 electric vehicle manufacturers, producing some 125 million vehicles every year, bringing in profits exceeding 300 billion yuan ($45.1 billion). The electric vehicle industry is booming at the moment with an annual growth rate of between 15 and 20 percent.

Wuxi Koler Wheel is located at the Jiangsu Digital Information Park, and is a major high-tech enterprise prioritized by the state.