Walther Wuttke: "Being Free on Two Wheels"
ALTERNATIVE Who invented it? The Swiss, of course - who else? The idea of combining muscle power and electric drive in one bicycle. The first models were mass-produced 25 years ago. Two years earlier, Michael Kutter, a tinkerer from Basel, had assembled the new drive technology in a bicycle. Initially ridiculed, the triumphal procession of the brand began [...]
Two years earlier, Michael Kutter, a tinkerer from Basel, had installed the new drive technology in a bicycle. Initially ridiculed, the triumphant advance of the Flyer brand from the canton of Bern began at that time, bringing countless people back to the idea of going on tour on two wheels.
Often derided as a "grandmother's bike" at the time, the bicycle with electric tailwind has since electrified all segments and age groups.
Flit with charm instead of sweat
Today, it's not so much the bees and mosquitoes buzzing between the trees on the trails as the e-mountain bikes. Speeding instead of sweating - the motto from back then still has its charm.
In the meantime, pedelecs have taken over the role of second car and mommy cab in some families. Passing traffic jams at 45 km/h.
No wonder. Many models cost as much as a small car. Even before Corona, many of our contemporaries preferred to ride their pedelecs rather than buses and trains, and this trend continues to grow in these times.
Freedom gained
With one of the S-pedelecs popular in Switzerland, the commuter can ride past the daily traffic jam at up to 45 km/h and conquer the desk in the office well ventilated.
Although Flyer had to postpone the anniversary celebrations, pedelec riders celebrate their newfound freedom every day when they get on their bikes.
If you would like to join the discussion on Walther Wuttke's thoughts, please write to: info@autosprint.ch
