Development of the FLYER e-bikes
The origin: Red Buffalo (1993)
Philippe Kohlbrenner constructed this first FLYER himself. He lived on the Lueg hill in the Emmental region and worked for a power engineering company at the bottom of the valley. Legend has it that his wife was such a good cook that he always wanted to ride home for lunch up the hill. However, at some point, the 300-metre difference in altitude got too much for him, which is why he had the idea of motorising his bicycle. To achieve this, he fitted a lorry windscreen wiper motor and a car battery. He used an ampere meter to control motor performance, while a simple flip switch on the handlebars served to start the “Red Buffalo", whose name originated from the red-painted frame of this first FLYER e-bike and the aerodynamic handlebar position.
The FLYER originated from a need to get around and was developed in several stages. After the first prototype of an electrified bicycle, “Red Buffalo” (“Roter Büffel”), hit the road in 1993, the company BKTech AG produced a small series of a first serial product from 1995 to 1999: the FLYER Classic.
Previous FLYER e-bike models
FLYER F Series, 2000 - 2003 model years
This was followed by the innovative FLYER F Series in a sporty design and with innovative technology.
FLYER L Series, 2010 - 2013 model years
The L Series with its low top tube emphasised the dynamic nature of this sporty-elegant all-rounder. The L Series was available in the standard colours silver or pearl white – or in your favourite RAL colour on request. A wide range of components and features were available, depending on the area of application.
FLYER X Series, 2010 - 2013 model years
At the time, the first FLYER e-bike with full suspension was the sportiest as well as the most comfortable of all the FLYER model lines, setting new standards in terms of riding comfort and off-road capability. It was a milestone in the world of electric bicycles. The frame concept with full suspension in silver, black, and white with the 4-joint rear fork and extremely responsive suspension smoothed out almost all bumps.
FLYER i:SY, 2010 - 2013 model years
The compact i:SY bicycle with its special frame geometry and 20” wheels with comfortable balloon tyres offered a surprisingly smooth ride and high level of riding comfort with extremely compact dimensions and a low step-through frame. The i:SY models were available in the colours brushed aluminium, white, black, and red. Depending on the area of application, a wide range of components and features were available, such as the Speedlifter Twist handlebars that could be rotated.
FLYER S Series, 2010 - 2013 model years
The S Series was designed for moderate off-road use, exciting uphill rides, extended bicycle tours, and for looking cool while cycling around town. It came with 26” or 28” wheels depending on requirements. The top S Series models could be ordered with the option of a 350 W motor.
FLYER K Series, 2010 - 2013 model years
The K Series with its high-end carbon frame had 28” wheels and was available in three frame sizes and two frame shapes (low step-through and cruiser version). A wide range of components and features were available, depending on the area of application.
FLYER Tandem, 2010 - 2018 model years
This is where low-maintenance technology met highly developed ergonomics to achieve unparalleled riding comfort. Come along, get involved, enjoy yourself. Ride without limits with a team spirit and the FLYER Tandem to enhance your enjoyment and experience.
FLYER Cargo, 2011 - 2013 model years
The small urban transporter with various loading options (permitted total weight of up to 160 kg). The frame, which was specifically designed to take heavy loads, made it possible to do a large weekly shop at the market, or to go on a Sunday outing with a picnic basket for the whole family, and could also be used as a service vehicle by tradespeople.
FLYER R Series, 2011 - 2013 model years
The R Series was consistently pared down to focus on sportiness, and the seating position was even sportier than that of the S Series. Winner of the Eurobike Award, the R Series was available in black and white with a performance of up to 350 W. The speed sensor meant that the pedal frequency range was even wider on the Deluxe models.
FLYER Vollblut, 2013 - 2014 model years
At its time, the Vollblut was the “power FLYER” with a 250 W or 500 W motor. The hub motor was available with 28” wheels, or as a Special Edition with 27.5” wheels, as well as with the option of pedal assist up to 45 km/h or 25 km/h. A wide range of components and features were available, depending on the area of application.
FLYER RS Series, 2014 - 2017 model years
The FLYER RS Series is the sporty and robust e-bike for everyday use. Ideal for cyclists with a sporty attitude who enjoy touring, cruising, commuting and having fun, while maintaining high expectations in terms of comfort and design. This series was developed for those who were unwilling to compromise and wanted a fast, resilient e-bike with a long distance range that is reliable for everyday use.
FLYER B Series, 2014 - 2017 model years
The high level of stability of the FLYER B Series, combined with the low step-through frame, provided a unique sensation of riding safety. The aesthetically pleasing integration of the battery into the luggage rack meant it was almost invisible. The FLYER B Series is ideal for riding both through the countryside and around town.
FLYER Goroc, 2015 - 2016 model years
The Goroc was available in the colours black or white, and with 250 or 350 watts. Smooth welding seams on the frame, disc brakes, and Shimano SLX or XT gear components were testament to the quality of this lightweight athlete. The 100 mm or 120 mm suspension made uneven surfaces a thing of the past.
FLYER TS Series, 2015 - 2017 model years
The FLYER TS Series was the elegant and stylish companion for urban commuters. At the time, the e-bike was designed for people who wanted their journey from A to B to be dynamic and stylish. The graceful yet sophisticated design offered a unique modern lifestyle.
FLYER Flogo, 2015 - 2018 model years
With its award-winning design, the Flogo offered sensational handling and an individual style. The agile Flogo was ideal for urban areas. The one-size e-bike with sporty 20-inch wheels was suitable for anyone who was 150 to 190 cm tall to ride around on. Its successor is the Upstreet1.
FLYER U Series, 2017 - 2018 model years
The FLYER U Series was characterised by technology, power, simple design, and stability. As an option, the U Series was available with FLYER Intelligent Technology (FIT), a two-gear motor, and pedal assist up to 25 or 45 km/h.
FLYER C Series, 2003 - 2019 model years
With the FLYER C series, Biketec AG, which emerged from BKTech, built Europe's first electric bicycle with lithium-ion technology in 2003. This massively reduced the weight and massively increased the range. The low step-through frame, solid and reliable technology, as well as user-friendliness were testament to the high level of customer focus. Until the end of 2018, the C-Series made it possible for a broad public, including older people in particular, to ride bicycles. Its successor is the Gotour4.
FLYER T Series, 2006 - 2019 model years
The T-Series combines a long range and safe and stable handling with an ergonomically extremely comfortable seating position. The classic, high-quality frame was impressive with its timeless elegance and 28-inch wheels. Its successor is the Gotour5.
FLYER Uproc6, 2015 - 2019 model years
A lot of time was invested in optimising frame stiffness and chassis performance in the enduro with 160 mm suspension travel. The result was a smooth, balanced and dynamic ride for maximum flow – whether on a steep uphill stretch or a blocked downhill route. Take a look at our current e-mountainbikes.
FLYER TX series, 2016 - 2019 model years
Versatile, functional and comfortable: the first touring e-bike with full suspension won multiple awards and ranked first in many tests. The TX series was available with pedal support up to 25 or 45 km/h and, in the 2019 model year, also with ABS. The Goroc models are its direct successors.
FLYER Pluto, 2016 - 2019 model years
The sturdy folding bike to take with you. 20-inch tyres and a one-size frame for riders who are between 150 and 190 centimetres tall. When things get really tight, the Pluto shows its true size. The Upstreet2 is its successor.
Today, e-bikes are an integral part of individual solutions for getting around, and FLYER offers premium e-bikes for all customer needs in four segments: Tour, Urban, Crossover and Mountain. Have a look at our current range