Let's take a deeper dive into the topic. The integration of traditional bicycle frames for long-range e-bikes and high-speed electric vehicles turned out to be quite a complex task. If we compare it to the history of automotive innovation, it's somewhat similar to adapting a gasoline engine into a horse-drawn cart. Carl Benz certainly managed to pull it off, but his design was tested rigorously, notably during Bertha Benz's historic journey. Here's what that early vehicle looked like.

 *Courtesy of Mercedes Benz* As you can see, it doesn't resemble modern cars much. This is because early innovators adapted existing structures rather than creating new designs. Benz used a cart, and today's engineers often start with regular bicycles. However, it quickly became clear that using standard cycling frames for electric bikes leads to structural failures. Much like how early gasoline engines damaged wooden carriages, electric motors and large batteries put immense stress on conventional bike frames. For starters, electric bikes need high-capacity rechargeable batteries and powerful electric motors, which must be securely mounted onto the frame. Unlike manual bikes, which rely purely on human muscle power, electric bikes transfer significant torque through the wheels. This increases strain on the tires, rims, and spokes. Moreover, no typical bike frame is designed to handle the twisting forces generated by high-torque electric motors, especially in aluminum frames with forks. Engineers have been working hard to reinforce these frames, but durability issues persist. Welds and bolts frequently fail under the added stress. That’s why we’ve seen a shift towards developing specialized frames tailored specifically for electric bikes. After testing various configurations, we landed on our own innovative design. Now, let’s talk about the battery. A high-capacity rechargeable battery pack consists of multiple interconnected cells, forming a bulky and heavy assembly. It’s a critical component for achieving long ranges, which is one of the key features of electric bikes. Naturally, bigger is better when it comes to capacity. Imagine trying to fit a carriage with only a 20-kilometer range – it wouldn’t be practical at all. Our current battery setup looks like this:  However, fitting such a large battery into a conventional bike frame presents two major challenges. First, there’s simply no space available. Second, a smaller battery would compromise the range, which is unsuitable for long-distance riders. Urban commuters might get away with compact batteries, but they’re not ideal for everyone. Typically, these smaller setups look like this:  In this configuration, the battery occupies the area meant for a water bottle, and the motor controller is housed in a simple black plastic enclosure. It’s reminiscent of Benz’s first car, isn’t it? But for larger, more powerful batteries, this approach won’t work. For one, it’s nearly impossible to fit them properly, and secondly, they require robust mechanical protection. The battery compartment needs to maintain optimal operating temperatures and protect against mechanical impacts. Lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable, so proper insulation is crucial. Additionally, given the substantial weight of these batteries, they must be positioned in a way that keeps the bike’s center of gravity low. A high center of gravity makes balancing difficult, especially at higher speeds. To address these concerns, Delfast designed a unique frame where the battery compartment functions as a protective, box-like structure. Think of it as the equivalent of a PC tower case.  This frame not only houses the battery but also serves as its protective casing. Its design ensures the center of gravity remains low, enhancing stability and performance. The frame’s dimensions depend on the battery and control electronics, maintaining a consistent shape and size. While this resembles a motorcycle chassis more than a traditional bicycle frame, the height customization is straightforward. By adjusting wheel sizes or saddle heights, we can accommodate riders between 166 cm and 180 cm and beyond. Just reach out to our sales team before purchasing to ensure the best fit. In conclusion, our innovative frame design combines functionality with versatility, making it suitable for riders of all heights. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come from the early days of electric mobility. If you're considering an e-bike, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice.