Ridetronic

Based in Munich, Germany, Ridetronic GmbH positions itself as a manufacturer of lightweight electric bicycles tailored for the urban commuter. The company was founded in 2017 by Thomas Janowski, Paul Klarhöfer, and Maximilian Gassner, a team comprising a mechanical engineer, an electrical engineer, and a business innovation specialist. The founding idea stemmed from personal frustration with city traffic and the lack of e-bikes that were simultaneously light, aesthetically pleasing, and powerful. The founders initially met and conceived the idea while working together at a battery startup in Munich.

Ridetronic's core offering is its 'Model 2' e-bike, which is notable for its low weight, starting from 13 kg, making it significantly lighter than many conventional e-bikes. This is achieved through their proprietary 'TronicDrive' system, featuring a rear hub motor and a removable battery. The battery weighs just 1.3 kg and offers a range of up to 50-60 km. The drive system provides a smooth power assist adapted to the rider's input via an integrated torque sensor. The bikes can be controlled via a handlebar display and a companion app that offers advanced data and smart navigation features. A key feature is that the battery can be removed for convenient charging anywhere.

The company's business model originally focused on direct-to-consumer sales through its webshop, supplemented by a network of student 'Ambassadors' who offer test rides for a sales commission. They have since expanded to include service partnerships for maintenance and support. Ridetronic has a broad corporate purpose that includes the manufacturing and sale of bicycles, e-bikes, components, and offering rental and repair services. The company has received funding through various channels, including grants from entities like the Exist Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy and participation in accelerator programs such as Xpreneurs and EIT Climate-KIC. They also ran a successful product crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo in 2019, raising over $300,000.

Keywords: Ridetronic, lightweight e-bike, urban mobility, electric bicycle, TronicDrive, removable battery, direct-to-consumer, Munich startup, commuter bike, rear hub motor, torque sensor, e-bike manufacturer, smart bike, city e-bike, sustainable transport, German engineering, bicycle components, e-bike conversion, pedelec, micromobility