[sustran] Electric Bicycles - Improving Range & Performance

[Gerry Hawkes]

We are working on solutions that eventually should result in transportation
infrastructure enhancements that will significantly improve the range,
performance and affordability of electric bicycles and light electric
vehicles.  You can read more details about what we envision at
http://www.biketrack.com/visions.htm

Gerry Hawkes
Bike Track, Inc.
Woodstock, Vermont USA

www.biketrack.com
ghawkes at biketrack.com


-----Original Message-----
From: mobility at igc.org <mobility at igc.org>
To: sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org <sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org>
Date: Monday, April 23, 2001 10:01 AM
Subject: [sustran] Re: UNEP, electric bicycles?


>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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>
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>
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