Sanyo unveils hybrid electric "eneloop" bicycle

Sanyo unveiled its new hybrid electric bicycle dubbed the "eneloop bike". The bike features a Power-up Mode with an assist ratio of 1:2 and regenerative braking which Sanyo terms a "loop charge function". The regenerative braking helps extend the estimated range of the eneloop to a fairly impressive 100km. The bike will be available in February 2009 for ¥136,290 (~$1,460.00) and will come in white, blue, green and black.

Specs:

Wheel diameter: 26-inch
Gears: 3-speed internal hub
Motor: DC brushless - 250 W
Battery: Lithium-ion 25.9 V-5.7 Ah
Weight: 22.8 kg

Yamaha Introduces the PAS CITY-C Electric Bike

Yamaha introduced a new electric bike, the PAS CITY-C, designed in conjunction with Tokyo-based design company Plus Minus Zero. The bike has an estimated travel range of 65km. It will start shipping in early 2009, unfortunately only in Japan, at a price of ¥102,800 (~$1,100.00).

Specs:

Wheel size: 20"
Motor: 240 W
Battery: Lithium-ion 25.9 V-4.0 Ah
Weight: 20.3kg

Schwinn Tailwind Electric Bike

Schwinn debuted the Tailwind electric bicycle at the Interbike International Bicycle Expo. This new eBike utilizes Toshiba's Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) which only requires a 30 minute recharge time. It also features full fenders, chain cover, Basta Defender wheel lock, and B+M dynamo powered light set, Selle Royal Look In gel saddle, with suspension seat post and adjustable rise stem and comes in four standard frame sizes (S, M, L, XL), and three step-thru frame sizes (S, M, L). The Tailwind will be available in early 2009 at a suggested retail price of $3199.99.

Specs:

Wheel diameter: 26"
Gears: Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal geared rear hub
Motor: DC brushless - 250 W
Battery: Lithium-ion 24 V-4.2 Ah
Weight: 38 lbs.

Ultra Motor A2B Electric Bike

Ultra Motor announced its A2B electric bike. Designed for urban or suburban commutes, the bike features lightweight aluminum construction with full suspension. When you don't feel like pedaling, the A2B offers unassisted power on demand for up to 20 miles at a cruising speed of 20mph. Availability is next month with an expected price of $2,600.00.

Specs:

Wheel size: 20"
Gears: Shimano Alivio 7 Speed
Motor: BLDC hub motor 500W
Battery: Lithium-ion 36V
Weight: 33kg

Yamaha's Intelligent Electric Bike - PAS Brace

Yamaha will release the "PAS Brace" Aug 8, 2008, in Japan. The new bike features an eight-speed internal hub gear and a shift position sensor to detect the gear speed at which it is running. A system called "S.P.E.C.8" decides an optimal assisting power at any time in the ride including the starting up, accelerating and running phases of the ride.

Electricity supply begins to decrease after the speed reaches 15km/h (9.32mph), and no electricity is provided at the speed of 24km/h or more. At the speed of less than 24km/h, the S.P.E.C.8 efficiently assists the pedaling by minutely controlling the electricity supply according to the gear in use.

The price of the bicycle (including a battery charger) is set at ¥125,800 (~ $1,168, including tax).

Specs:

Wheel size: 26"
Motor: DC brushless - 240 W
Battery: Lithium-ion 25.9V-4.0Ah
Weight: 22.1kg

Panasonic Vivi RX-10S Electric Bike

Panasonic is going to launch in Japan next month the new Vivi RX-10S electric bike that features hybrid car-style regenerative braking system. The bicycle comes with an Automatic Mode which automatically switches between four levels of peddle assistance using a built-in torque sensor. For instance, the assistance force increases when the bicycle is going uphill and deactivates when it detects a downhill ride. By utilizing a regenerative braking system on downward slopes, etc, the assisted travel range is significantly extended compared with systems that don't use regenerated energy. The assisted travel range was reportedly extended to approximately 125km with the use of the regenerative braking system, whereas the assisted travel range is only about 90km without using the system. The expected retail price of the bicycle is ¥150,000 (~ $1,395).

Specs:

Wheel size: 26"
Motor: DC brushless 250W
Battery: Lithium-ion 26V-10Ah
Weight: 25.7kg

Optibike OB1 Electric Mountain Bike

Optibike recently introduced a new limited edition electric bicycle model, the OB1, which features a patented motorized bottom bracket. The bicycle’s frame is made of aluminum monocoque, and the bike is equipped with Avid Juicy Ultimate brakes. The front suspension is a Fox 36 Talas RC2 Fork and the rear suspension is a Fox Float RP23 Shock. The Optibike OB1 also features TAG composite disk wheel sets. The price is $12,995.00.

Specs:

Wheel size: 26"
Gears: 9-speed derailleur
Motor: DC brushless - 850 W
Battery: Lithium-ion 36 V-20 Ah

Panasonic launches the Titanium Flat Road EB

Panasonic launched a high-end e-bike, the "Titanium Flat Road EB", a luxury sport model with a starting price of ¥585,000 (~$5,500) going up to ¥725,000 (~$6,800). Panasonic utilizes its SLIM (Smart Lithium-ion Integrated Management) system on the bicycle that informs the rider of the status of the battery. The expected range of the bike is 150km. The bike will be sold only over the Internet and will be customizable with a choice of 56 colors. Availability is expected March 25.

Specs:

Wheel size: 26"
Gears: 8-speed derailleur
Motor: DC brushless 250W
Battery: Lithium-ion 26V-10Ah
Weight: 16.7kg