[imagesource: Porsche/ VW]

Porsche isn’t the first automaker to try its hand at making an electric bike.

Last year, Jeep partnered with Colorado-based electric mountain bike company QuietKat to produce an e-bike capable of reaching a maximum speed of 32km/h.

Harley-Davidson has also recently launched its Serial 1 electric bikes, Mosh/Cty, a city bike, and the commuter Rush/Cty, which comes in three variants – regular, Step-Thru, and Speed.

Porsche has now stepped up to the plate with the Sport and the Cross.

As The Verge put it, they’re both “very interesting”, and “very expensive”.

The Sport is a road bike intended for everyday use, as portrayed by this pensive gentleman in a suit, on his bike in the city:

Image: Porsche/ VW

It has a full-suspension carbon fibre frame, integrated front and rear lights, Shimano mid-drive motor, and a price tag of $10 700 (upwards of R163 000).

Image: Porsche/ VW

Carbon fibre bikes are generally more expensive than the regular kind, but you’re really paying for the Porsche badge on the head tube.

The same goes for the Cross, designed for more off-road adventures.

It also sports a Shimano mid-drive, carbon fibre frame, and full suspension, but comes equipped with Magura-MT Trail hydraulic disc brakes that are heat resistant and extra-large to help you take on more difficult terrain.

Image: Porsche/ VW

This one comes in a little cheaper at $8 549 (roughly R130 000).

Image: Porsche/ VW

Porsche describes the Shimano EP8 motor in both the Cross and the Sport as “ultra-compact”. It provides “up to 25 km/h of pedal-assisted support”.

Both bikes will be up for grabs later this year.

If you can afford them.

[source:verge]