Story
E like E-asy
In order to make the way home – 300 meters of elevation from the valley up to the “Lueg” – a little easier, someone from Emmental mounted a windshield wiper motor and a car battery on his bicycle in 1993. This prototype soon inspired a handful of passionate technicians and inventors. They were driven by the idea of redefining bicycle technology using electric energy. With Swiss precision and the highest quality standards, the pioneers got to work and soon built the first FLYER e-bikes.
A windshield wiper motor & a car battery
Get the maximum out of your bicycle
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 first product series: the FLYER Classic
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
This was followed by the innovative FLYER F Series in a sporty design and with innovative technology.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A lot of time was spent optimizing frame stiffness and chassis performance with this enduro with 160 mm travel. The result was a smooth, balanced and dynamic ride for maximum flow – whether a steep uphill climb or a winding route downhill.
Its successor is the Uproc EVO:X
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.
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.
It is an e-mountain bike built for the Alps. Its perfectly adjusted 160 mm travel and a powerful braking system ensured a rich, confident ride and maximum control. The low step-thru increased freedom of movement and control on any terrain.
The Uproc4 was the perfect e-fully for a range of different terrain and was extremely agile to move. On more moderate trails even slightly more agile than the Uproc7. The 630 Wh battery provided enough energy for extended tours covering significant differences in altitude. The Uproc4 was the ideal companion to discover new things.
Where the asphalt ended, the fun began with the Uproc2. The tried-and-tested comfortable hardtail smoothed out every forest trail and every gravel road. The extremely rigid aluminum frame, the comfortable geometry and 120 mm travel offered safety, comfort and propulsion. Its successor is the new Uproc2.
The Uproc1 was the perfect companion for e-mountain bike riders looking for extended riding pleasure on moderate terrain. Up to 340% assistance and 85 Nm for sporty riding and powerful acceleration. The light and rigid frame and the suspension fork ensured agile and dynamic handling.
The high-capacity batteries made the Gotour5 a champion when it came to range. Day after day, no matter where, the Gotour5 was always in its element. The Gotour5 offered excellent riding comfort. With the Speedlifter Twist, the handlebars could be adjusted in height. The extra wide and low step-thru made for comfortable getting on and off.
Upstreet4 was the ideal companion for the urban jungle. Routes were never long enough for the Upstreet4. With its sporty seating position and smooth ride, the Upstreet4 guaranteed comfort over long distances. The Upstreet4 was also available as a high speed model. The high-quality carbon-reinforced belt drive was low-maintenance and stainless.
Whether on your daily commute, an off-road ride after work or a weekend outing with luggage: The Goroc4 was equipped for the city and built for adventure. With its sporty mountain bike genes, the fully-equipped premium Goroc4 was the ultimate all-rounder. The Goroc4 was also available as a high-speed version.
Whether for everyday use or when traveling, the Goroc2 inspired confidence even when the surface became increasingly rough. With a low standover height, a suspension fork with 120 mm of travel and fully equipped, the Goroc2 stood for versatility and suitability for everyday use. The voluminous mountain bike tires guaranteed traction and riding safety. Its successor is the new Goroc2.
The Goroc1 brought riders joy both on and off road. An unforgettable experience. A battery capacity of up to 1125 Wh ensured a massive range. The full equipment coupled with the sturdy frame made the Goroc1 an environmentally friendly SUV. The mountain bike tires guaranteed traction and riding safety.
Single trails, root-studded home trails or bikepacking adventures with tent and pack bags. The Uproc3 was the perfect companion whatever the terrain! The comfortable 140 mm travel, balanced geometry and powerful Bosch Performance Line CX drive made the all-mountain fully the Swiss army knife of e-mountain bikes.
The agile, convenient Gotour4 was designed with riding safety in mind. The upright seating position, low center of gravity, and long wheelbase guaranteed a relaxed, smooth ride.
The Goroc3 was one of the most versatile e-bikes. The multi-talented e-bike with full suspension stole the show both in town and in the mountains. Its battery capacity of up to 1125 Wh (with a DualBattery option) guaranteed a massive range. The active frameset ensured a smooth ride even on bumpy paths.
Efficient, active, sustainable – the Upstreet6 brought a new mobility to everyday activities. This high-speed e-bike (S-pedelec) was perfect for fast commuters. The powerful hub motor generated significant and almost silent thrust, creating dynamic momentum.
The robust Upstreet3 inspired fun on two wheels and was up for almost anything. This sporty yet elegant e-bike was in its element whether on a rapid commute or a detour down country lanes after work.
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.