Turning heads on social channels over the past week or two, WAU has followed up on its successful X-Plus with an all-new prototype, to be launched under the WAU Cyber banner, initially as part of an Indiegogo fundraiser.
First thing’s first, this obviously isn’t going to be your typical e-bike and it’s clear that the influence comes instead from motocross style bikes; indeed there will be a high powered iteration, as well as a speed pedelec, both of which will require the appropriate registrations, insurances and number plates. The pedelec will have pedal assistance and the high-power model will be a Sur Ron Competitor with foot pegs only, which is what differentiates the WAU Cyber if you’re looking instead at high powered electric two wheelers.
However, at the entry point there will also be a standard electric bike version and one that will have a claimed 160-mile assisted range thanks to a pair of removable 1kWh batteries housed inside that bespoke built 6061-T6 Aluminium frame. For the EU market that means a 250W Bafang Mid-drive motor, while for the U.S. it’s 750W.
The dual battery system is smart too, switching from the secondary battery to the main battery automatically. Should you run both down to 10% the power to the bike will cut in order to preserve the security functions, rather than leave the bike exposed. In fact with the battery removed we heard the immobiliser clunk into action automatically.
WAU have dubbed the prototype the Cyber in view of the widespread use of smart electronics. These range the obvious, like the quite unique and distinct RGB customisable, 360-degree lighting that doubles up as both brake lights and indication, through to more sophisticated technology like a blindspot radar and the pair of front and rear cameras that can both show you approaching traffic and record journeys.
It is, in truth, a very automotive inspired affair, with keyless activation turning the e-bike on and an automatic immobiliser securing the bike at the rear wheel when you are not in close proximity. There’s a horn too, a proper one that would certainly be more than enough to be heard on noisy roads.
In the mix of all of this, there are apparently plenty of patents pending and WAU aren’t done with the Cyber yet. Among possible technology integrations, we’re told trials of voice commands, fingerprint unlocking technology and other audible features may still come. Ultimately, this will always be a smart bike, one that can be upgraded easily as new features are developed.
There is a lot still subject to change and the 35kg prototype here came together incredibly quickly in bike industry lead time terms, in fact we’re told it took only 43 days from the factory visit in China for the first prototype to land, while the initial design process concluded only in November. There is, in view of anti-dumping tariffs and the associated price implications, not as yet a final manufacturing destination settled upon, though as reported by Cycling Electric, those hefty tariffs are now up for renewed discussion.
Assuming all goes well with the crowdfunder the first customer bikes may well land in early 2024, we’re told. Five unique limited edition colourschemes are to be made available and those committing to the funding effort will be able to claim one of 25 of each colour bike.
What we don’t have yet is a guide price estimate, but if you are already sat there with your debit card in hand the Indiegogo campaign will go live on July 25th.
Our first impressions of the WAU Cyber
Cycling Electric was the first of the UK cycle press to get a look at the early-stage prototype and here’s our initial impressions.
- Evidently this will be a head turner and indeed the brand’s representatives know that clear distinctions will have to be made when customers are checking out. We’re told that the e-bike version will do away with the throttle found on the prototype in order to be a purely pedal-assist model. The brand has been in close dialogue with the DVSA in order to fine tune its categorisation.
- With the above in mind, it’s fair to say the engineering of the base platform is a from the top down product. It’s a hardtail only option for now with potential that a full suspension model will join in future, but what is clear is that this is robust enough a product for your local motocross track, or fun of your choosing on private land. That point remains no matter the model you choose – the two part aluminium chassis is hardy, the Kenda tyres are 4-inches wide and the assistance is more than enough for steep terrain.
- If you are coming to the WAU Cyber with the e-bike version in mind you’ll likely be doing so for three reasons: a superbly long range, hold storage (that may come to do clever things like refrigeration) and for the Internet of Things (IoT) capability.
- That IoT capability is part of the reason for the WAU Cyber name. In speaking with the electrical engineer we quickly came to understand a pipeline of possibilities that could come to fruition both in time for the Indiegogo and latterly as over the air updates.
- At the time of writing the electrics and software capability are at the upper end of the e-bike market’s spectrum of innovation, but as yet there’s no feature we’d call truly ground breaking, just an impressive broad coverage of some very helpful gadgets. There’s talk of clever accessories like rings with in-built keyless activation and a locking functionality when the owner walks away. At the present time that’s already in motion with an automotive key fob prototype.
- The prototype we rode was not equipped with the final componentry and in view of early testing we’re already told of drivetrain upgrades to cope with the extreme forces being put through the chain and cassettes as one area for development.
- There will of course also be a mobile app, but at the time of writing that’s not something we’ve seen. When that’s available it’ll feature anti-theft features, GPS tracking and all sorts of other smart features that are starting to become more common on electric bikes past a few thousand Pounds.
- The lighting is worth an honourable mention and indeed this is something WAU are chuffed about as it does look the part. It’s no gimmick either and in bright sunlight can be seen, by our estimates, about 400 yards away, with a more focused central light likely to be included in the final spec for allowing the rider to see, as well as be seen.
When the WAU Cyber hits production we hope to host a full review, so keep checking back. In the meantime if you want to learn more about speed pedelecs and the legal stuff, check out some of our back catalogue of content here.