Shadow, a Belgian 3D printing startup, has just launched the Shadow M1, the first 3D printed electric bike.
Recently, Shadow, a Belgian 3D printing startup, has just launched its first 3D printed e-bike, the Shadow M1, which has a 3D printed e-bike frame made of biodegradable polymer material, Mohou.com learned. The company's goal is to offer people a more ecologically responsible bike, so they are made of materials that are more environmentally conscious. Developed, manufactured and assembled in Belgium, the bike minimizes transportation processes, costs and the associated carbon footprint. the Shadow M1 has a range of about 70 kilometers and is priced at 2,499 euros (about R17,000), excluding accessories.
△Shadow M1's frame uses 3D printing technology to provide customers with more riding experience
In Europe and the US, e-bikes are increasingly appearing in cities, aiming to replace cars and thus reduce people's impact on the environment. According to the Light Electric Vehicle Association, nearly 790,000 e-bikes were imported into the U.S. in 202, a significant increase from 463,000 in 2020. This trend will only continue to grow globally, according to data projections. When Shadow saw that the market contained huge market potential, they therefore developed a more environmentally friendly e-bike using 3D printing technology over a 3-year period.
△Shadow customizes 3D printed frames based on each customer's biometric data
Personalization of Shadow M1
Shadow brings a different kind of ordering experience to electric bike customers.
Before ordering a bike, the manufacturer needs to get the customer's biometric data, which the company then enters into design software to adjust the frame's dimensions with a targeted design plan. The frame data is then sent to a 3D printer, a large FFF 3D printing machine (its brand is unknown at this time). It is known to extrude biodegradable CO2 neutral filaments.
Shadow founder Adrien Pire added: " The 3D printer is a revolutionary technology in terms of design. It allows us to build durable bikes that perfectly match the form of each customer. In fact, each Shadow M1 is custom made thanks to the biometric data provided by the customer."
△The Shadow M1's battery is also manufactured in the company's workshop and is available for refurbishment
Other features and delivery times
The Shadow M1's battery is also made in the company's workshop and comes with an official battery refurbishment service, which the company says will significantly shrink post-maintenance costs (less than 10 percent of the bike's value). The battery is 36v 11.4ah (400wh) and can travel about 70km, and users can opt for additional battery upgrades that can increase the maximum range to 100km.
The e-bike is equipped with hydraulic brakes for good safety, mudguards and a saddle to fit every rider. Finally, the company also offers different accessory options to enhance the customer's travel experience. the Shadow M1 is scheduled for delivery in February 2023.
