EV Bikes and Motorcycles

Green Transportation

Bikes and Motorcycles

Electric bike companies are growing rapidly and over 40,000 have been sold to date. Major auto companies are getting into the business. Electric motorcycles are beginning to replace the polluting motorcycles that are the backbone of the third world’s transportation system.

	The Currie Folder is available through CSW Total and local bike shops. This electric bicycle has an EV speed of up to 18 mph and a 15 mile range with its dual 12 V, 7 amp-hour lead acid battery pack. The drive system consists of a brushless DC motor and a real drive chain. The high-tensile steel frame has V-style brakes. Price: $799. www.totalev.com/totalev.
	The TRAVELER is a folding electric bicycle built by Electric Transport Company, Inc. ETC also offers the Century electric bike, and an all encompassing Express Pack that can turn any bicycle into an electric bicycle. The Express Pack includes a motor, batteries, and charger. Ride under your own pedal power or with electric assist at speeds up to 13 mph. www.etcbikes.com.
	EV Global Motors Company, Los Angeles, CA, is a Lee Iacocca enterprise committed to developing Light Electric Transportation Systems ("L.E.T.S.") Its first product will be introduced this summer, a "Lightning" bicycle at $995. It will be followed by several vehicles including a motorcycle and a neighborhood vehicle.
	The GIANT LAFREE is an electric pedal-assisted bicycle that incorporates a unique feature, Variable Power Control (VPC), that allows the rider to control the level of assist. It’s expected range is around 25 miles, with recharging times of 3.5 to 4 hours. LaFree is manufactured and distributed by Giant Bicycles-Electric Division. It retails for under $1100. www.giant-bicycle.com.
	The Edison Flyer7 is a full size, high-performance electric bike that folds up. The Edison Flyer7 can be stored in the trunk of a car or closet and offers a range of approximately 20 miles. Manufactured by Montague Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., it is available on the Montague web site and through select dealers. www.montagueco.com.
	The EX-BIKE will go on sale in 2000 for $999. With nickel-metal hydride batteries, it has a 20 mile range at up to 20 mph. It can easily be packed as luggage on any bus, train, plane, or car and is UPS shippable, providing personal transportation anywhere, anytime. The EX-BIKE is manufactured by The Rabbit Tool U.S.A., Rock Island, Ill.
	Schwinn’s Sierra Electro Drives propulsion system features a powerful, 400 W brushless 24 V DC motor, controlled by a handlebar-mounted thumb throttle with variable speed control. The battery is a dual 12-volt, 12 amp-hour system with sealed lead acid batteries and can be charged from regular wall outlets. With this system, the bicycle can go 18 mph, and with nominal pedaling it has a range of 20 to 25 miles on flat terrain. Suggested retail is $1099.95. www.schwinn.com/99/bike/sierraelectro.html .
	Zapworld.Com manufactures and distributes a number of vehicles, including electric bicycles, motorcycles, and neighborhood vehicles in the U.S. and Asia. Zapworld.com has delivered over 25,000 electric bikes in 50 countries. It also distributes the GEM neighborhood vehicle and the EMB motorcycle. www.zapworld.com.
	eCycle, Inc., of Reading, Pa., is developing a hybrid motorcycle that will employ a 125 cc diesel engine and a 15 kW electric motor. Additionally, eCycle will begin marketing its electric drivetrains and charging systems for consumer and industrial applications this year. www.ecycle.com or 610-939-0480.
	The CityBug is a comfortable electric scooter that folds up for transport or storage. It is capable of 12 mph and has up to a 15 mile range per charge on its 24 V, 12 AH battery. Suggested retail is $595. EV Rider also offers a full electric bicycle featuring a Bosch motor. Suggested retail price is under $1,000, including solid-state charger. EV Rider, Inc., Sarasota, Fla. 941-351-6443 or www.evrider.com.
	Personal Electric Transport (PET) is developing a number of electric vehicles, from scooters to three-wheel vehicles that use quick-change lead acid battery packs. The vehicles are being developed for use in developing countries to replace highly polluting two-stroke gasoline engines. PET is based in Hawaii and New York State. www.evpet.com.
	The ES CityCat electric scooter, being developed by Schiller GmbH of Germany, will enter the market in 2002. The 209 lb scooter has a range of 60 miles, lead acid batteries, and a limited top speed of 35 mph. It uses patented high performance brushed and brushless motors and the latest drivetrains and electronics and has a 15 minute fast charge (80% depth of discharge). Optional Li-lon batteries. Other specs are comparable to 50 cc gasoline scooters. The price $2,500. schillergroup@t-online.de.
	Ford’s TH!NK will offer electric bikes in the year 2000. TH!NK Bike Fun and TH!NK Bike Traveler are electric bicycles that combine the exercise and mobility offered by a standard bicycle with the option of power-assisted commuting at the flick of a switch. TH!NK Bike Fun has a rigid frame, while TH!NK Bike Traveler has a compact, foldable frame featuring a simple, three-step folding procedure, making it easy to store and transport.