For people who would love to take a bicycle to work or to move around town, but are discouraged by the long distances involved, this electric bicycle could be a great option. Developed by Philippines based company Innovatronix, the Tronix Ebike Exceed is a package suitable for a medium distance commute, and even for those who love to travel.

This bicycle has 16-inch wheels and electric assist for pedaling. Once fully charged, the battery is good for a top speed of 30kph and a maximum distance of 20km. The range of the Tronix makes it suitable for the everyday commute, and additions like headlamp and a tail light ensure safety in poor daylight or night.

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MotoCzysz E1pc– The new iPhone release has certainly created a lot of hubbub in the gadget world but the world of mean green machines isn’t spared either. While we are utterly pleased to know about an all-electric motorcycle participating in the TTXGP race this Friday, what makes it special is its dashboard — thoroughly integrated iPhone.

MotoCzysz E1pc - the electric superbike

Confused as we are, it is difficult to understand how all the functions of the dash are relayed through an iPhone (definitely there are no applications available), the only reasonable conclusion being that of the GPS usage.

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Many people are looking these days for eco-friendly alternative for their daily commuting. With that in mind the good folks from Blue Sky Designs, came out with a DIY electric vehicle that you can afford. Dubbed BugEV, the kit for the three wheeled single-seater car/bike is made out of 72 pieces and reaches about 50mph with a maximum range of 30 miles at 30mph average speeds.

The basic kit for that little bugger starts at $3,500 (shipping not included) and gets up to $5,300 for the full version with all the extras. Looking at it again and it does make a good first impressions even though it only covers the front and the top, and forgets about the back.

Definitely not for winter commuting, but a step forward in experimenting with an electric ride. We’d definitely try it out at least once. How about you guys? [BugEV via Zoomilife]

Sanyo Electric will release an electric hybrid bicycle that has a Lithium ion secondary battery and a twofold assist force, early next February 2009 in Japan.

Dubbed the “eneloop bike (product No: CY-SPA226)” it’s an industry’s first product that reflects revisions in the Road Traffic Law Enforcement Regulations that came into effect on Dec 1, 2008. The maximum drive assist ratio (motor drive force to human power) is 1:2 in Japan. The 26-inch bicycle will cost ¥136,290 (approx US$1,463, including tax).

The motor that drives the front wheel is brushless motor and has a rated output of 250W. The rated voltage and capacity of the Lithium-ion secondary battery increased 1.5 times to 25.9V and 6.0Ah, respectively. The charging time increased from two to 3.5 hours.

The eneloop bike uses the assist motor as a generator during braking and downhill riding for recharging and can run in:

1. Auto mode switches between assist and power generation automatically.
2. Power Up mode provides a continuous assist force = double human power.
3. Standard mode provides an assist equivalent to human power and recharges the battery when braking.

The cruising distance of the bike is 57km (33mi) without regenerative charging and it is 75km (60mi) in the Standard mode where regenerative charging occurs during braking. In the Auto mode, the travel distance reaches 100km.

Sanyo also released a model with a Ni-hydrogen secondary battery. But the cruising distance of this model in the Auto mode is only 53km.

The electric hybrid bicycle market sold 283,000 units in 2007. Sanyo hopes for 300,000 units in 2008.

Source: NikkeiBP

It is amazing how many of the futuristic concepts design are either just a revamped version of the retro period or a space-age design that will take another century to materialize. This is all the more true in case of futuristic concept green vehicles that are often designed based on technologies that have not even been invented till date.

Scarab though, is a concept green bike that is both real in its manifestation and amazing in its design.

Designed by David Miguel Gonçalves, it’s all about today’s green energy meeting tomorrow’s design and ergonomics. With an engine that is powered by a permanent battery plus three options for the main energy pack – battery, fuel cell or biofuel, Scarab looks like a stunning vehicle that could be part of another Transformers flick.

Despite its eco-friendly nature, it is as good as any modern set of wheels in terms of the gadgetry on the inside embedded sensors, Lidar, radar, transponders, GPS, Drive by Wire and tactile HUD embedded in the Lexan canopy. Also, the regenerative breaking system allows you to add more energy to the wheels, while the various modes of parking and transportation make it great for the road as well.

A complete green vehicle that is both cool to travel and cool for the planet as well. Something is right about that thing! YankoDesign via EcoFriend

For all those looking for a greener way for their commute, if a hybrid motorcycle is not enough then an electric bike should definitely do the job. How about the new Matra MS1 from the French guys at Matra Sports, that offer a 60miles range and a 6 hours recharge time?

Powered by a kW motor wheel and weighing only 40kg, it tops (limited) at 28mph (~ 45km/h) – beats the A2B bicycle. The specs list is not yet over because it includes regenerative disc brakes to increase battery life, full 100 mm suspension forks , an LCD screen and a magnetic security card to start the “engine”. But there’s more to it because Matra Ms1 has the ability of height and depth of the saddle and handlebars, which is a problem with most of the bikes these days, no matter if they’re electric or not.

But that’s where the good news stop. First of all, the company renowned for building Formula One cars and winning the Le Mans 24 hour race with one of their cars, is only selling this aluminum framed hybrid bike, in France. Second of all, it could be pretty expensive with reports saying 3,500 Euro ($4,951).

via TheGreenCommute

Electric Bike makers are having a field day. As gasoline prices go up, so do their sales. From the mountain tops of Colorado to Europe people are wanting to “get a little fresh air and exercise, and cut my carbon footprint, and spend less money on gas.”

Electric bikes work like a regular two-wheel one except they have a battery-powered assist. The Gluskin-Townley Group says sales last year were up 67% over 2006. A NYC dealer says sales are up 50%. Amazon.com says sales surged more than 6000% in July from a year earlier. Of course, that number could have been quite low last year, skewing these figures.

Last year some 89,000 electric bikes were sold in the Netherlands and 60,000 in Germany.

The principle behind electric bikes is akin to that behind hybrid cars: Combine the conventional technology — in this case, old-fashioned pedaling — with a battery-powered motor.

 

The net result is a vehicle that rides a bit like a scooter, with some legwork required. Most models have a motorcycle-like throttle that gives a boost while going up hills or accelerating from a stop. On some models, the motor kicks in automatically and adjusts its torque based on how hard the rider pedals.

Prices range from $1,400 – 2,525 and can go 20 miles before a recharge for about 10 cents. Let’s see, 20 miles on a gallon of gas at $5 or on a bike for 1o cents. Tough choice…..NOT!

Electric bike anyone?

source

After reading about the most bike-friendly cities in the world, I came upon a bicycle by Optibike. First impressions was that it looks nice and sportier but then I found out that this is the OB1, the hybrid electric bicycle and my mind change.

Going to work on a bike has never been easier, but I have to agree it’s just as expensive as a medium car: $13,000. If the cash are not the problem and you would rather pedal than driving here is what you get with the 2008 Optibike OB1:

• carbon fiber handlebars
• lightweight aluminum monocoque frame – guaranteed for life
• brakes, chainring and cable ferrules
• GPS satellite navigation
• Wireless PDA interface that provides info: motor temperature, battery charge or the remaining range
• 9 speed grip shift and two power modes – Fast and Economy
• 20ah Li-Ion – three years or 30,000 miles warranty
• UltraBright Twin 10w Halogen lights
• quick charger and TAG Wheels made from a DuPont resin
• a customized paint job.

Though these are great features the big deal about this hybrid electric bicycle is “the patented Motorized Bottom Bracket (MBB) which drives through the derauiller gear system to optimize acceleration and range at all pedaling speeds – is now oil cooled and delivers 850 continuous watts of power”. This is how the Optibike OB1 runs speeds of 30+ mph for decent ranges.

Only 24 units will be built in 2008 so if you want yours and you care about the environment, check Optibike.

via Gizmag