50mph electric bike

[neilski]

I gotta get me one of these!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8147104.stm

[G0ldfysh]

OOh yes please
better than a hybrid for commuting


hmm 40,000 dollars though

[Hard-Drive]

I'm not clear how it works...is it actually powered by the pedal input or are the pedals just used as a means of speed control? I'm guessing the latter?

[john2443]

Hard-Drive said:

I'm not clear how it works...is it actually powered by the pedal input or are the pedals just used as a means of speed control? I'm guessing the latter?

The original article I read gave the impression that it was some wonder invention that 'multiplied the pedal input 50 times' but when you read the full spec it turns out that it's an electric bike that has a range of 60-70 kms and needs 3-4 charging up from the mains, but the faster you pedal, the faster it goes. This isn't becasue you're generating more electricity but because it has a sensor on the pedals that matches the bike speed to the pedal revs (instead of having a throttle).

Pedalling does charge the batteries, but I think at such a small rate that it's hardly worth it except to give the user some exercise.

The inventor says it has applications for trucks as well - truck drivers would welcome the chance to get some excercise while they are driving. Oh yeah, course they would!

For $40000 I would suggest either buy a push bike and a car, or a motorbike and exercise bike. With either option you could get some excercise and a lot of the $40000 left over.

[TonyToniTone]

http://erockit.net/en/

[Hard-Drive]

Well, how totally pointless then! If I want exercise, I'll ride my bike thanks...lightweight, and with one of the most efficient drive transfer systems known to man (the chain) with a nice direct feel, that is not going to run out of batteries and leave me stranded. If I want to arrive somewhere without sweating like an MP with a second home, I'll ride a motorbike which can get out of trouble by snapping th throttle open and will do more than 50mph. And for that money I could have several very nice examples of each thanks!

It's like Sir Alan's emailer phone toaster fishing rod bks device all over again...and FFS let's hope Ryanair don't see it or there will be pedals as well as a lifejacket under your seat next time you fly!

Just shows if you stick a green "spin" (sorry) on anything these days people will just lap it up...place your bets on whether it will be Cameron Diaz or J-Lo who is first seen cruising round Hollywood on one...

[SystemParanoia]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU2tZ1TDDbY&fea...

MUUUUCH cheaper.

also has 210km range on batteries. more if you pedal


ETA : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0lQOBhLG68&fea...

166kph

Edited by SystemParanoia on Tuesday 14th July 18:06

[SystemParanoia]

this ones a good idea.. a electric "push" trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah0MAJKhSao&fea...

[Mr Gear]

I had a go on one of these:

http://urbanmover.com/products/powerAssistedBikes/...

And it is bloody brilliant. The idea is that peddling to make you "go" is intuitive, and in the EU, all bikes with a hand throttle are classed as motorbikes anyway. This system is really wonderful, it's like you are cycling downhill ALL the time. Unfortunately, the Urban Mover bikes are limited to 15mph, and will stop assisting you at that speed. Therefore, it's faster to get a decent roadbike! This isn't a fault with the tech- they can be de-restricted to assist you at any speed, but UK law classes it as a moped if it can go over 15mph!

As consumers, we are shafted by the current rules. We could all be zipping into work on 30mph semi-electric bikes, but we're not allowed to by our government, who would rather we drove 2-tonne hybrid cars for some reason. Probably because they can't tax your peddling.

[SystemParanoia]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6o-g7YeC4Q&eur...

75 mpg dual 1kw motor mountain bike !

INSANE!



kit cost only £468 !!