It
is one of five different concept vehicles with which the BMW Group is
presenting its vision of individual
mobility in c ties and their surrounding areas at the IAA Mobility event. Under
a single umbrella spanning electric mobility, digitality and sustainability,
the five pioneering concepts create a versatile mobility mix on two and four
wheels fuelled by sustainable thinking which comprehensively addresses an
extremely wide range of mobility needs.
AMBY
is a neologism for “adaptive mobility”. The BMW i Vision Amby and BMW Motorrad
Vision Amby Vision Vehicles interpret the basic idea of adaptive urban mobility
on two wheels in different ways. The two vehicles are both fitted with an
electric drive system with three speed ratings for different types of roads.
The drive system enables speeds of up to 25 km/h on cycle tracks, up to 45 km/h
on city-centre roads and up to 60 km/h on multi-lane roads and outside urban
areas.
However,
insurance plates and a corresponding licence are required for the higher
speeds. While users of the BMW i Vision Amby high-speed pedelec have to
constantly pedal in order to benefit from the assistance of the electric drive
system, the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY accelerates via a throttle grip/throttle
lever and has motorcycle-style footrests instead of pedals.
The
modes available to the rider are stored in the app on the smartphone linked
with the “AMBY” Vision Vehicle. Manual selection of the modes is perfectly
feasible, as are automatic recognition of location and road type via geofencing
technology and the associated automatic adjustment of top speed. In the absence
of any existing legal framework for a vehicle of this kind with a modular speed
concept, the
“AMBY”
Vision Vehicles set out to prompt the introduction of such legislation and by
consequence developments of this nature. The BMW Group is therefore showing its
keenness to remain part of the mobility conversation in cities, even if in the
years ahead those cities offer motor cars an increasingly small space in which
to function.
The
battery is positioned in the centre of the frame. Its 2,000 Wh enables a range
of up to 300 km (186 miles), depending on the riding mode. Thanks to fast
charging technology, it recharges in only three hours. The drive unit, which is
positioned close to the pedals and is also black in colour, only provides
assistance when the pedals are being turned. Power transfer is by
low-maintenance toothed belt, and
the
transmission is integrated into the drive system. A sophisticated single-sided
swinging arm otherwise unique to BMW Motorrad links the rear wheel with the
frame. 120 mm of suspension travel front and rear is ideal for all applications
in and around town at speeds of up to 60 km/h. The 27.5-inch wheels are fitted
with larger and wider tyres than normal in order to ensure exceptional comfort
and safety even at higher speeds.