KTM Plays on its Strengths

“KTM is one of the sportive pedelec pioneers and that counts for e-bikes as well”, says company spokesman Stefan Limbrunner. “Increasing sales figures underline the existence of the market for sportive pedelecs. To give you an idea: in 2009 we sold a total of 700 pedelecs. 2010 some 7,000 units left the stores and this season (2011) more than 23,000 have been sold.”

At present KTM works with four suppliers of e-bike systems. These are Bionx, Bosch, Panasonic and Clean Mobile. For 2012 the Austrians are expanding their pedelec range, amongst others with the first 29er pedelec model.

According to KTM’s e-bike/pedelec expert Gerhard Leingartner, “the biggest challenge is to increase the bike’s reach, at less weight and to get this into the market for almost the same price level. That was our main target for 2012.”

This means also that all 2012 KTM pedelecs will have a reach (km-distance) of at least 100 kilometers and up to 155 kilometers distance. This accounts for all 8/14 AH, 36V models. The entry level models with 7/12AH, 25km are excluded and have a 90 kilometer distance.

KTM claims that it’s top offroad pedelecs, the Elycan and the Egnition are able to climb up to 2,000 meters on a single charge. The Egnition was shown as a study last year. For 2012 a limited number of bikes will roll into the market. “Only 88 Egnitions will be produced at our headquarters in Mattighofen and will be sold for € 8,888 each”, says Stefan Limbrunner.

When talking about pedelecs KTM has more to offer than just offroad pedelecs. With ‘E-Shopper’ they are introducing a cargo and mobility pedelec rolling on 24-inch wheels with the Bosch e-drive system. According to Limbrunner, “E-Shopper is a vision. We haven’t fixed price points yet but we think first deliveries will be mid-2012 and not earlier”.