Fiido has introduced a new, particularly powerful e-bike, which is also supposed to stand out thanks to the especially high possible range that it offers. The bike should be compatible with various accessories as well and can therefore handle a lot of luggage too.
You make good points. Indeed, you’ve given me reason to look into the ratio of aerodynamic drag versus frictional losses for an ebike, since at even Class 3 speeds, I’m now doubting myself whether the friction of additional weight would significantly increase the power needed for cruising.
That said, on the minor point, I would humorously posit that 8.5 pounds (approx the weight of 1 gallon of milk; 3.8 kg) of battery is different than 8.5 pounds of rider, since out of fairness, we should assume the rider is unchanged between different ebike comparisons. Certainly, I’d love to shed 8 pounds off of myself to get a bit extra range haha
I suppose the benefit of this format of using range-extending batteries means that the weight penalty need not be borne when undesired. It does, however, make me wonder if the base battery has sufficient range in the heavily-loaded scenario, or if the cargo aspect can only reasonably be realized by having at least one extended battery, at addition cost.
Battery weight is something you can move around the frame. That means you have some ability to lower the center of gravity, and also change aerodynamics. The same weight in a rider is worse for both in general. (this is one reason why recumbents are so good - they never caught on though - there might or might not be good reasons for that)
More food for thought is why the electric velomobile has not caught on. With its aerodynamic fairing paired with electric assist, this should ostensibly enable true independent, inter-city personnel transportation, cruising away at some 50+ kph.
I know the answer is probably to do with road infrastructure, but I can dream, can’t I‽‽ :)
Now we need the safety protection from a car, airbags and all the other things needed to make those speed semi safe for humans. Once you have that the contributions of the.humans is insignificant so we may as well call them a car and forget about pedals