[sustran] Re: UNEP, electric bicycles?

[Eric Bruun]

I agree with Walter. Eric Bruun

On Mon, 23 Apr 2001 mobility at igc.org wrote:

> 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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