In winter environments, true innovation is shaped by real terrain. That’s exactly what happened at Empire 47 (E47), the renowned fat biking and mountain biking resort in Quebec, where we recently delivered our newly modified B1 shuttle, which is specifically designed to perform exceptionally well in all snow conditions.
Earlier this year, we established a significant partnership with the resort to produce an advanced B1 shuttle. While our vehicle performed well overall, extreme winter conditions exposed one key limitation: the standard B1 tracks did not provide sufficient flotation in deep snow, particularly when climbing uphill with a heavy load.
Modifying the B1 for Better Snow Performance
Based on the data we gathered directly from the trails of E47, our engineering team made targeted modifications to enhance the B1’s winter performance. The most significant adjustment was switching from the previous 13-inch tracks to a new 15-inch-wide system. Michael Martel, co-owner and lead engineer, explained, “We better support the middle part of the track with a slider.” This adjustment helps distribute pressure evenly while still meeting the resort’s strict 62-inch trail width requirement.
He further noted, “Since a cold snow environment consumes more energy, we added a super-fast charger to charge 50% of the battery in roughly one hour.”
The B1’s wider tracks significantly improved flotation and traction, reducing sinkage and enhancing maneuverability in soft, uneven snow. Along with the B1’s electric drivetrain and cold-weather battery programming, these upgrades ensure a smoother, more dependable ride, even on steep, snow-packed inclines.
How E47 Testing Shaped a Smarter, Stronger B1
For Beonyx, these modifications reflect more than technical upgrades – they embody our core philosophy. Every B1 is designed with real-world use in mind, and when conditions require a change, we are prepared to adapt to ensure that performance is always optimized. Our team’s responsiveness to E47’s needs highlights the ongoing collaboration at the heart of our approach to every client relationship.
Reflecting on the testing process, Martel said, “We tested side hill capacity, battery autonomy, and even climbed steep hills with up to eight people onboard to ensure the B1 met all our expectations.” He added that this hands-on testing allowed the team to “record invaluable data that allowed us to improve the machine further.”
The result isn’t just a vehicle that meets expectations; it’s one that anticipates them. After a second round of testing at the resort, the updated B1 was successfully delivered and immediately put to work. According to Christian Déry, Director General of Empire 47, the newly modified B1 shuttle handled the diverse E47 terrain with precision, reliability, and improved performance across the board. He enthusiastically stated, “I’m excited to integrate the B1 shuttle into E47’s everyday operations. Based on what I saw during the tests, I’m confident the B1 will enhance the customer experience we offer here at the resort.”
Martel echoed the excitement, sharing that feedback during the E47 event was overwhelmingly positive. “Most clients thought I was only the driver of the shuttle and not the inventor,” he said. “Many [of them say they would have liked a longer ride. Because of that, I realized the possibility not just for mountain bikers but for nearby hotels that want to do tours to the top of the mountain and see the views.”
He noted the practical benefits: “The shuttle was overbooked all day. This shows us the need for it. We recorded a lot of data that day […] to optimize even further the B1 shuttle for the beginning of the summer.”
Final Delivery, Real Results: The B1 Returns to E47 Whether it is snow-covered mountains, rocky trails, or forested paths, we are committed to building vehicles that perform consistently, without compromise. With the new B1 now operating at E47, we’re proud to see it doing exactly that: sustainably and efficiently transporting people and materials through extreme conditions.
