Vintage Design Meets Next-Generation Electric Technology

Spain-based Rayvolt Bike launches eXXcite, a technology focussed line of e-cycles

When you think about electric cycles (e-cycles), you’d often imagine them to have a modern design with futuristic lights and come loaded with smart technology. However, Spain-based Rayvolt bike, has a totally different outlook when it comes to the design of such cycles.

Having established a niche for manufacturing electric cycles inspired by old-school design, Rayvolt has launched a new brand called eXXcite, which would roll out new tech-focused e-cycles aimed at a wide range of functional uses.

The flagship of this eXXcite line-up is the X1, a full size e-cycle donning a flowing oversized frame, which looks similar to its siblings from the Rayvolt range. The oversized top tube houses a dock for a phone with an integrated wireless phone charger. This dock uses the phone as a display for the rider, while also using its inbuilt sensors and camera to connect with the bike’s motor and batteries. This in turn allows for remote diagnostics capability through an app called EIVA 2.0, which is a game changer.

The X1 also features a unique pedal regenerative braking, wherein the regeneration capability is built into the pedal assist sensor and motor in reverse. This allows a rider to pedal forwards to go faster, and pedal backwards to engage the regenerative braking to slow the bike down. The EIVA 2.0 further optimises this function as the X1 can be propped up on a standard rear wheel stand indoors and be used as a fixed trainer, wherein the regenerative function is used to recharge the battery. 

Looking away from the technology, this electric cycle features an integrated headlight on the front head tube, and integrated taillight into the rear dropouts. Turn-indicators are also built into the ends of the handlebar that automatically activate while turning. Smart! Also, the X1 features a large motor mounted on the rear wheel as the company found that the larger the diameter, the quieter the motors became.

While the X1 is currently a near complete prototype model slated to be launched later this year, eXXcite has launched two production models – XS and XXS – which are foldable, featuring the same technology as the X1. The XS sports 20-inch wheels and retails at 1800 Euros (Rs 1.47 lakh), while the XXS sports 16-inch wheels and retails at 1700 Euros (1.39 lakh). 

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Due to this price tag, the eXXcite range is not feasible for the Indian market where you can get feature-loaded conventional EVs like the Ather 450X, Ola S1, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak for the same price. Or if you were looking at an e-cycle in India, you could always check out the Hero Lectro C3 and Svitch MXE for just a fraction of the price of the eXXcite range of cycles.