As with the latest cutting-edge innovations in every industry, Science, especially chemistry, plays a major part in its overall conception. Carbon, they say, is the essence and building blocks of the entire universe itself. But there are many uses for this creational element, none more cutting-edge than the carbon fibre fabric used in the construction of lightweight electric bikes and other forms of e-vehicle that have become extremely trendy and chic over the past couple of years.

Carbon-Fibre-Fabric-Changing-Lives Image by H Sterling Cross via Flickr

Backbone of Lightweight Composites

Known as the backbone of lightweight composites, carbon fiber fabric requires in-depth knowledge of industry terminology and the manufacturing processes needed to create such a product.

Amidst the manufacturing process of turning carbon into fibre, elements and additives are added, which in turn strengthens the properties of the carbon. The modulus Carbon is then processed by either the PAN or the Pitch process, creating fibers that are tiny. The filaments are then processed into bundles and wound up on a roll.

There are three types of raw carbon fibre: High Modulus Carbon Fiber (Aerospace Grade); Intermediate Modulus Carbon Fiber and Standard Modulus Carbon Fiber (Commercial Grade).

You come into contact with commercial carbon fibre fabric on a daily basis and probably don’t even realize. The main uses of commercial carbon are in sporting goods such as tennis rackets and golf clubs, car hoods and parts, and also for accessories, especially for mobile phones such as iPhone cases and the like.

Carbon Fibre Fabric in Electric Bikes

Because of its lightweight properties, carbon fibre fabric is heavily used in the construction of the latest electric bikes that are becoming fashionable and trendy with people from all walks of life. You would automatically assume that carbon fibre fabric is solely used for the frames of the electric bikes, but there is more to it than that. This ground-breaking composite can also be used for seat posts, cranks, wheels and more.

The more carbon fibre fabric used in the construction of an e-bike, the lighter and convenient the bike is to move around, which is important in electric bikes because many people have to take them indoors to be charged. The lighter the bike, the quicker it accelerates and the easier it handles.

One new e-bike is taking the usage of carbon fibre fabric to the next level. The Leaos Carbon Fiber Electric Bike, modelled on the classic Vespa Scooter, is constructed entirely of carbon fibre. Combining style and practicality, the bike has carbon fibre mudguards and handlebars, alongside a lightweight carbon body. Due to its lightweight design and a high-powered BMZ battery, the bike can reach almost 30mph, which for an e-bike is pretty astounding. The bike is highly desirable, proving that electric vehicles can exist in a society where looks and keeping up appearances are everything.

The e-vehicles of today are less space-age and more modern-age, fitting in perfectly with an ecologically sound ethos but still looking chic and trendy.

Carbon fibre fabric is changing the way we live our lives, especially in sporting and lifestyle terms, bringing a lighter and more conscious transportation option for the vehicle-buyers of today. You can live at one with your environment without sacrificing style or convenience. Science has once again proved how it helps change and evolve around us, using new technology to improve not only our daily lives, but to also lessen the impact our growth has on the environment.