Source: powered by THE PACK | The first concept of the MCR (Mini City Racer) from the ottobike Group (Taiwan) made its debut already at EICMA 2017 in Milan. Today, the ottobike Group presents a completely new (and production-ready) range of 3 street electric motorcycles: the MCR-H, MCR-M and the single seated MCR-S under the new brand ovaobike. And they are not so “mini” compared with the first concept in 2017. Early November, THE PACK and Electric Motorbikes | E-center was invited to have a look at these new motorbikes at a secret place in The Netherlands. And even better, we had the opportunity to do some short test rides with all 3 models under supervision by the Taiwanese/Dutch marketing team.
Lee Yu Chi (Chairman) and Jerry HSU (General Manager) from the ottobike Group have developed their new vision on e-mobility with an enthusiastic team in New Taipei City. “ovaobike” will be the new overall brand name for the street motorbikes range. Besides that, the company will also be presenting a new cafe racer (with 17 inch wheels), an urban scooter and a new range of adventure and city e-bikes at EICMA 2021.
ovaobike range
The ottobike Group was responsible for the complete electric vehicle design and development in co-operation with Noon Design (specialised in transportation design) and VPIC (known for their high quality precision components and world-class vehicle production capacity). Almost all parts were created and developed in-house with an exquisite minimal styling. Every model has 4 ride mode: Eco, Comfort, Sport and a Turbo button. The reverse mode is also very useful in some circumstances.
Turbo button
A new feature that we discovered on each model was the turbo button. When you reached the speed of 80 km/h in “Sport” mode (and your battery still has more than 50%), the LCD dashboard indicated (with flashing knobs) that you could use the turbo button for a boost of 10 seconds. Just push the button with your right thumb and off you go. It’s not Fast and Furious style but it gave a temporary boost.
Regenerative braking system
This is always one of my favourites on electric motorbikes. And the best part is that you can set up the regeneration brake capacity. With a little pedal on your left foot you can arrange the strength of the regenerative braking system. When you ride at the highest level, you barely have to use the normal brakes. When riding in the city, this is a great safety solution because you control the complete bike with one hand.
MCR-H
The MCR-H (7 kW) is the startup model from the ovaobike range and is a no-nonsense and very manoeuvrable electric motorbike with a good riding position. I think it’s the ideal motorcycle for young motorcyclists and beginners. Although, this bike will be appreciated by any age when used in an urban environment. Experienced riders will miss perhaps that little bit more of extra power … the speed is limited to 105 km/h. With the rear wheel hub motor, there is almost no maintenance and no noise. The MCR-H has a little storage box (no helmet).
- Motor: air cooled Hub Motor
- Max speed: 105 km/h (with turbo button)
- Charging time (20%-80%): 3 hrs
- Full battery range: 110 km à 50 km/h
- Weight: 165 kg (including battery)
- Dimensions: 1887mm x 920 mm x 1200 mm
MCR-M
The MCR-M (11 kW) clearly focuses on the commuter with home-work travel. The smooth riding MCR-M was a very pleasant surprise with a stronger acceleration than the MCR-H. With the Brembo brakes you keep everything under control and with 2 batteries on board, you have a range of 230 km with a 50 km/h speed. Despite the slightly smaller wheel sizes than most traditional motorbikes, I had a very safe feeling on the semi-wet test track (both on the straight line and in the curves). This motorbike could also be an interesting solution for corporate fleet owners.
- Motor: liquid cooled Mid Motor
- Max speed: 130 km/h (with turbo button)
- Charging time (20%-80%): 5.5 hrs
- Full battery range: 230 km à 50 km/h
- Weight: 188 kg (including battery)
- Dimensions: 1924 mm x 920 mm x 1204 mm
MCR-S
This single seated electric motorbike with it’s large “tank” (sorry, wrong word) is one of a kind. It is clearly the most voluminous of the ovaobike urban street range. And it’s fast, I can tell … I had to drag Gert-Jan Rongen (Electric Motorbikes | E-center) from this bike all the time to ride it myself. No, seriously, when you are seated on the bike, you become one with this motorcycle and it invites you to hit the road. The riding position has a slightly more sporty attitude than with the 2 previous models. And it had character, you gotta keep it under control. This was great fun. And did I mention you can store a helmet in that “tank”?
- Motor: liquid cooled Mid Motor
- Max speed: 148 km/h (with turbo button)
- Charging time (20%-80%): 5.5 hrs
- Full battery range: 210 km à 50 km/h
- Weight: 184 kg (including battery)
- Dimensions: 1926 mm x 920 mm x 1117 mm
About ottobike Group
The ottobike Group is an electric vehicle manufacturer with its headquarter in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Founded in 2016 by a Group of fanatics in innovative designs, the ottobike Group’s mission is to define the future of mobility and deliver the revolution worldwide. With experiences and competences in vehicle design, system integration and manufacturing, the ottobike Group has established its outstanding product lineup equipped with the most innovative and advanced technology.
With this new ovaobike range, the ottobike Group has a lot of ambition and has entered the European market with ottobike Europe B.V. Its headquarters and warehouses are in Utrecht with the European sales and marketing department, technical support, after sales and technical training possibilities for new dealers. Future dealers will also be well supported with marketing and promotion tools and get full cooperation from the Taiwanese marketing department in The Netherlands. The ottobike Group is convinced of a transparent communication and will have an open mind to listen to the feedback of their customers to still more improve their products.
Pictures credit: © THE PACK
