Kalkhoff Impulse Introduction

Kalkhoff is one of the most significant players driving electric bicycle development. About five years ago they took the Panasonic system used in the much-loved Giant Lafree, boosted its assistance levels, reliability and range and used it to power breakthrough e-bikes like the Agattu and Pro Connect onto a stagnating electric bike scene. They quickly became best-sellers across Europe and in the UK.

As part of the largest cycle manufacturing group in Europe (and therefore the world) Kalkhoff has unrivalled research, development and testing facilities at its headquarters in Cloppenburg in northwest Germany. This bore fruit last season with the introduction of ultra-long-range, long-lifespan battery packs that saw Kalkhoff electric bikes opening up an even greater market lead by offering ranges of up to 140 kilometres per charge.

Sudden Impulse
Then out of the blue last Spring, Kalkhoff revealed that their formidable resources had been focused on the design, manufacture and integration of the very best electric bicycle system from the scratch.

When the system was unveiled by Derby Cycle CEO Matthias Seidler in Berlin last March the surprise announcement went down so well with the German e-bike dealers present that they promptly placed orders for several thousand Impulse-equipped bikes within a day of that first podium presentation.

Kalkhoff Impulse comes to 50cycles this season
Quickly recognising the international potential of their Impulse e-bike drive, Kalkhoff developed a free wheel version (the original was designed for use with coaster or back-pedal brakes that are popular in Germany) which debuts on our Agattu Impulse electric bike range this season.

Kalkhoff have taken a good long look at the Panasonic system and made a number of improvements that add up to improve the overall riding experience. Compared to the 26 volt Panasonic system that has powered Kalkhoff ebikes for years, there is noticeably more power, greater efficiency and improved rideability with the 36 volt Impulse. Next: What it's like to ride