Johammer J1 e-bike functions like a Tesla Powerwall

Electric motorcycles (e-bikes) are looking to be the wave of the future, with even major manufacturers like Honda and Yamaha putting e-bikes on the drawing board, along with dedicated makers like Zero, Energica and Malaysian company Treeletrik. Austrian company JoHammer has joined the fray with the J1 e-bike.

Designed by Leonie and Jean-Marie Lawniczak of design studio Yellow and built in-house at its Leonfelden works just north of Linz, Austria, the Johammer J1 puts one in mind of a beetle or insect of some sort. Motive drive comes from an 11 kW rear-wheel hub single-speed maintenance-free motor, that goes up to a peak power output of 16 kW.

The motor, as is the lithium-ion battery pack, is air-cooled, and the entire e-bike is encapsulated in 7 mm thick polypropylene made in Italy by a company that specialises in modular plastic furniture. Corrugated lines in the bodywork remind the author of the World War II-era Junkers Ju.52 “Tante Ju”.

There are two models available – the J1.150 with a range of 150 km, and charging time of two hours and 20 minutes for its 8.3 kWh battery pack, and the J1.200, that gets 200 km range from its 12.7 kWh 1,200 cell battery pack that takes three and-a-half hours to charge. This drops to 80 minutes with an industrial cable and power supply.

Both Johammer e-bikes are electronically-limited to a 120 km/h top speed, and the J1.150 weighs in at 159 kg, while the J1.200 tips the scales at 178 kg. Aluminium is used exclusively for the chassis and running gear of the hub-centre steered Johammer J1.

This includes the frame, which also houses the front and rear suspension, front and rear forks, and well as both wheels – a 19-incher in front and a 17-inch hoop at the back. Braking is with standard hydraulic calipers grabbing 300 mm discs, and the J1 also allows for regenerative braking, letting the battery be topped-up while slowing down.

Seat height is a low 650 mm, about the same as most cruiser motorcycles, with adjustable handlebars and footrests. The J1 has two foot positions for the rider – a “feet-forward” position, like a cruiser, or a swept back position for the rider who wants a sporty seating attitude.

All information relevant to the rider is displayed in the rear-view mirrors – speed in the left mirror, range, battery status and temperature in the right. Currently the Johammer J1 only comes as a single-seater, but there are plans to produce a sidecar version.

When in storage, the J1 can function as a power storage unit for domestic use, much like a Tesla Powerwall. There is enough stored charge in the J1’s battery pack to power an average home for two days.

Battery service life is guaranteed to 200,000 km, or four years, with a residual capacity of at least 85%. Johammer provides an exchange option for battery packs as new or more efficient battery technology becomes available. The exchanged battery packs are re-used as storage modules for solar panels for at least 20 years before disposal, in keeping with Johammer’s corporate philosophy of having a minimal impact on the environment.

Activating the Johammer J1 is via a keyless remote which is worn on the wrist like a watch. Five colour options are available – Silver, White, Blue, Yellow and Green, with custom paintwork an extra-cost option.

Price for the Johammer J1.150 is 22,900 euro (RM108,758), while the J1.200 goes for 24,900 euro (RM118,256). Full- and half-day guided tours are available on the Johammer J1 via Frohlich Sport, that takes the rider across Upper Austria and Southern Bohemia during May to October.

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