The FLX Babymaker E-Bike: What makes this bike a 5 million Euro crowdfunding hit?

Still twelve days left at Indiegogo to support the crowdfunding project for the so-called Babymaker-Bike — and currently the turnover generated by pre-orders is almost 5 million Euros! What is behind an e-bike whose name refers to the fact that it is supposed to be the “sexiest and sleekest e-bike there is”? In short: not much new!

Behind the Babymaker is FLX, a brand from San Diego that offers various e-bikes. The new model is barely recognizable as an e-bike, looks quite good without a doubt, and relies on well-known ingredients: The battery is integrated into the frame and has a capacity of 250 Wh, the motor is a hub motor in the rear wheel. The single speed drive is simple and puristic and also contributes to the rather light weight of 14.5 kg.

Currently the bike can be ordered in two versions: As Babymaker Standard with mechanical rim brakes and a conventional bicycle chain and as Babymaker Pro with the Gates Carbon Drive and hydraulic disc brakes from Magura. In addition, all bikes feature an elegant and small display, as already known from the new bikes from Analog Motion. As with almost all crowdfunding campaigns, the price is one of the most striking features: the standard model costs 962 Euros, the pro model still a reasonable 1,226 Euros. Buyers can also choose from six frame colours and two frame sizes, and there are also either bullhorn handlebars or racing bike handlebars.

But – again typical for many crowdfunding campaigns – some questions remain unanswered: It is said that a 350W motor with 500W peak power is used, but only motors with 250W continuous power meet the European pedelec guidelines. Does this mean that the bike is legal to use in Europe? How is the motor support regulated? By torque sensor or only electronically via power levels? And even the only FAQ note about the product hardly helps: “Why is the Babymaker so cool? It was born that way.” At least the production of the bikes shouldn’t be a problem in view of the rather simple technology — the similarly hyped but much more sophisticated Calamus One seems to be still not available.

People from Europe have to add 249 USD for shipping to the above mentioned prices, taxes and customs may be added. This actually makes the advantage of the relatively low price obsolete. Apart from that, this bike does not really offer anything new, which readers of this page have already seen in multiple variations from other, more established manufacturers. Therefore one must ask oneself why this bike generates such hype?

Update (8 June 2020): The campaign has been extended, but is now really over – and pre-orders amounting to over 10 million euros have been received!