The Times has a nice little round-up of electric bicycle options, from DIY aftermarket conversion kits for traditional pedal bikes for a few hundred to bikes like the $7k “Optibike” pictured above. Don’t expect a nuts-and-bolts breakdown of each type; the article serves best as an introduction to the wide variety there is the world of electric bikes. Some of the bikes don’t even look like bikes anymore, such as models from Veloteq, which look more like little scooters than bikes. Don’t bikes have to have pedals?
Electric bikes seem so brilliant for commuters, who often need to be able to get to work without being covered in sweat. But man, a seven thousand dollar bike would need a great big lock.
A Two-Wheeled Option (With a Battery) for Commuters [NYTimes]
Actually the Veloteqs are not like little scooters. They are like big scooters except that they are equipped with functional pedals as required by law in many, but not all, states. They are not required in California. Veloteq ebikes are “power-on-demand” ebikes. The pedals are low-geared and can be folded up to out of the way of the operator’s feet while riding. They are low-geared and can provide assist on hills when required. Because Veloteq form factor ebikes comply with all relevant US CPSC and Canadian MVSA regulations for electric bicycles they are road legal in all jurisdictions that permit electric bicycles. This includes major states such as CA, TX, FL, GA, the New England states, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and most of the others to a degree. Veloteq is currently engaged in several projects aimed at reducing the weight factor of our products. We have a research and development project underway with Powergenix of California to produce a power supply with is radically different from all of those currently in use. It will reduce both the size and weight of the PSU by approximately 50%, reduce the recharge time to 80% of capacity in one hour and full charge in under two hours, and more than double the recycle times of the PSU. It will use cellular arrays instead of the traditional combinations of 12V batteries to produce the optimum output for each Veloteq model. The materials in the PSU are 100% non-toxic. In addition we are planning to move to all aluminum frame construction. In all, the anticipated weight reduction will be about 60-70 lbs. The Veloteq ebikes have a very long range, over 50 miles on level terrain. Therefore they are desigined with rider comfort in mind, as well as very high on-road visibility. There is ample room in the North American market for all types of ebikes that are compliant with regulations for safety and usage, permitting a wider range of choices for the consumer.
I would buy a bike like this in a hearbeat for $1500 or less. I can’t afford $7k.
I’ve been looking for years for a pedal-electric hybrid bike that has 40 - 50 mile range.
As soon as I an afford one, I’ll get it.
Ned.