Fully Enclosed Elecy Ebike from Amara Automotive: A Somewhat Different One-Woman Show

What is the best way to encourage people to switch from cars to bicycles in general, and to ebikes in particular? Tamara Ivancova believes it is with a fully enclosed ebike on four wheels. That’s why she wants to start series production of her Elecy soon. The prototype is almost ready and will soon be touring the world.

1. Beating traffic jams with an ebike – but not without risk
2. Elecy: More streamlined and safe than almost any other ebike
3. Barely any details about the electric drive
4. How the Elecy differs from other fully enclosed ebikes
5. Sustainable from start to finish
6. The essence of the Elecy shaping its form
7. Scientific excellence as most important asset
8. Around the world in the Elecy

1. Beating traffic jams with an ebike – but not without risk

If you are committed to the transport revolution and the ideal of environmentally friendly, resource-saving transportation, there are probably easier things to do than design a fully enclosed ebike. For Tamara Ivancova, however, it seems to have been simply a logical consequence. Firstly, because, according to her own statement, she was simply stuck in traffic too often on her way to work. Secondly, because she had an idea of how to change that. And thirdly, because she was able to put this idea on four wheels and then really get it going.

Ivancova spent much of her youth in the UK. First southwest of Birmingham, then later while studying in Southampton, where she currently lives. She noticed that many people drive alone in their cars to cover distances of between five and ten miles, or between eight and 16 kilometers. These are distances that could theoretically be covered easily by ebike. Especially alone. In practice, however, people get into their cars, set a vehicle weighing a good 1.5 tons in motion, and contribute significantly to traffic congestion in densely populated areas by traveling these short distances.

As an engineer, Ivancova actually saw the ebike as having an advantage over the car. It is efficient and causes significantly lower operating costs and emissions. However, people on bicycles are at much greater risk of injury in the event of a traffic accident, they can usually transport less cargo, and they are exposed to the weather.

2. Elecy: More streamlined and safe than almost any other ebike

The Elecy aims to compensate for these disadvantages of the bicycle without losing its advantages. That’s why it rides on four wheels, is assisted by an ebike motor when pedaling, and has a completely enclosed, aerodynamic chassis. Designed for riding on bike lanes, it measures just 80 centimeters in width. To ensure that it can be ridden in as many countries as possible without any special restrictions, the motor, like any other pedelec, stops providing assistance at speeds of more than 25 kilometers per hour.

The aerodynamic body can accommodate a maximum of two passengers, one adult and one child. Both sit one behind the other. The seating position is similar to that in a car. If you are riding alone, you can use the rear of the vehicle as a luggage compartment. The 300 liters of storage space mentioned above promise plenty of room. However, there is no information yet on the permitted payload.

In addition to protecting you from the weather, the chassis also serves to keep you safe. Passengers are surrounded by a safety cell. The Elecy also features impact protection. With these features, you should be safe in the event of a collision or even a rollover. Thanks to its height of 130 centimeters, the ebike should also be highly visible in traffic. For comparison: A sports car approved for road use, such as the Audi R8, is four centimeters flatter. And, similar to a car, two front headlights, two tail lights with brake light function, and four indicators will later round off its visibility in traffic.

3. Barely any details about the electric drive

Regarding the ebike system Tamara Ivancova is currently keeping a low profile. In a conversation with Gary Solomon from Laidback Bike Report, she spoke of a drive from a well-known manufacturer, but without revealing any details. What is known so far is that the Elecy will probably only feature one socket for an ebike battery. Its capacity is expected to be around 650 watt hours. According to Ivancova, this means that ranges of 60 to 80 kilometers on a single battery charge seem realistic. In any case, the ebike is large enough to carry several spare batteries. The engineer estimates that it takes three hours to fully charge the removable battery.

4. How the Elecy differs from other fully enclosed ebikes

The Elecy is by no means the first fully enclosed ebike on four wheels. The Katanga VM45 and the Podbike Frikar, which Twozero now markets as the Classic, are among the vehicles that have attracted a lot of attention due to their coherent concepts and great implementation. At the same time, the models mentioned reveal what other manufacturers can do differently and perhaps even better. Instead of a serial hybrid drive like the Frikar, the Elecy, for example, relies on a classic ebike motor with a direct connection to the rear axle via a chain. This means that the ebike can still be ridden even if the battery is completely depleted.

In contrast to Twozero, Katanga, and Quadvelo, carbon is used for the chassis. Together with other details, this will result in a total weight of between 55 and 65 kilograms for the production model. That is between 20 and 30 kilograms less than the competition. With comparable size, mind you. If your battery really does run out during a ride, you may be able to pedal home on this streamlined bike.

5. Sustainable from start to finish

Incidentally, the carbon used for the Elecy is not produced specifically for this ebike. It is a recycled product made from recovered carbon fibers. Basically, it is scrap material that is left over from other projects and would normally be disposed of as waste. However, Ivancova has found a partner who collects such scraps, which she then processes using an environmentally friendly construction method she developed herself.

In the spirit of a sustainable life cycle from production to end of life, Ivancova looks for simple mechanics from the bicycle sector that has already proven itself over many years. When it comes to the drive, it is certain that we will see a hub gear. However, it will use a chain instead of a belt. This makes replacement much easier. Upgrading instead of throwing away is the maxim with which the Elecy is designed to run as long as possible while generating as little waste as possible.

6. The essence of the Elecy shaping its form

Despite everything, comfort must not be neglected. Otherwise, according to Ivancova, the switch from cars to such ebikes cannot succeed. That’s why she placed great importance on ensuring that both short and tall people can sit comfortably in the Elecy. A tricky undertaking if the vehicle is to remain as compact as possible.

Accordingly, the design changed significantly during development. Initially, Ivancova experimented with more sporty silhouettes. However, as with the Katanga VM45, these would only have fit one person. Therefore, it would have been more of a solution for long tours. Gradually, however, everyday usability and use in an urban environment came to the fore.

The result of this design process is now 250 centimeters long, 80 centimeters wide, and 130 centimeters high. With the help of the adjustable seat, it should be suitable for people between 150 centimeters and 200 centimeters tall. Exactly how the occupants will get in is not yet clear. Everything points to the fact that a door will be opened and the top will be folded up. In any case, the top will be removable to provide better ventilation on hot days.

7. Scientific excellence as most important asset

We will certainly see what getting in and, above all, riding the Elecy will really be like in the coming months. Tamara Ivancova is currently working on the final details of the prototype. The fact that she has made it this far seems incredibly amazing. After all, all her achievements are based on a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Southampton – coupled with sheer determination.

Since founding her own company, Amara Automotive, in February 2022, she has been working more or less alone on her dream. A permanent team at her side? Generous investors? Inherited wealth or lottery winnings? Far from it. The money to start the company came from a competition at the University of Southampton. There, she won first prize in the “Big Ideas” category. At the time, the prize was exactly £4,000. Perhaps even more important, however, was the mentoring and support she received in attracting investors for her idea.

Further funding she raised in a similar way. She took part in several scientific competitions. With the prize money she won, the project progressed step by step. Ivancova has now even managed to secure a scholarship from the Royal Academy of Engineering in London. In addition to a maximum of £75,000, this means expert advice for her own company and one-to-one support from a fellow member of the academy.

Okay, anyone who, as a 15-year-old intern at a Formula 1 racing team, is already allowed to get involved with the aerodynamics of the racing car and then goes on to get a permanent position there as a student, can rightly be considered highly talented.

8. Around the world in the Elecy

What Ivancova is physically capable of, among other things, will be proven in 2026. In a few weeks, she will set off on a journey around the world in the Elecy prototype. Alone. Unsupported. According to Guinness rules. It is set to be the ultimate long-term test. The planned route will take her 30,000 kilometers across four continents and through 23 countries. Ideally, she will sleep under the open sky or in the ebike. Afterwards, it should be clear whether there are any weaknesses in the Elecy that need to be improved and, if so, what they are. In addition, the entrepreneur will then know first-hand how the vehicle performs in a wide range of climatic conditions and on a variety of terrain. Oh, and Ivancova also wants to set two world records with her ride. Why do we believe she can do it? 😉

Pictures: Amara Automotive Ltd.