Detroit offers new e

DETROIT (BRAIN) — Detroit Bikes' new DB-E model has a U.S.-made steel frame, VEER belt drive and a Zehus hub motor with integrated battery. The bike weighs just 32 pounds, the company says.

The Zehus hub is similar to the one used by Cooper Bikes on models that BRAIN wrote about last April. The 250-watt motor has no wires; it can be adjusted wirelessly via a phone app. It offers 20 miles of range in its strongest power mode or 35 miles in an Eco mode. Its integrated Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) allows the motor to collect braking energy and recharge the battery while riding.

Detroit says the Veer belt drive lasts four times longer than a chain and is 200 grams lighter.

"We are immensely proud of the newest Detroit Bike — our first USA-made e-bike. From the frames we weld in our factory to the phenomenal motor, drivetrain and components designed to change the way you think about electric bikes, this is a revolutionary machine," the company said.

The bike comes in two colors and three sizes. It retails for $2,999 on Detroit's website, where the company is currently taking $500 deposits, with shipment expected in March.

Detroit, owned by Cardinal Cycling Group, announced in November that is manufacturing an e-bike model for Vela.