Ariel has re-entered the bicycle manufacturing arena with the groundbreaking Ariel Dash e-bike, meticulously engineered from the ground up to meet exacting automotive and aerospace standards. This innovative e-bike is available in two distinct models: Urban and Adventure, each designed to cater to specific riding experiences.
The Ariel Dash celebrates a significant milestone, marking a return to bicycle production after a 92-year hiatus, and paying homage to the world’s first series production vehicle, the Ariel Ordinary, built in 1871. With an overall weight of just 10.9 kilograms, this e-bike boasts an ultra-clean design, featuring an in-frame battery and no visible hoses or cables.
The frame of the Dash is a masterpiece of engineering, constructed from a combination of 3D-printed titanium, titanium tubing, and carbon fiber. The bike also features carbon fiber forks and a 250W 55Nm Mahle hub motor, all contributing to its lightweight and robust structure. The integrated battery provides a range of up to 50 miles, which can be extended to 95 miles with an additional battery extender.
Developed over five years of research and intensive design by the same in-house Ariel team responsible for the iconic Atom and Nomad cars, the Ace motorcycle, and the HIPERCAR EV, the Dash embodies Ariel’s commitment to high-performance engineering and innovative design. This e-bike is a testament to Ariel’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to delivering a superior riding experience.
The Ariel Dash is built to exacting automotive standards and is available in two models: the Dash Urban and the Dash Adventure. Each model features a titanium and carbon frame, but with different geometries, drivetrains, and specifications to suit their intended use. The Dash Urban is a city-focused bike with single-speed, belt-drive technology, offering a power-assisted range of up to 45 miles, extendable to 80 miles. The Dash Adventure is designed for diverse terrains, equipped with a chain-drive and 12 gears, providing around 50 miles of power-assisted riding, extendable to 95 miles.
The frame, weighing just 1.3 kilograms, is a blend of titanium and carbon fiber, with 3D-printed titanium nodes at each joint. The frame is hand-welded and chemically bonded, showcasing Ariel’s unique mix of cutting-edge technology and craftsmanship. Ariel’s ‘Less is More’ philosophy is evident in the Dash’s design, with all brake, gear, and control systems routed internally, resulting in a sleek and efficient design.
Both models are powered by Mahle powertrains with 250W rear hub motors and internally mounted 36-volt battery packs. Each Dash e-bike is custom-made to order, assembled and signed off by a single Ariel technician, ensuring the highest quality and personalized service.
The Dash e-bike not only sets new standards in usability, comfort, and performance but also commemorates Ariel’s rich history. The Ariel Ordinary, introduced in 1871, was the world’s first series production vehicle, revolutionizing transport and setting the stage for Ariel’s legacy in innovative engineering.
Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel, emphasizes the significance of the Ariel Ordinary and its role in the automotive industry’s inception. The return to bicycle manufacturing with the Dash marks the completion of an engineering journey that began over a century and a half ago, maintaining the same principles of innovation and lightweight manufacturing.
The Ariel Dash e-bike is a remarkable fusion of historical reverence and modern technology, offering a premium riding experience that honors Ariel’s storied past while looking towards the future.
Ariel Dash – Frame and Drive System
At the heart of the Dash is a unique titanium and carbon fiber frame, weighing only 1.3 kg. The frame is a result of an engineering-first approach, combining 3D-printed titanium nodes, titanium tubes, and carbon fiber moldings to achieve the best balance of strength, responsiveness, and comfort. The titanium nodes, produced using selective laser melting, feature internal mesh structures that reduce wall thickness to less than 1mm while maintaining necessary strength.
The Mahle hub motor, the lightest production e-bike motor at 1,399 grams, provides direct power delivery to the rear wheel, optimizing weight distribution and power efficiency. The integrated 36V battery, housed in the downtube, powers the motor and LED lights, ensuring minimal wiring and a sleek design. The battery charges from 0 to 100% in just 2.5 hours, with an optional range extender available.
Ariel Dash – Controls and Components
The Dash features intuitive controls, including a single button on the top tube to adjust motor assistance levels and control the lights. The ‘My Smartbike’ app, available for Android and Apple devices, offers additional functions such as navigation and performance logging, integrating seamlessly with Strava for fitness tracking.
Standard components include Aera GR23 wheels, Hope RS4 hubs, and Shimano GRX hydraulic brake calipers. The Dash Urban comes with Schwalbe G-One All Round tires, while the Dash Adventure is fitted with Schwalbe G-One Speed tires, optimized for various terrains.
Ariel Dash – Customization and Pricing
Every Ariel Dash e-bike is built to order, allowing for customization to meet individual preferences. Options include polished frames, range extenders, carbon wheels, and specialized handlebars. The Dash Urban starts at £8,320 + VAT, and the Dash Adventure is priced from £9,160 + VAT.
For more information and to explore the Ariel Dash, visit Ariel Motor.
