Finland-based Verge Motorcycles is gearing up to start production of one of the most unique electric motorcycles to ever hit the market. The TS, as it’s called, has a strikingly unique feature: a hubless rear wheel.
In an interesting video from the excellent Fully Charged Show, which you can watch above, you can get an overview of how the TS performs — and especially how Verge has managed to put the motorcycle’s “heart” into a single wheel.
The hubless setup in the TS is both simple and complex. The electric motor is placed inside the rear tire. The central part of the system is supported by the swingarm, and the outer part rotates as if on tracks.
The rim also features electromagnets that, when powered by the motor, repel each other, causing the outer part of the rim to turn and drive the bike forward.
And while it’s unusual to see a wheel with a hole in the middle, this design choice serves two purposes: it can enhance cooling, and reduce bulk weight.
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Plus, according to the company, the lack of a chain, belt, or gearbox make the TS extremely efficient — the motor can deliver a commendable 107 horsepower, and an insane 1,000Nm of torque.
You can’t find another machine on two wheels that gets even half as close to this figure. I mean, it’s only comparable to hypercars like those from Bugatti, or the Rimac Nevera if you’re thinking of an EV.
As for the TS’ other specs, it can hit a top speed of 180km/h, and 300km or 200km of range in the city and highway respectively.
As you can imagine, the bike won’t come cheap. It’s priced at $23,681, but that’s not really unreasonable for the first motorcycle of this kind. Production is set to begin this year, so hopefully we won’t have to wait too long to get our hands on it.
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