For years, boaters have used folding bikes for convenient shore transportation. More recently, the spotlight has shown on electric bikes, particularly from the green movement which lauds them as alternative forms of transport. Torrot, the leading Spanish electric motorcycle and moped company, has created a stir by combining the two. Known as eBikes, these two-wheeled wonders blend the portability of a folding bicycle with the efficient mobility of an electric-assist bike.
eBikes are not mopeds or scooters because they are not fully self-propelled. Instead, Torrot’s duo of folding electric-assist bikes is referred to as Pedelecs (pedaled bicycles that are electrically assisted, yet not fully motorized). The City Surfer model, built lightweight and with convenience in mind, is intended for casual riding in urban environments. T Dakota line offers two editions, one for adventurous sports riding and one for heavy urban travel.
No matter where you venture as an RVer, Torrot’s eBikes are an incredible means for getting around town or exploring the countryside. Mark Berg, operations manager for Torrot North America says, “Our lightweight completely foldable electric assist bicycles are the perfect travel bikes for RV travelers, campers, and boaters to take with on their journeys. They make a sunset cruise around the park a great experience for all ages.
Torrot’s History
Torrot got its start in Vitoria Spain in 1948 when founder Don Luis Iriondo began manufacturing touring and road bicycles. In the 1950s, the company entered into a licensing agreement with French brand Dijon-Terrot to create mopeds and motorcycles, creating the company Terrot S.A.E. In 1958, Peugeot absorbed Terrot but closed the division two years later. In 1960, Don Luis regained control, changed the “e” in the name to “o” and kept alive his line of mopeds and lightweight motorcycles. Thus, Torrot was born.
In the 1970s, Torrot manufactured popular motorcycles powered by German Sachs engines and again started manufacturing bicycles like the Cross MX, the forerunner of today’s mountain bikes. By the 1990s, Torrot stopped manufacturing its popular bicycles, but was reborn in 2011, driven by their vision to provide sustainable, practical means of transportation.
In the 21st-century, Torrot turned their energies to building electric and hybrid vehicles, including eBikes and other environmentally-conscious vehicles.
Couple rides their City Surfers in park. [Photo/Torrot Electric Europa S.A.]
City Surfer
The City Surfer is a small, foldable, lightweight bicycle designed for riders who “surf” the city. It features an aluminum alloy chassis weighing in at only 46 lbs (21kg) easily carried on public transportation. The seat is designed for extra comfort, and both the seat and handlebars are fully adjustable, accommodating nearly any rider.
As with traditional bicycles, the City Surfer has front and rear disk brakes, which are operated from handlebar levers. A 7-speed Shimano transmission making the bike nimble and powerful when needed.
Noteworthy, of course, is that the bike is foldable. It takes only a few seconds to fold, making it small enough to easily fit an RV’s storage area, in your house, or even carried on a bus thanks to a carrying handle.
Then, there’s its signature electrically-assisted pedaling. A small digital control panel on the handlebar allows you to power on the eBike and select from one of three levels of power assistance during pedaling. A removable 36-volt lithium-ion battery pack provides 250 watts of power which can propel you up to 15 mph for approximately 30 miles. A wall charger can recharge the battery in less than five hours.
Torrot North America claims, “The City Surfer is the perfect bicycle to get you around the campground, thru the campus or from city block to city block. Electric assist, front suspension, disk brakes PLUS it folds up.” Gran Prix Cycle in Albany Oregon is impressed noting, “These folding, electric assisted bicycles are incredibly innovative…these bikes are easy to take anywhere whether you are riding it or carrying it in its compact folded form!”
Pricing for the City Surfer begins around $1,100 for the base model and around $1,400 for the “C” series outfitted with LCD control panel, hydraulic brakes, and lights. Optional accessories include a child’s seat, rear basket, luggage storage (with capacity up to 48 lbs), and extra battery.
Dakota Line
Coming soon, on the heels of the City Surfer’s success is the new Dakota line, designed with more rigorous riding in mind. Two versions - one for mountain biking and one for heavy urban use - feature the same sporty aluminum frame, but have different components depending on the intended environment. Like the City Surfer, Dakota frames are made of lightweight aluminum weighing in at approximately 55 lbs (25 kg) with battery.
The Torrot Dakota is the more adventurous sister of the Dakota line, featuring off-road tires mounted on 29-inch wheels and a front fork designed for delivering safety and a smooth ride over difficult terrain. It has a 9-speed Shimano transmission and Shimano hydraulic brakes with 180 mm discs.
A 250-watt Torrot brushless motor has enough power to climb almost any slope. The handlebar-mounted display allows the rider to select from 5 levels of pedal assistance. Under most normal conditions, the 36-volt Samsung lithium-ion battery will deliver up to 25 mph assist over a range of 30 miles. Like the City Surfer, recharging can be done at any household outlet in less than 6 hours.
The Dakota Urban edition shares many characteristics with its mountain bike sister; but, certain components have been adapted to riding in urban environments. Although the geometry is the same as the Torret, the Dakota Urban is outfitted with Schwalbe G-One speed tires intended for asphalt and it has a rigid carbon fork that lightens the weight for easier day-to-day riding.
Torrot has a network of 12 dealerships across the continental United States in California, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, South Dakota, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, and New York.