The Ultramotor A2B hybrid is reported to have:
An impressive 50km range and offer an assisted top speed of up to 25km/hour. Over the next few weeks he’ll be putting it through its paces to find out how it stacks up as a family mode of transport. We’ll also find out if he can convince the rest of his family that this is a good option for them too.
Wired reviewed the Ultramotor. Read their review below:
London, England — Ultra Motors has introduced two e-bikes: the A2B Metro and A2B Hybrid. They don’t go faster than 15mph, people don’t need a licence or have to pay road tax or insurance, and in London, they don’t have to pay the congestion charge.
Batteries run for up to 20 miles and are charged using a mains plug.
Ultra Motor spokesman Julie Farrington said: “It is a product people are really excited by because of its quality. In the past, electric bikes have been prototypes because the technology has not really been there. But now the technology has progressed enough to mean it is a more viable option.”
“The A2B Metro is a power-on-demand electric bike, a system that gives you the choice – pedal power or power on demand acceleration,” states the Ultra Motor website. “Ideal for short trips or commuting, guarantees you arrive fresh on destination.”
London, England — There are strict rules in the UK governing electric powered bicycles. They can not go faster than 15 mph on a public road — or they will require road tax.
Thus, even though the A2B, the “world’s fastest electric bike” (to date) has a special ‘boost’ button to “rocket” the rider up to a top speed of 25 mph, that particular feature can only be used on private property, as it won’t be legal to use it in traffic.
The battery takes five hours to charge – and costs 7pence per charge – and powers the bike for 20 miles. The low cost to charge it may make up for the fact, in the long run, that this bike costs 2,000 pounds.
21 million bikes have been sold in China in the last year and they are becoming rapidly more popular in Germany.
Last week, however, Charlie Lloyd, cycling development officer from the London Cycling Campaign, said he was sceptical about its use in London.
He said: ‘The disadvantage is that you have to charge it and the battery tends not to last very long if you go fast and push them hard. They are also much heavier than a bike and three or four times as expensive.’
However, as with most technological advances, the bikes will become less expensive over time.
Cambridge, England — The Ultramotor A2B electric bicycle is a comfortable ride, with a large saddle, wide tyres, shock absorbing front and rear suspension, and Avid BB5 disc brakes. One drawback is the bike weighs 31 kg, and you have to be pedaling before you can start the motor.
The A2B by Ultramotor costs £2,000 price tag. It has the classic shape of a Moulton bicycle with the ability to ride without even having to pedal, with very little noise and no petrol fumes.
The bikes are built in China, distributed by an American company and sold in Britain through The Electric Transport Shops in Oxford, Cambridge and Camden Town.
The motor on the rear hub is powered by a 36v lithium-ion battery, operated by a twist-and-go throttle control on the right handlebar. A conventional seven-speed derailleur gear shift is operated by a twist grip on the left hand. The battery lasts about 20 miles. Rechargeable, it requires a three- to four-hour charge from any domestic electricity supply.
THere’s no law that says riders have to wear a helmet (although it’s a good idea). European laws say riders mst be over 14 years of age, British laws restrict their speed to 15mph. (The A2B can get up to 20mph at the press of the Boost button.)
Source: Telegraph.co.uk
Ultra Motor has announced the launch of its new A2B electric bike range, describing it as a “top-choice alternative to cars and public transport”.
There are two models – the A2B Metro and A2B Hybrid.
The Metro is a power on demand electric bike while the Hybrid is pedal-assist model.
“Power on demand” means riders can choose either to pedal or cruise under power, whereas the Hybrid model offers “assist” when the rider needs extra help – as for example climbing up a steep hill.
The range for the Metro is 20 miles while the Hybird can manage 50. Recharging is said to cost as little as 7p. Each bike can travel at a top speed of 15 mph.
Available in white, black and silver, depending on model, the A2B Metro is £1949, while the A2B Hybrid will cost £1749.
Visit: Ultra Motor
San Franciso, CA — Ultra Motors will be presenting its electric bike to communities in the San Francisco Bay Area from now (April) through June, 2009.
Ultra Motor will be at events, corporations, and universities in select neighborhoods encouraging consumers to experience the exhilaration of riding an A2B, the state-of-the-art electric bik that is changing the way consumers think about short trips…to the store, to the park with friends, or commuting to work.
A complete list of events and dates can be found at www.ultramotor.com/sf.
Ultra Motor has also launched a video contest that will award one winner a free A2B, a prize valued at $2,699. The contest calls for applicants to submit a video about why they want or need a new A2B to enhance their on-the-go lifestyle. The winner will be selected in June 2009. Finalists will also be rewarded with an Ultra Motor branded Timbuk2 messenger bag. For more information on the contest, visit www.ultramotor.com/sf.
“Ultra Motor has designed and built a new, electric bike that will help change the way Americans get around town and commute to work,” says Chris Deyo, CEO of Ultra Motor USA. “As urban congestion continues to rise and automobiles contribute more than half of the greenhouse gases in San Francisco, we have been focused on creating a fun, clean, 100% electric two-wheeler that enables people to leave their car behind, especially for short, solo trips.”
The A2B was announced last August. The responsiveness and torque make riding the A2B exhilarating, fun, and easy to leave the traffic behind – picture being stopped at a red light and then accelerating to your desired speed in seconds. Riders have the unique option of choosing between pedaling and powering or leveraging both. The unassisted power-on-demand lasts for up to 20 miles at a cruising speed of 20 mph, offering the ability to power up hills without breaking a sweat – an important consideration in the City by the Bay. The A2B’s European sleek design is great for men and women plus the add-on rear side bags and baskets make it easy to carry the goods.
The cost to operate an A2B is 16 cents per mile versus nearly a dollar per mile for a typical car. Buyers may qualify for a two-year GE Money financing program that makes the A2B electric bicycle available for affordable monthly payments.
Come experience a test ride at the following events and festivals including Monterey’s Sea Otter Classic (April 16-19), Mountain View’s A La Carte and Art festival (May 16-17), and San Francisco’s Union Street Festival (June 6-7).
The A2B is available nationwide through authorized dealers and in the San Francisco Bay Area at Alameda Scooters, Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals and Tours, City Bicycle Works, Cupertino Bike Shop, ELV Motors, Green Wheelin, Noe Valley Cyclery, Pro Sports Center, Revolution Moto, Scuderia West, The Bike Connection, The Village Peddler, and Velolectric Ebikes. For more information on the A2B or other Ultra Motor Light Electric Vehicles, visit www.ultramotor.com/usa.
About Ultra Motor
Ultra Motor is a leading force in the innovation of personal transport. With state-of-the-art technology manufactured in Taiwan and a design team in Germany, Ultra Motor is paving the way with emissions-free smart transport solutions for the global urban market. The company’s global headquarters are in London, and its U.S. operation is based in San Francisco, California.
