5/13/20 – The Verge is reporting that General Motors has pulled the plug (pun intended) on their ARĪV e-bike. Mark Peterman, a respected bicycle industry expert, explains, “The main issue was the arrogance in making a proprietary motor. They launched in the EU with a folding bike? The whole approach to the market smacked of an incredible lack of any kind of real knowledge of the competitive set and trending.”
Mark feels the ARĪV shouldn’t suffer such a quick death. He states, “Having met the team that made that bike and having seen the serious innovation in the design and function in the frame fabrication (which was some of the most amazing hydroforming I have ever seen), I will say that it deserves to be resurrected under another brand. The frame tools and all other components are just waiting to be used.”
2/20/19 – General Motors announced that their two-model line of ARĪV e-bikes will first be sold in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands because all three countries have shown a hearty appetite for electric-motorized bicycles. The Meld is a compact e-bike that looks ideal for urban riding. The Merge model takes the compact design and folds it in half, making it very attractive for commuters who can use the bike to compliment their own automobile or public transportation.
There was no information of the ARĪV bikes coming to America. By the way, the name ARĪV came from crowd sourcing. GM asked for riders to come up with a name. ARĪV it was.
