[sustran] Re: UNEP, electric bicycles?

[mobility at igc.org]

i don't have any problem with electric bikes or electric assist pedicabs.  battery weight remains a problem, however, or cost. probably tighter emission controls on motorcycles would help the economic viability of this sector, no? 

walter 


sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org wrote:
> It seems UNEP's pro-car statement (see Car Busters #25 - sent by Paul Barter, 19 April) shows the extent of the car industry's vision of 
sustainable cities -- paved and congested, but with much less 
pollution.  (Incidentally, the hydrogen BMW's were also a key feature of 
Bangkok's International Motor Show earlier this month.)

Curiously, hidden among Ford's "environmental" cars and now featured in a 
new Lee Iacocca company (see New York Times article reference below) are 
electric assisted bicycles.

I believe I am as skeptical of EV/alt-fuel solutions as anyone, but the 
bicycles are intriguing.  As far as I know, they are still bicycles, but 
with a small electric motor and battery added.  Thus they are not fast, not 
congesting, and perhaps can allow use by segments of the elderly and the 
physically challenged who could not previously use a bicycle.

Is this a really sustainable EV?

John


 From the New York Times, 19April:

"Electric bicycles are a natural for people who are starting
to gray in America," said Lee Iacocca, the former Chrysler
chairman who is now president of EV Global Motors Company,
which makes a line of electric bicycles called E-Bikes.
Indeed, electric bikes let batteries (and chips) do much of
the work when muscles aren't enough. But companies are still
waiting for the sales to kick in.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/19/technology/19BIKE.html?0419ci

Video of the Think Electric Bike in action:
http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/reference/041901bike.ram


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