Some of today’s electric cars on the road look like a utopia come true from science fiction films of the 1980s or 1990s. Among bicycles, basically only fully enclosed recumbent bikes can compete with such a futuristic design. Models like the Frikar from Podbike show that even these can be built as ebikes. However, they can also be more streamlined.
A cigar? A shark? An ebike.
A manufacturer from the Czech Republic is currently working on such a bike. It’s called the Katanga VM45. That already sounds fast, doesn’t it 😉 A version of the electric recumbent bike with four wheels is even to be launched on the market as an S-pedelec. Company manager Stephane Boving describes the vehicle as a hybrid between a bicycle and a small car. Somewhat disparagingly, its shape could be described as a cigar with a shark fin. The monocoque, made of aramid, carbon fibre and epoxy, turns out slightly wider than a single-track fully-clad recumbent. At 94 centimetres, however, it is still quite easily within the range that is permitted when riding on bike lanes.
Without the skylight, you can exceptionally feel the wind in your hair.
When the large swinging door opens, the view is revealed to a single seat. The roof window built into the door can be removed, so that in the right weather you can almost turn the VM45 into a small convertible. Pictures show that the door swings open very far. Together with the low entrance, this should make getting in and out easy.
The swinging door makes it easy to get on and off.
Spacious single-seater
As expected, the interior is spartan. The most comfortable part is the moulded, ergonomic seat with its continuous backrest. Otherwise, you’re looking at rudimentary plastics, at least for the time being. It is quite possible that this will be different in the final version of the ebike. Two handles protrude from the bottom on both sides of the seat. They help you steer the Katanga VM45. On the left handle there is also a mount for a display from which the relevant riding data can be read.
Katanga manager Stephane Boving in the VM45.
There seems to be plenty of space to the front, so that even people with long legs should be able to fit in. However, the manufacturer has not yet given any information on minimum and maximum body length on its website. There is further usable space behind the passengers. Smaller luggage will presumably find space next to and directly behind the seat. Anything larger can go into the 350-litre boot. It is accessible from the end of the vehicle via a separate door. With a tare weight of 79 kilograms including the battery, however, there are not too many options left for luggage. The maximum permitted total weight is 200 kilograms. Assuming you add 100 kilograms of body weight to the calculation, you can still load about 20 kilograms. This is certainly enough for some work equipment or groceries. However, the dimensions of the VM45 are much smaller than those of a small car.
View over the folded seat into the boot
Impressive range
Katanga has chosen the French manufacturer Valeo Effigear for the drive. In the version for the speed pedelec, the mid-mounted motor called Cyclee delivers 750 watts in continuous operation. At its peak, this value rises briefly to 1,500 watts. Thanks to the torque of 130 Newton metres, the VM45 should be quite lively to ride. If you use this power carefully, you can apparently go very far. In initial tests, the ebike with the 1.24 kilowatt-hour battery reached ranges of up to 255 kilometres in eco mode. This is where the fully enclosed recumbent bike comes into its own with its excellent aerodynamics and low rolling resistance.
Cyclee by Valeo Effigear with motor-gearbox unit
Similar to the MGU from Pinion, the Cyclee also combines motor and gearbox in a common housing. The seven gears as well as the reverse gear can be shifted either manually or automatically. According to Katanga, there are still some final improvements to be made to the drive. Recuperation, for example, seems to be causing problems. Valeo is also facing sporadic malfunctions and would like to implement promised additional functions.
Comfortable chassis
If everything runs smoothly later on, a special riding experience probably awaits the riders. The drive raises high hopes. For most people, riding in such a sporty vehicle in an almost reclining position is a special experience in itself. And to make it a permanently pleasant one, Katanga has developed a fully suspended chassis. The front axle has 45 millimetres of suspension travel. At the rear there is 60 millimetres. In this way, the manufacturer prevents every bump from driving painfully into your spine. You should still steer clear of coarser cobblestones. But for what you can expect on paved cycle paths and smaller roads, the suspension system should be quite sufficient. And really good asphalt – that will be a dream to ride.
Thanks to the two doors, the recumbent is easily accessible from all sides.
To ensure that the 20-inch wheels come to a halt at the right moment, 90-millimetre drum brakes are fitted at the front and 160-millimetre disc brakes at the rear. The latter also function as parking brakes. In addition, there is the complete safety package with horn, two rear-view mirrors, a complete lighting system, brake light and a light for reverse gear.
Interested parties need patience
After Katanga started developing this ebike in January 2021, a complete model was on its four wheels for the first time in May 2023. At present, this is mainly in use for testing purposes. Above all, endurance tests are on the agenda at the moment. At the same time, the manufacturer is looking for ways to minimise the noise of the motor. Of course, Valeo Effigear is also involved in this. By the end of the year, they want to have made a significant step forward.
The drive and wheels can only be accessed by unscrewing the fairing on the underbody.
In a year at the earliest, Katanga expects to receive approval from the European Union for the speed pedelec. The version with a 250-watt motor and electric assistance limited to 25 kilometres per hour could go faster. Such a model could then cost around 13,000 euros – plus VAT. Those who want to can apparently also buy a VM45 without e-drive. As things stand, this could cost around 11,000 euros. Due to the pending approval, it is not possible to say anything about potential delivery dates at the moment. Even the name has probably not yet been finalised. So from our point of view, it can stay with the VM45. It sounds somehow fitting and is easy to remember. Or what do you think?
Katanga VM45 at a glance
- Chassis: Aramid, carbon fibre and epoxy
- Motor: Valeo Cyclee
- Battery: 1,240 Wh
- Display: Valeo Cyclee
- Brakes: drum brakes, 90 mm; hydraulic disc brakes, 160 mm
- Weight including battery: 79 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 200 kg
- Price for ebike without VAT: around 13,000 euros
Pictures: Katanga s.r.o.
