Electric Bikes - Electric Bike Reviews, News & Information http://www.electricbikee.com Electric Bike News & Reviews Wed, 16 May 2012 17:02:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 Brammo Makes it Into Hollywood Movies http://www.electricbikee.com/brammo-makes-it-into-hollywood-movies/ http://www.electricbikee.com/brammo-makes-it-into-hollywood-movies/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 17:02:46 +0000 barbara_peterson http://www.electricbikee.com/?p=5777

The first electric motorcycle that promises to deliver near the performance of traditional sport bikes was unveiled in Hollywood, in front of 2000 folks who had pre-ordered the bike.

The Brammo Empulse is designed to be “the first viable motorcycle that just happens to be electric,” said Brammo Chief Executive Craig Bramscher, whose team started working on the bike in 2010.

The company, based in Ashland, Ore., said the Empulse is capable of going at least 100 mph and as far as 121 miles per charge in city riding.

It carries a 9.3-kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack and liquid-cooled motor. In the spot where gas-powered motorcycles put the fuel tank, the Empulse has a carbon fiber shell that houses the same J1772 charging port used on modern electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf.

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Electric motorcycle has Hollywood debut

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]]> http://www.electricbikee.com/brammo-makes-it-into-hollywood-movies/feed/ 0 Introducing Ausi’s Ebike http://www.electricbikee.com/introducing-ausis-ebike/ http://www.electricbikee.com/introducing-ausis-ebike/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 15:25:37 +0000 barbara_peterson http://www.electricbikee.com/?p=5774

DOES an electric bicycle warrant space on the pages of Visordown? As electric power increasingly blurs the line where bicycles end and motorcycles begin its a question that’s not likely to go away soon, but since Audi is the new owner of Ducati it’s latest concept bike is worth a look. Oh, and we applaud anything that includes a bespoke “wheelie mode”…

The e-bike, due to appear at the Wörthersee car show this week (a VW/Audi event), is said to be the most powerful electric bicycle ever made, with 2.3kW of power (3.1bhp) and 184lb/ft of torque at the rear wheel. That’s enough for a 31mph electric-only top speed, boosted to 50mph if you pedal a bit to help it along. And with a range of somewhere between 31 and 44 miles, it could even be practical for some commutes, particularly if you can plug it in for 2.5 hours to recharge it when you get there.

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Audi’s e-bike

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]]> http://www.electricbikee.com/introducing-ausis-ebike/feed/ 0 Brammo Discusses its Empulse E-Cycle http://www.electricbikee.com/brammo-discusses-its-empulse-e-cycle/ http://www.electricbikee.com/brammo-discusses-its-empulse-e-cycle/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 15:50:16 +0000 barbara_peterson http://www.electricbikee.com/?p=5771

Remember the Brammo Empulse R electric bike that we [Slash Gear] peeked a few weeks ago? The regular version that drops the R has officially been debuted in Hollywood today, with all the nitty gritty details being laid out as well as the price. Brammo say that the bike is capable of reaching speeds up to 100mph, and can travel up to 121 miles on a single charge. it features a 9.3kWh lithium ion battery, and a liquid cooled motor.

The bike was shown off at a media event that was privately streaming to the 2,000 people who pre-ordered. The Empulse uses a standard electric charging port found on the Nissan Leaf, encased in carbon fiber which replaces a standard gas tank. Brammo say that the bike should be fully recharged in 3.5 hours.

The entry level bike will start at $16,995, around $3,000 more than what was first announced two years ago. The next model up which features improved suspension and carbon fiber detailing will cost $18,995. The Empulse is said to go into production starting from June, with Brammo expanding manufacturing capabilities next year to Hungary in order to serve the European market.

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Brammo details Empulse electric motorbike

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]]> http://www.electricbikee.com/brammo-discusses-its-empulse-e-cycle/feed/ 0 E-Motorcycle Hits Over 200 MPH http://www.electricbikee.com/e-motorcycle-hits-over-200-mph/ http://www.electricbikee.com/e-motorcycle-hits-over-200-mph/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 15:40:13 +0000 barbara_peterson http://www.electricbikee.com/?p=5767

Larry “Spiderman“ McBride rode into the record books last Friday when he made a quarter mile run on his Lawless Electric Rocket bike in 6.94 seconds at a staggering 201.37 miles per hour. The super fast run not only set a record for fastest electric motorcycle — a category I didn’t know existed prior to this morning — but also a record for electric vehicles overall.

Of course, it took some serious power to get McBride over the finish line in that record time. His bike, a joint project between Lawless industries and Orange County Choppers, packs a mean punch: Running at 355 volts, 4,000 amps, and 14.2 kWh. All it took was a 250 pound battery and 1,340 horsepower GE electric motor.

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Electric Motorcycle Hits World Record Speed for Electric Vehicles at Over 200 MPH

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]]> http://www.electricbikee.com/e-motorcycle-hits-over-200-mph/feed/ 0 UK: Smart Electric Bike Available To Pre-Order Now http://www.electricbikee.com/uk-smart-electric-bike-available-to-pre-order-now/ http://www.electricbikee.com/uk-smart-electric-bike-available-to-pre-order-now/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 16:00:10 +0000 barbara_peterson http://www.electricbikee.com/?p=5764

A press release from the Auto Channel: Smart Electric Bike Available To Pre-Order Now
MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – May 7, 2012: The smart electric bike can now be ordered exclusively through smart Retailers ahead of its launch in late May.

With the arrival of the smart ebike, the iconic smart brand reinforces its position as the pioneers of electric mobility. Continuing the unmistakeable style of the brand, the high tech and environmentally friendly smart ebike is extremely efficient for use in towns and cities.

The smart ebike is a pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle), which is strictly speaking a hybrid vehicle.

Developed and built in conjunction with electric bike experts GRACE, the smart ebike expands the e-product portfolio of the smart brand and with its innovative design is a true smart on two wheels.

Such is the groundbreaking design of the smart ebike that it has already won a top industry award. In the prestigious red dot design awards, the smart ebike eclipsed more than 4,500 products from 58 countries to win the red dot ‘best of the best’ prize for top design quality.

The smart ebike’s power is generated by a 200 watt BionX electric motor in the rear wheel hub, that is switched on as soon as the rider selects one of four power levels of assistance and starts pedalling. Muscle power is transformed into pedal power to the rear wheel via a maintenance-free, carbon belt drive. The power levels, which determine how much the rider’s muscle power is supported by the electric motor, can be set via the detachable BionX control panel.

Elegantly integrated into the stem, the BionX control panel also shows the battery charge status and through a scrolling display the total distance covered, journey distance, riding time, average speed and time. The smart ebike’s LED lights are also switched on and off via the BionX control panel.

Depending on the power level selected and how the rider cycles, a charge from the 423 Wh lithium-ion battery can deliver a range of up to 62 miles. The portable battery can be charged either on or off the bike, the latter by a conventional plug socket. It can also be charged by recuperating braking energy where the wheel hub motor becomes a generator when the rider brakes.

In addition, riders can charge their mobile devices while on the move by using the smart ebike’s USB interface. The convenience of using such devices, for example when accessing a satellite navigation function, can be enhanced through the fitting of an optional smartphone cradle.

The aluminium-framed smart ebike has 26-inch wheels and its striking appearance is enhanced through the choice of two colour combinations – crystal white/energy green and dark grey matt/flame orange.

The smart ebike weighs 26kg and high-quality components guarantee dynamic, safe and fun cycling. The MT4 disc brakes from Magura are fitted at the front and rear.

Gary Savage, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “Following the success of the smart electric drive, the smart ebike is a natural progression for smart and epitomises the values of the brand in providing fun, efficient and individual transport.

“Its ease of use and versatility make the smart ebike suitable for all riders and with the demand for electric bikes ever increasing, the smart ebike means that smart continues its forward-thinking and unrivalled approach to urban mobility.”

The smart ebike is priced at £2,495 including VAT. It comes complete with a two-year warranty.

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]]> http://www.electricbikee.com/uk-smart-electric-bike-available-to-pre-order-now/feed/ 0 San Francisco, Hills, and an Ebike http://www.electricbikee.com/san-francisco-hills-and-an-ebike/ http://www.electricbikee.com/san-francisco-hills-and-an-ebike/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 18:38:34 +0000 barbara_peterson http://www.electricbikee.com/?p=5758

Make no mistake, San Francisco loves bicycles. There’s been a 71 percent increase in cycling (yes, 71 percent!) in the last five years in this city. Add in the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s “Connecting the City” project, which will provide miles of new bike lanes in the near future, a five-fold increase in bike rentals, and a long-awaited bike-sharing program launching this summer and you’ve got a city made for cycling, except for one thing …

The hills.

Most people cite safety concerns—and rightfully so—as the number one impediment to them getting on a bike. But in San Francisco, there’s another major obstacle standing in the way: With few exceptions, there are hardly any ways through our fair city that don’t involve considerable inclines (and the quads to tackle them).

If you’re only after exercise, this dilemma is easily addressed. There are amazing bike paths in the city and gorgeous trails just a few miles north, south and east, many of which err on the side of sloping rather than slalom and offer unparalleled views of the Bay Area’s natural beauty

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In Defense of the Electric Bicycle, from the Bottom of a Steep Hill in San Francisco

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]]> http://www.electricbikee.com/san-francisco-hills-and-an-ebike/feed/ 0 Get Ready for the 2012 TT Zero Challenge http://www.electricbikee.com/get-ready-for-the-2012-tt-zero-challenge/ http://www.electricbikee.com/get-ready-for-the-2012-tt-zero-challenge/#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 15:33:25 +0000 barbara_peterson http://www.electricbikee.com/?p=5754

Eighteen competitors, the highest number of entries since the inaugural race in June 2009, have confirmed their participation in the 2012 SES TT Zero Challenge; all vying to be the first to break the 100mph lap on an electric bike around the world famous Mountain Course

Now in its fourth year the TT Zero emissions race has captured the imagination of universities, corporations and hi-tech institution, and this year is no different with teams from a range of institutions and organisations across the globe lining up on the starting grid.

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Countdown is on for the 2012 SES TT Zero Electric Bike Race

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]]> http://www.electricbikee.com/get-ready-for-the-2012-tt-zero-challenge/feed/ 0 Austin, TX: Rocket Electrics Comes to Austin http://www.electricbikee.com/austin-tx-rocket-electrics-comes-to-austin/ http://www.electricbikee.com/austin-tx-rocket-electrics-comes-to-austin/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:40:25 +0000 barbara_peterson http://www.electricbikee.com/?p=5750

Nicole Zinn knew she wanted to open an environmentally friendly business that fit into Austin’s Earth-friendly vibe.

When she stumbled across the concept of a bicycle equipped with an electric motor, she said, she knew she was onto something.

“Electric bikes are a good solution to get traffic out of the city,” Zinn said. “With the density of the population, it is easy to just hop on a bike and go.”

From that concept, Zinn in December opened Rocket Electrics, a business that sells and rents the electric bicycles.

The bikes can be ridden like a typical bike, but they are also equipped with a battery-powered electric motor, which is operated through a throttle on the right handlebar. When the throttle is engaged, a rider doesn’t have to use the pedals at all.

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Rocket Electrics looks to bring electric bikes into Austin mainstream

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]]> http://www.electricbikee.com/austin-tx-rocket-electrics-comes-to-austin/feed/ 0 Cedar Crest alum’s bike biz expands to Israel http://www.electricbikee.com/cedar-crest-alums-bike-biz-expands-to-israel/ http://www.electricbikee.com/cedar-crest-alums-bike-biz-expands-to-israel/#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:43:54 +0000 barbara_peterson http://www.electricbikee.com/?p=5746

Even before he began his studies at the University of Pittsburgh, Micah Toll was an inventor.

While he was a student at Cedar Crest High School, Toll designed portable, lightweight construction beams that could be used to build houses.

At Pittsburgh, Toll, now 23, has worked on building electric bicycles designed for cities and urban centers.

“The goal is to be able to sell these electric bicycles and help replace many car trips with cleaner, more efficient vehicles,” he wrote in an email last week.

Toll will graduate on Sunday with his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.

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Cedar Crest alum’s bike biz expands to Israel

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]]> http://www.electricbikee.com/cedar-crest-alums-bike-biz-expands-to-israel/feed/ 0 Get Ready for the The Isle of Man TT http://www.electricbikee.com/get-ready-for-the-the-isle-of-man-tt/ http://www.electricbikee.com/get-ready-for-the-the-isle-of-man-tt/#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:58:11 +0000 barbara_peterson http://www.electricbikee.com/?p=5743

This year’s SES TT Zero Challenge, the electric bike challenge run as part of the Isle of Man TT Races meeting, sees the highest number of entries in the event’s four year history, since the first race in 2009. Eighteen competitors have confirmed their entries and will be battling to be the first to exceed 100mph average lap speed for the 37 ¾ mile Mountain Course.

Heading the field will be USA based outfit Team Segway Racing MotoCzysz from Portland, Oregon. The team, run by Michael Czysz, has dominated the last two races with Mark Miller taking the 2010 title and Michael Rutter winning in 2011, beating his team-mate Miller and just missing the 100mph mark. The pair will set off with the number 1 and 2 plates this year and will definitely be the riders to beat.

However they can anticipate serious competition, not least from one of Japan’s leading Motorsport companies Team Mugen. New to the event, the team has secured seventeen-time champion John McGuinness to campaign on their Mugen Shinden machine and he will take the number three plate, which he adopted when achieving the first 130mph lap on a conventional bike in the Centenary TT meeting in 2007

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Highest number of entries for 2012 SES TT Zero Electric Bike Challenge on The Isle of Man

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