OHM Cycles rolls out new line of electric-assist hybrid bicycles

There's certainly no shortage of options out there for folks wanting a little assistance on their bike commute, but if you're still on the fence, you may want to consider one of OHM Cycles' new models, which includes the Urban XU450 and XU700 for less adventuresome folks, and the Sport XS700 and XS750 for those that like venture off-road occasionally. Each of those include "silent" BionX motors of various wattage, along with Molicel lithium-ion batteries that OHM says can be fully recharged in about three hours. You'll also get a "command console" that displays all your vitals, and an integrated security system (complete with an alarm) that promises to keep those lazy bike thieves out there at bay. No word on prices for any of them just yet, but the bikes are apparently making their way to dealers this month, so you should be able to get a quote soon enough.

[gabe @ Apr 14th 2008 8:42PM]

if you want to be popular with the chicks ride an OHM Cycle!

[tom @ Apr 14th 2008 9:20PM]

Going to the MB dealer... I wanna get a bike =D

There goes their commission LOL

[Eh @ Apr 14th 2008 11:23PM]

And get your ass kicked by your friends because your bike has a girls frame.

[Ignatius @ Apr 14th 2008 8:43PM]

Now you can be just like Jamie from the Mythbusters. God, I always wanted a bike like that. :O

[94 taurus owner @ Apr 14th 2008 8:53PM]

Uh no thanks I like my bike. On mine you actually get exercise.

[Flashpoint @ Apr 14th 2008 9:02PM]

As fat as people are nowadays we certainly don't need hybrid bikes. Let them expend all ther energy built up in their thighs.

[mike @ Apr 14th 2008 9:46PM]

The promise of being able to bike TO work using electric is great! Don't need to sweat through my clothes.

On the way FROM work, then we can turn the motor off. Good stuff.

[kanders @ Apr 14th 2008 10:37PM]

Does the command console display anything like 'miles per fat cell'? Calories are just too abstract...

[mike @ Apr 14th 2008 10:42PM]

it ok as long as they also buy a stationary bike to recoup all those exercise lost from using this one :)

[Ignatius @ Apr 14th 2008 11:26PM]

I don't think you get much exercise driving that '94 Taurus.

[Sma @ Apr 14th 2008 8:55PM]

Wonder if they'll come out with a recumbent version of this bike. Then you can be even more lazy. :)

[phanbouy @ Apr 14th 2008 9:12PM]

*irrelevant comment alert*

did i miss the phasing out of "highest" and "lowest" as possible rankings since last week?

[deyanimay @ Apr 14th 2008 9:13PM]

engadget should rate with a 5 star system or something like that.

[Flashpoint @ Apr 14th 2008 9:14PM]

allowing people to be ranked "highest" or "lowest" only causes animosity, resentment and anger.

I try not to even care.

sometimes engadget posters type nothing more than "fail" and get a "highest rank". Makes no damn sense.

Not to mention that this comment will be low ranked

[phanbouy @ Apr 14th 2008 9:25PM]

flashy: you sound bitter. just sayin...

[Reader @ Apr 14th 2008 11:11PM]

When used appropriately, "fail" can be quite entertaining...

[mseiter @ Apr 14th 2008 9:18PM]

I wonder if they issue a 'dorky' matching helmet with this thing?

[Jay @ Apr 14th 2008 9:34PM]

maybe with a built in camera? And one of those little rear view mirrors? And stickers of your favorite brand of soy milk?

[Sime @ Apr 14th 2008 9:27PM]

no thanks. id rather drive my hummer and vote republican.

[phanbouy @ Apr 14th 2008 9:36PM]

let's not be redundant now

[poo @ Apr 14th 2008 9:31PM]

Eugene Meltsner would totally ride this thing.

[jcwestbrook @ Apr 14th 2008 10:21PM]

Hurray for lazy people everywhere!

[hemmy @ Apr 14th 2008 10:22PM]

OHM MY GOD

[fred @ Apr 14th 2008 10:31PM]

These things would be hot sellers if they didnt always cost $1,200.00 and up.

For that money you can by a moped which goes fast, further and has a higher "cool" factor.

[mike wheels @ Apr 16th 2008 11:04PM]

the OHM bikes BionX motor is torque sensitive ..so the harder you pedal the more boost you get..

other power assist bikes the motor only gives one level of assitance no matter how hard you pedal..

[hp540 @ Apr 14th 2008 11:08PM]

this is crap and looks like it weighs 60lbs.

I could probably get a cheaper, lighter, faster, better fixed gear setup.

[Wwhat @ Apr 15th 2008 7:18AM]

Wow I've heard about weight-guessers for humans but you are much more impressive, you can tell the weight of an object of unknown materials by looking at a picture of it!

[C.K. @ Apr 14th 2008 11:59PM]

Pee Wee Herman would be envious.

[bartoron @ Apr 15th 2008 7:47AM]

Am I the only person who actually thinks this is a good idea? The battery obviously wouldn't be enough to allow you to travel extrmely long distances, but it would help if you had been pedaling for 20 miles and needed a break. You could switch it over to the electric mode and keep on riding for a little while you get a breather. Then once the battery gets low, you can start pedaling again.

[Unbangyourmom @ Apr 18th 2008 5:21AM]

I got one of these a few years back. And yes i was pretty fat, it gives a nice push when accelerating from 0, but then the weight of the bike along starts to bog you down. Now i lost all the weight and built myself a new bike, its better to do all the work yourself.

[Adam @ Apr 15th 2008 10:20AM]

K...why are these always so expensive.

OHM XU450/XU700 Urban Electric Bicycle --> $2,195.00 (http://nycewheels.com/ohm-urban-electric-bike.html)
OHM XS700/XS750 Sport Electric Bicycle --> $3,450.00 (http://nycewheels.com/ohm-sport-electric-bike.html)

[drtwolittle @ Apr 15th 2008 11:07AM]

Get it cheaper by skipping the middle man. Go right to the manufacturer of the bionX motor.
http://www.bionx.ca/index.php?id=main&module=default&page_id=32&language=en

I have one of these, and for you naysayers, I get to work on time, with less sweat, butstill more exercise then you in the hummer.

[JerryA @ Apr 15th 2008 12:34PM]

Yeah, because mopeds always sell well and get you laid. Still, it seems like a great idea. My city is hilly and I don't bike to some places because getting back would be brutal. A little assistance would be nice and get me biking more in general.

Still, I doubt I will pay what these will go for.

[ripvanwinkle @ Apr 15th 2008 6:04PM]

This is the hill assist I will buy soon! Have not seen one, but specs look good.

http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_category.php?id=109

[Electric Scooters | Mobility Scooters | Power Chairs @ Apr 20th 2008 1:17PM]

Thanks for sharing this information!

I believe that scooters are one answer to the growing problem of pollution and global warming! They are perfect for commuting within a city, or for any short trip.

I also have a website about scooters that you may wish to check out. Feel free to visit at: http://www.electricscooteroutlet.com

Thanks again!

[FalconEV @ May 25th 2009 3:14PM]

High performance bikes at www.falconev.com

[FalconEV @ May 25th 2009 3:17PM]

falconev link is http://ww.falconev.com

[Aaron Dalton @ Jul 27th 2009 1:05PM]

Your readers might also like this hands-on review of the OHM Urban XU500 - http://1greenproduct.com/2009/07/27/ohm-electric-bicycles/

Thanks for your e-bike coverage!

- Aaron Dalton, Editor, 1GreenProduct.com

[Jeremy P @ Aug 8th 2009 1:49AM]

Here's another great resource for electric bikes: http://www.eco-wheelz.com