Chimera BMX and Handlworks have announced a partnership that combines original equipment manufacturer-level supply with a dominant vehicle platform. This collaboration marks a significant development in the electric bicycle industry, particularly for performance-oriented electric BMX bikes.
Handlworks, an ebike speedshop, will utilize its production line to build potted BAC855 controllers to Chimera's design specifications. This manufacturing partnership promises to elevate the durability and long-term performance of the Chimera Electric BMX, which already boasts impressive specifications including weights as low as 38 pounds and speeds up to 40 mph with 3 horsepower at the wheel.
Austin Duggan, Founder of Chimera BMX, explained the strategic rationale behind the partnership. "We've been tuning and wiring our own BAC855 controllers since we launched in 2022. We're good at it, and our customers are happy. But it's a ton of work. Plus the Handlworks team has developed a much more sophisticated way to test and tune." The partnership addresses scaling challenges while maintaining quality standards that performance-oriented consumers demand.
Harrison Lu, Founder of Handlworks, emphasized the natural evolution of businesses as they scale. "As OEMs focus on expanding their business and developing their products, they need trusted industry partners to uphold their quality standards and design direction. We're happy to be a partner to a budding leader like Chimera, with so much room to grow in the high-performance segment."
The collaboration represents more than just a manufacturing agreement—it signifies the maturation of the electric bicycle industry where specialized companies can partner to enhance product quality and innovation. Handlworks brings specialized expertise in performance-enhancing components including customized controllers, batteries, and motors, supported by in-house engineering and dyno testing capabilities.
Chimera has already begun shipping its first Handlworks-equipped electric BMX bikes this week. Duggan noted that "Our riders are excited for the team-up. The ebike community is hungry for innovation, and it takes partnerships like this one to provide it." This partnership demonstrates how strategic collaborations can drive technological advancement in the rapidly evolving electric mobility sector while meeting consumer demands for higher performance and reliability.
