VELLO presents new SUB - Smart Utility Bike - the world’s lightest E-Cargo bike

18 Nov 2022

Austrian brand announces the VELLO SUB lightweight E-Cargo bike. The titanium model weighs just 24kg and has a carrying capacity of up to 210kg. The tool-free accessory system allows for quick and easy reconfiguration.

Photo credit: VELLO / Leonardo Ramirez

VELLO, the company behind the award-winning, ultralight, folding e-bike, VELLO Bike+, today announced its latest innovation, the VELLO SUB Smart Utility Bike. The SUB is one of the lightest cargo e-bikes ever built and is the culmination of years of knowledge and engineering expertise developed building the world’s best folding bikes, as well as VELLO’s previous pioneering Cargo bike concept, the ‘Biquattro’.

The SUB will initially be built in two configurations, a flagship titanium model weighing just 24kg, and a Chromoly steel version at 28kg. The incredibly low weight has been achieved by utilizing VELLO’s minimalist, pure approach to design, stripping all unnecessary weight from the frame, and then matching it with some of the best components available on the market.

VELLO SUB
Photo credit: VELLO / Leonardo Ramirez

Ultrawide 20” Schwalbe tires keep the centre of gravity low and provide a stable, safe, and easy-to-manoeuvre bike regardless of whether it’s loaded with cargo or passengers.

The SUB is just as capable as much larger, heavier cargo bikes, with space for two passengers as well as a front cargo rack. With a total system load of 210kg, the SUB can act as a viable car replacement for trips to the supermarket, or for performing the morning school run.

Its standard bike length (180cm) means it can still be taken on a train, or fitted to a bike rack for weekends away. A collapsible handlebar and folding pedals allow the SUB to be reduced in width to just 29cm, perfect for safe storage inside your home or apartment, where storing a typical cargo bike would not be possible.

The SUB uses premium components, including the latest 600W (250W Rated) Bosch Cargo Performance Line motor with 85 NM of torque that will make short work of getting multiple passengers and heavy cargo around town. The motor is powered by two 545Wh Bosch batteries, enabling a potential range of up to 250Km. A Gates Carbon belt drive is matched with an Enviolo internal gearing system to offer a practically maintenance-free drivetrain with a 380% gearing range, while the four-piston Magura MT-4 hydraulic disc brakes offer unmatched stopping power to ensure safe operation when carrying heavy loads.

A key part of the design process was to make the bike as versatile as possible. To address this, VELLO has developed a tool-free, quick-release accessory system that enables you to change the configuration of your SUB quickly and easily. Furthermore, child seats and cargo baskets can be quickly fitted and removed, tool-free, thanks to the MIK HD safety system that saves you from fiddling with complicated brackets or mounting systems.

VELLO SUB is available to pre-order on Indiegogo, with an expected delivery date of Autumn 2023. Indiegogo backers will receive exclusive pre-order prices starting at EUR 2.999 for the single-speed configuration, and EUR 3.499 with gears. The VELLO SUB Titanium will be available for preorder at EUR 3.749 in single-speed configuration, and EUR 4.249 with gears.

VELLO has a history of successful Indiegogo campaigns, with the original bike and VELLO Bike+ being supported by nearly 500 backers to the tune of over 1 Mio USD.

Technical sheet

  • Frame: unisex, CroMo / Titanium, integrated cable routing
  • Colour: blue or copper / brushed titanium
  • Size: one size (fits riders 150 cm to 200 cm)
  • Grips: ergonomic grips
  • Fork: VELLO SUB /Material: aluminium/ 20'' /IS-intake/ Thru axle /for tires until 60-406 (20x 2,35) /Integrated cable routing
  • Saddle: gel saddle with carrying handle
  • Seatpost: VELLO/Ø31.6/400 mm
  • Telescopic stem: height adjustable and rotatable to 90degrees, without tools (by. Schulz/Speedlifter Twist/T15)
  • Stem: adjustable without tools, Satori/EZ3 with SP Connect mount (fits riders from 150 cm to 200 cm)
  • Belt drive: Gates Carbon Drive/CDX/168T
  • Front belt ring: belt, Gates Carbon Drive/CDX/ 60T
  • Rear belt sprocket: belt, Gates Carbon Drive/CDX/ 22T
  • Brake system front/rear: Magura®/MT4/ Four-piston-disc brakes
  • Brake disc front/rear: Magura®/MDR-C/160mm/6-hole mount
  • Front hub: VELLO/36-holes/12x100/Thru-axle
  • Rear hub: Enviolo/Heavy Duty/36-holes/148 mm (with gears)
  • Gearshift: Enviolo/TR
  • Tyres: Wide 20’’ Schwalbe Pick Up 20x2.35 (60-406) for extra stability and comfort
  • Motor: Bosch®/Performance Line CX (Cargo Line)/GEN4/85 Nm/Smart System (GPS-tracking-ready)
  • Charging time: 4,5 Stunden (full charge)
  • Battery: Bosch®/1x 400 Wh or 545Wh(optional) PowerPack battery/ Dual Battery Ready
  • Battery charger: Bosch®/4A (230 V)
  • Range: up to 250 km (dual battery)
  • Pedals: VELLO full-aluminium folding pedals
  • Front lights: Supernova/Mini 2-LDM (StVZO-approval)
  • Rear lights: Supernova/TL3 Pro with brake light function for more safety
  • Rear rack (not detachable from the frame): Load carrier with payload 100kg/Aluminium/with integrated MIK-HD System/Footboard-ready
  • MIK-HD integration: compatible with all MIK and MIK-HD accessories, amongst other tool-free mounting of up to 2 children's seats
  • Front carrier adapter system: enables tool-free mounting of various front carriers and bags (carrier block included)
  • Meters of development: 2,25m - 8,55m (with gears)
  • Permissible total weight: 210 kg
  • Weight of SUB: approx. Titanium 24 kg (Single Speed), 25 kg (with gears), Cro-moly 28 kg  (with gears) 
  • Dimensions folded: H:85 cm x L:180 cm x W:29 cm