Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Audi e-bike Wörthersee lets you pop wheelies eco-style, plays nice with your smartphone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/audi-e-bike-worthersee-lets-you-pop-wheelies-use-smartphone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/audi-e-bike-worthersee-lets-you-pop-wheelies-use-smartphone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/audi-e-bike-worthersee-lets-you-pop-wheelies-use-smartphone/#comments Image

We're no stranger to e-bikes here, but most of the examples we've seen so far have very much been meant for A-to-B rides. Audi's aiming to fix that with its e-bike Wörthersee prototype. The carbon fiber transport not only has a strong 2.3kW motor -- the most powerful ever in a bike, so says Audi -- but can use that power for tricks. You can flick the Wörthersee into a wheelie mode and either shift your weight around or leave it fully automatic, depending on the fierceness of your stunt skills. Not that it'll be a timid ride if you prefer to keep both wheels on the ground, as a motor-assisted pedaling mode will take you up to 50MPH, and you can still ride at 31MPH if you're not keen on using your legs. That's faster than the already speedy Grace One City we tried, folks. The vorsprung durch technik also comes through a smartphone tie-in, although in a much more stunt-savvy way than the app- and tuning-focused Ford E-Bike Concept: it tracks video and trick runs, both for its own game system and for bragging rights on Facebook.

With a very light 3.5-pound carbon fiber frame and a quick 2.5-hour charge-up time, the e-bike Wörthersee sounds like a wild ride that will charge quickly enough for a spin on your lunch break, but we wouldn't rush to put down a deposit. Audi is calling the prototype a "show bike," which is a sign than the design as-is won't show up at the local sports store. We'll let you know if the Wörthersee or a more pragmatic descendant makes the leap to a dealer.

Continue reading Audi e-bike Wörthersee lets you pop wheelies eco-style, plays nice with your smartphone

Audi e-bike Wörthersee lets you pop wheelies eco-style, plays nice with your smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audie-bikee-bike conceptE-bikeConceptelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikefacebookfordmobilepostcrosssmartphonestuntstuntstricktrickswortherseeWorthersee 2012Worthersee2012Fri, 11 May 2012 19:24:00 EST<![CDATA[San Francisco gearing up for electric bike sharing program]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/san-francisco-gearing-up-for-electric-bike-sharing-program/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/san-francisco-gearing-up-for-electric-bike-sharing-program/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/san-francisco-gearing-up-for-electric-bike-sharing-program/#comments Anyone who's ever attempted to ride a bike in San Francisco can attest to just how rough the city's numerous hills can be on the lower body. Thankfully, government dollars are set to go a ways toward making electric bicycles a tiny bit more prevalent amongst the local populace. The city by the bay's CarShare program will be getting funding to bring some 90 e-bikes to 25 locations in SF and nearby Berkeley, beginning with 45 bikes in the second half of this year. Forty-five more will be coming in 2013.

San Francisco gearing up for electric bike sharing program originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikecaliforniae-bikee-bikeselectric bicycleelectric bicyclesElectricBicycleElectricBicycleslendingsan franciscoSanFranciscosfsharingWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:19:00 EST<![CDATA[BOXX electric bike: two wheels, four corners, all-electric transport for one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/boxx-electric-bike/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/boxx-electric-bike/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/boxx-electric-bike/#comments Has bicycle design reached its pinnacle? Or are electric bike manufacturers just not trying hard enough? The YikeBike begs to differ, and here joining it is BOXX Corporation's diminutive BOXX. Coming in at just under a meter (or 36-inch inches) long, the 120 pound aluminum "bike" has a top speed of 35 miles per hour and can even haul up to 300 pounds of heft. Yet, despite that compact footprint, the company hasn't skimped on tech, as it boasts traction control, anti-lock brakes and yes, even LED lights. Available in one of ten colors, $3,995 nets you a base 40-mile range model, which can optionally be doubled to 80 by ticking the $599 CORE 2 box. And for those willing to spruce even further, there's a $149 heated seat and $349 1-hour charger on offer. Ready to literally hunker down on electric mobility? Go on, peep the source links below -- do it, we've even linked the configurator.

BOXX electric bike: two wheels, four corners, all-electric transport for one originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikeboxxboxx corpboxx corporationBoxxCorpBoxxCorporationelectric bicycleelectric bikeelectric mobilityElectricBicycleElectricBikeElectricMobilityEV bikeEvBikeLEDMon, 30 Jan 2012 21:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Grace One City e-motorbike review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/grace-one-city-e-motorbike-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/grace-one-city-e-motorbike-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/grace-one-city-e-motorbike-review/#comments There comes a time in nearly every person's life when they need to get up, get out the door and get to work. Some drive, some walk, some take one form of public transportation or another -- but a noble few do something different. Those people ride their bikes, holding on to the passion gained in a childhood of racing around the neighborhood on Huffys and Schwinns, skinning knees or elbows when the latest attempt at a sweet jump turned a little sour.

Sure, those people may say they're saving money or the environment by riding a bike into work, but we all know they do it for fun. As is the case with most wheeled pursuits, the fun factor increases with the speed, and with that idea we welcome to you to the Grace One. It's a German electric bike that offers more high-tech trappings than your average economy car -- a good thing, because it costs nearly as much as one. What does this $6,000 bike offer? Speed. Sweet, effortless speed (up to 25MPH without you burning a single calorie), and we recently had the chance to put one through its paces. Read on to see how we fared.

Gallery: Grace One electric bicycle review

Continue reading Grace One City e-motorbike review

Grace One City e-motorbike review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikeelectric bicycleElectricBicycleengadget showEngadgetShowgracegrace oneGraceOnereviewvideoThu, 27 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silverback's Starke city bikes charge your gadgets, firm your thighs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/silverbacks-starke-city-bikes-charge-your-gadgets-firm-your-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/silverbacks-starke-city-bikes-charge-your-gadgets-firm-your-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/silverbacks-starke-city-bikes-charge-your-gadgets-firm-your-th/#comments Cyclists have a lot to be proud of -- what with their terrific gams, above average lung capacity and eco-friendly locomotive choice. But tech isn't exactly an area that falls under their outdoors-y province, unless they're sporting one of Silverback's Starke bicycles. The line of city bikes offers up four models for the two-wheel enthusiast, but it's the Starke 1 and 2 that's caught our gadget-obsessed attention. Included in the head tube of either bike's frame is a USB port powered by a hub dynamo that'll play nicely with any of your low-voltage devices. If you're looking for an electric motor-assisted cruise, you'll have to opt for the Starke 1, but otherwise both nine-speeders share the same nickel alloy frame and weigh in at roughly 30lbs. Sound like your kind of 21st century ride? Then hit the source link below for your personal Tour de high-tech bikes.

Silverback's Starke city bikes charge your gadgets, firm your thighs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicycleBicyclesbikeeco friendlyeco-friendlyEcoFriendlyelectricelectric bicycleelectric bicycleselectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBicyclesElectricBikegreenSilverbackSilverback TechnologiesSilverbackTechnologiesStarkeStarke bikesStarkeBikesUSBUSB portUsbPortWed, 07 Sep 2011 01:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Third generation Smart Fortwo ditches Tesla powertrain, gains two wheeled cousin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/17/third-generation-smart-fortwo-ditches-tesla-powertrain-gains-tw/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/17/third-generation-smart-fortwo-ditches-tesla-powertrain-gains-tw/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/17/third-generation-smart-fortwo-ditches-tesla-powertrain-gains-tw/#comments
Time and tide wait for no man, folks. Nearly nine months after delivering the first electric Fortwos to snuggie-toting yanks, Daimler's gone and announced its faster and longer-lasting successor. It's not an entirely new car mind you, rather an extensive under the hood nip and tuck that replaces the Tesla powertrain with a more potent unit sourced from EM-motive. Up 34 horses from the previous model, the 74 horsepower EV now scoots from 0-60 in a "lively" 13 seconds -- a vast improvement over the 23.4 second (!) time of its predecessor. It's got a larger 17.6kWh battery pack too, which increases range a smidge to 87 miles. And this isn't another EV trial: it'll be produced in volume and sold (not leased) in 30 countries at an undisclosed price.

Joining the revised city dweller is the matching Smart Ebike. The electrically assisted bicycle gives meat bags a choice of four levels of laziness as it propels them 60 miles between charges. At €2,900 (or around $4,000) it's no bargain, but you didn't think transportational color coordination came cheap, did you? Expect more on both come September when they are officially unveiled at IAA Frankfurt, but our friends at Autoblog Green have plenty of pics for your perusal at the source below.

Continue reading Third generation Smart Fortwo ditches Tesla powertrain, gains two wheeled cousin

Third generation Smart Fortwo ditches Tesla powertrain, gains two wheeled cousin originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotivebicyclebikecarsebikeelectric bicycleelectric bikeelectric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricBicycleElectricBikeElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleem motiveem-motiveEmMotiveEVfortwo evFortwoEvIAA FrankfurtIaaFrankfurtsmartsmart ebikesmart EVsmart fortwoSmartEbikeSmartEvSmartFortwoWed, 17 Aug 2011 08:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Solar Cross e-bike soaks in the sun, powers your pedals]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/solar-cross-e-bike-soaks-in-the-sun-powers-your-pedals/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/solar-cross-e-bike-soaks-in-the-sun-powers-your-pedals/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/solar-cross-e-bike-soaks-in-the-sun-powers-your-pedals/#comments Ah, the bicycle -- that first symbol of locomotive independence from our youth. How we've often wished you came with a motor, solar power and some rechargeable batteries to make that ride less... taxing. Well, chin-up childhood glory days, because Terry Hope's done all that and a bit more. The self-described EV enthusiast outfitted a Specialized FSR bike frame -- chosen for its double crown suspension fork -- with an array of three solar slats, a 24-volt one horsepower motor, and three 5,000mAh Li-ion batteries to assist your pedaling on those grueling uphill climbs. The sun-soaked panels powering this 18-speeder's motor are a homemade mix of polycarbonate sheeting, aluminum and 18- x 6- x 6- inch mono crystalline cells that generate a combined 8.7-volt charge to the batteries of your choosing. While its beneficial turbo boost isn't intended to replace that Harley you've got covered in the garage, it will takeover on those lazy days when you just feel like cruising. Hilarious robot voice over for the environmentally-conscious cyclist after the break.

Continue reading Solar Cross e-bike soaks in the sun, powers your pedals

Solar Cross e-bike soaks in the sun, powers your pedals originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikeelectric bicycleelectric bikeelectric vehicleElectricBicycleElectricBikeElectricVehicleEVEV bicycleEV bikeEvBicycleEvBikeSolar Cross e-bikeSolar Cross hybrid e-bikesolar energysolar panelssolar powerSolarCrossE-bikeSolarCrossHybridE-bikeSolarEnergySolarPanelsSolarPowerTerry HopeTerry Hope e-bikeTerry Hope EV bikeTerryHopeTerryHopeE-bikeTerryHopeEvBikevideoThu, 30 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Grace One electric bicycle is ready for purchase, our bank accounts are still preparing (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/grace-one-electric-bicycle-is-ready-for-purchase-our-bank-accou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/grace-one-electric-bicycle-is-ready-for-purchase-our-bank-accou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/grace-one-electric-bicycle-is-ready-for-purchase-our-bank-accou/#comments Your average electric bicycle has a basket on the front and a lot of shame in the rear. Not the Grace One. When we first saw it almost two years ago, in the fall of 2009, it looked... well it looked like a pretty kickass bike. Since then the design has been thoroughly refined, the frame redesigned, but still the stacked projector headlamps remain in their aluminum housing in front of the bars. They're a hint at the high-tech nature of this bike, which features integrated Li-ion batteries that charge in about an hour and spin a hub-mounted motor in the rear wheel, giving you a top speed of 30MPH and a range of up to 31 miles -- all for a mere €4,199 ($6,000). If your finances can manage it the bike is available now, but if they can't you'll have to make do with a celebratory video of the thing in action after the break. Word of advice: get those glow sticks cracked and shaken up before you hit play.

Gallery: Grace One electric bicycle

Continue reading Grace One electric bicycle is ready for purchase, our bank accounts are still preparing (video)

Grace One electric bicycle is ready for purchase, our bank accounts are still preparing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>availablebicyclebikeelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikegermanygracenow availableNowAvailableshippingvideoThu, 19 May 2011 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[YikeBike unveils less-expensive folding electric bike, Jackie Chan dons celebratory tuxedo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/15/yikebike-unveils-less-expensive-folding-electric-bike-jackie-ch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/15/yikebike-unveils-less-expensive-folding-electric-bike-jackie-ch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/15/yikebike-unveils-less-expensive-folding-electric-bike-jackie-ch/#comments
Our main complaint with the folding electric YikeBike -- besides the not-quite-catchy name - was the $3,795 price tag. The company's trying to ease the price pain with the Fusion, a new model that'll cost you $1,995. The savings come from replacing the carbon fiber body with aluminum and composites, which does, unfortunately, add about 6.6 pounds, pushing the total weight over 30 pounds. But that shouldn't hamper portability, and you'll still get six miles of travel on a single charge (or 12 miles with an optional battery backpack). YikeBike will sell the cheaper model through a network of distributors, allowing it to expand its customer base beyond the 250 bikes sold so far, to, among others, Google and Jackie Chan. So if you previously couldn't afford to follow in the kung fu master's tracks, well, now you have one less excuse.

[Thanks, Dan]

YikeBike unveils less-expensive folding electric bike, Jackie Chan dons celebratory tuxedo originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 May 2011 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicycleBicyclesbikeelectricelectric bicycleelectric bicycleselectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBicyclesElectricBikefoldable bicycleFoldableBicyclehuman transporterHumanTransportertransportationtransportation toolTransportationToolvehicleyikeyike bikeyikebikeSun, 15 May 2011 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Yamaha doubles down on PAS CITY electric bicycle battery longevity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/yamaha-doubles-down-on-pas-city-electric-bicycle-battery-longevi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/yamaha-doubles-down-on-pas-city-electric-bicycle-battery-longevi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/yamaha-doubles-down-on-pas-city-electric-bicycle-battery-longevi/#comments The biggest problem with electric bicycles? All of that pesky pedaling. Thankfully, some of the world's top engineering minds are innovating all sorts of ways to lighten that load. Like Yamaha Motors, whose new PAS CITY-X, PAS CITY-C, and PAS Compact feature amped up batteries that can be charged twice as many times as their predecessors. You'll get somewhere from 10 to 15 miles on a charge, depending on the setting -- unfortunately not quite far enough for us to ride one back home to the States. The models will hit their native country on May 20th, at ¥106,800 ($1,299) for the CITY-X and ¥103,800 ($1,262) for the City-C and City-Compact models. Between the improved battery life and all of that artificial intelligence though, these things clearly won't have much use for us in the near future.

Gallery: Yamaha PAS-CITY Electric Bike Models

Yamaha doubles down on PAS CITY electric bicycle battery longevity originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 06:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricelectric bicycleelectric bicycleselectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBicyclesElectricBikegreenPAS CITY-CPAS CITY-XPAS CompactPasCity-cPasCity-xPasCompactrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseYamahaThu, 28 Apr 2011 06:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Gates, Bosch, and NuVinci combine to make pedal-assist e-bike concept, not Voltron]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/20/gates-bosch-and-nuvinci-combine-to-make-pedal-assist-e-bike-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/20/gates-bosch-and-nuvinci-combine-to-make-pedal-assist-e-bike-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/20/gates-bosch-and-nuvinci-combine-to-make-pedal-assist-e-bike-co/#comments There's those who want electric bikes that'll hurtle you down the road at 40mph at the twist of the throttle, and there's those who believe pedaling to be enjoyable enough, but would like a less strenuous bicycling experience. If you find yourself a member of column B, listen up, because Gates, NuVinci, and Bosch have created an e-bike concept that'll satisfy your two-wheeled transportation needs. Gates supplied its Carbon electric belt drive, NuVinci brought its N360 infinitely variable planetary hub, and Bosch threw in a battery and control system to make a bicycle beauty. The power train is set up to give riders pedal-assist with four settings that go from Lance to lazy, depending on your mood. At an estimated cost of €2,600 - €3,200 ($3,680 - $4,530), you'll need a bank account comparable to the seven-time champion of Le Tour should an OEM pick up the design.

Gates, Bosch, and NuVinci combine to make pedal-assist e-bike concept, not Voltron originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebosche bicyclee bikeEBicycleEBikeelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikegatesgates carbon driveGatesCarbonDrivelance armstrongLanceArmstrongn360 planetary hubN360PlanetaryHubNuVinciSun, 20 Mar 2011 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[YikeBike extender battery backpack keeps you riding in, um, style for six more miles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/12/yikebike-extender-battery-backpack-keeps-you-riding-in-um-styl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/12/yikebike-extender-battery-backpack-keeps-you-riding-in-um-styl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/12/yikebike-extender-battery-backpack-keeps-you-riding-in-um-styl/#commentsOkay, so you'll probably still look like a circus bear on a penny-farthing when you hop on the YikeBike, but with the introduction of the new extender battery backpack, you won't have to stop every six miles to juice up. You heard right, this otherwise inconspicuous knapsack is actually packing a second YikeBike battery, which can be hooked up directly to the collapsible bicycle to keep you riding for another six miles -- and if you like riding high on a tiny bike for long distances, it's got room for more than one. So go crazy, pack this thing full of batteries and hit the road, but if your keister starts smartin', don't say we didn't warn you. You can get your YikeBike juice on for $229 at the source link below.

YikeBike extender battery backpack keeps you riding in, um, style for six more miles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back packBackPackbatterybicycleBicyclesbikeelectricelectric bicycleelectric bicycleselectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBicyclesElectricBikeextenderextender battery backpackExtenderBatteryBackpackyikeyike bikeYikeBikeSat, 12 Mar 2011 23:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: best electric bicycle under $1000 for college campus cruising?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/ask-engadget-best-electric-bicycle-under-1000-for-college-camp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/ask-engadget-best-electric-bicycle-under-1000-for-college-camp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/ask-engadget-best-electric-bicycle-under-1000-for-college-camp/#comments We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Jonathan, who can't be bothered to burn off calories on a normal bike once he heads of to university next year. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
"My college of choice has a big, hilly campus, and driving is pretty heavily discouraged, so I've been looking at getting an electric bike. I have to keep it under $900 (I may be able to up to around $1100, but that would be a tough sell). I'd like it to look somewhat low-key, not unlike a typical street / mountain bike. It doesn't have to be crazy powerful, but it does need to be strong enough to tackle hills on a regular basis, and it needs batteries to match that usage pattern. I prefer the flexibility of a mid-drive mounted motor, since that would let the motor take advantage of the gears, and it would let me easily switch between power-assisted and all-electric pedaling, but I wouldn't mind a different setup. Finally, the university has a lot of fog and rain, so weather-resistance is probably important. I already own a street-bike with 26-inch wheels and a diamond-frame body, so if a conversion kit would be a strong option, I'm also open to modifying my current bike. Finally, if the bike most suitable for my needs falls outside of my price range, what would the price-range for that bike be, and what alternatives could I pursue? (I don't really want a motorbike or a scooter / moped.) Thanks!"
Phew, looks like this guy's going to be quite the wordsmith! For those of you currently cruising around campus on a power-assisted bike, which did you use? And how'd you secure it while in class? Throw this fellow a bone -- he's obviously more interested in nabbing a 4.0 than cranking on a set of pedals, and that's a-okay with us.

Ask Engadget: best electric bicycle under $1000 for college campus cruising? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askAsk EngadgetAskEngadgetbicyclebikee bikee-bikeEBikeelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikeFri, 11 Feb 2011 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[YikeBike review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/yikebike-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/yikebike-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/yikebike-review/#comments Want to meet a bunch of random strangers everywhere you go? Start riding around on a neon green electric bicycle that looks like nothing this world has seen before, something tossed out of a passing UFO that some New Zealand shepherd found glowing slightly as it rested in the middle of a smoking crater. This $3,595 electric bicycle with a 15mph top speed and six mile range does come from New Zealand, but the YikeBike is very much a product of human ingenuity, or so creator Grant Ryan claims, but that doesn't stop it from giving us a riding experience that is nothing short of other-worldly. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily equate to a entirely perfect experience.

Gallery: YikeBike

Continue reading YikeBike review

YikeBike review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicycleelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikefeaturefeaturedfeaturesreviewreviewedvideoyikebikeTue, 18 Jan 2011 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ego-Kits declares victory over nature, gravity with its E-Powered Downhill Bike Kit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/ego-kits-declares-victory-over-nature-gravity-with-its-e-powere/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/ego-kits-declares-victory-over-nature-gravity-with-its-e-powere/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/ego-kits-declares-victory-over-nature-gravity-with-its-e-powere/#comments
In a move that is sure to excite the outdoorsman (or outdoors-lady, as it were) in us all, German outfit Ego-Kits has unveiled the E-Powered Downhill Bike Kit so you don't have to go through all that pesky exercise getting to the top of the mountain to enjoy the thrill of bombing back down. The kit comes with a 1200-watt aluminum motor that mounts under the down tube of 70 percent of downhill bike models, a battery pack (contained within an included backpack), charger, controller module, crankset, chain, and twist grip throttle with a battery charge indicator. We don't know the price or when the system will officially go on sale, but we do know that when mounted on a mountain bike, it looks cooler than other, more pedestrian electric bikes we've seen previously. Jump after the break to see the Ego-Kit in action.

Continue reading Ego-Kits declares victory over nature, gravity with its E-Powered Downhill Bike Kit

Ego-Kits declares victory over nature, gravity with its E-Powered Downhill Bike Kit originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikee-powered downhill bike kitE-poweredDownhillBikeKitebikeEbikeKitegokitelectricelectric bicycleelectric bicycleselectric bikeelectric bike kitelectric bikesElectricBicycleElectricBicyclesElectricBikeElectricBikeKitElectricBikesepowered downhill bike kitEpoweredDownhillBikeKitgermanyTue, 11 Jan 2011 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[YikeBike foldable electric bike now available for the low, low price of $3,595 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/19/yikebike-foldable-electric-bike-now-available-for-the-low-low-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/19/yikebike-foldable-electric-bike-now-available-for-the-low-low-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/19/yikebike-foldable-electric-bike-now-available-for-the-low-low-p/#commentsYikeBike foldable electric bike now available for the low, low price of $3,500 (video) The first time we saw the YikeBike we couldn't help but think it was a little too stylistically shaped, a bit too svelte, and a lot too carbon fiber to actually exist in the real world as anything but a prototype. But now, over a year later, here we are looking at a little green "Add to cart" button on the company's website. Yes, the 6 mile range, 15mph top speed foldable cycles are starting to roll out of the warehouse with an estimated ship date of just one week. The best news? The price is $3,595, far from cheap but about $2,000 less than they were originally estimated to cost and a downright bargain for something that offers this unique blend of bizarreness and fun. How much fun? Get a refresher course in the video after the break.

Continue reading YikeBike foldable electric bike now available for the low, low price of $3,595 (video)

YikeBike foldable electric bike now available for the low, low price of $3,595 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikeelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikeevvideoyike bikeyikebikeSun, 19 Dec 2010 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[M55 Beast Electric Bike is quite appropriately named]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/21/m55-beast-electric-bike-is-quite-appropriately-named/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/21/m55-beast-electric-bike-is-quite-appropriately-named/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/21/m55-beast-electric-bike-is-quite-appropriately-named/#commentsM55 'Beast' Electric Bike is quite appropriately named Say "electric bicycle" around here and visions of Sanyos with baskets go floating through our heads. The Beast from M55 is something rather different, rather more bodacious. It offers a 40mph top speed and a 75 mile range plus a construction featuring pieces hewn on CNC along with plenty of titanium and carbon fiber bits for good measure. The design is perhaps a bit too in your face for some, but for others is the perfect mix of 'tude and tech. It's been in design for some months now but recently made something of a debut at SEMA ahead of a forthcoming shipping date with pre-orders open now. Cost? If you have to ask...

Gallery: M55 Beast

M55 Beast Electric Bike is quite appropriately named originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Nov 2010 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikecarbon fiberCarbonFibercncelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikeevm55titaniumSun, 21 Nov 2010 09:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Signa's fuel cell-powered bicycle paints a rosy picture for drop-in power stations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/signas-fuel-cell-powered-bicycle-paints-a-rosy-picture-for-drop/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/signas-fuel-cell-powered-bicycle-paints-a-rosy-picture-for-drop/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/signas-fuel-cell-powered-bicycle-paints-a-rosy-picture-for-drop/#comments Here's a novel concept -- rather than rolling up to a recharge station in the year 2020, plugging your Volt in and reading the latest issue of Esquire while life passes you by, why not swap out a dead fuel cell for a fully rejuvenated one? We can't say for sure the idea will catch on, but it's certainly one that would save Earth-lovin' motorists an awful lot of time. A little-known outfit by the name of Signa is to thank, as the company's new fuel cell-powered bicycle operates using this scheme; riders simply pop in a recyclable 1.5 pound cartridge (where sodium silicide and water mix to create hydrogen power), toss on a pair of Ray-Bans and cruise for 20 to 30 miles. Once that runs out, you can either break out the pedal power or pop in a new cell -- given the right infrastructure, this could one day be as simple as stopping to refuel. In reality, this new bike is just a way to show off the company's technical aptitude, but we're told that it is actually going on sale next summer for an undisclosed amount. Dollars to donuts Floyd Landis already has one on pre-order.

Signa's fuel cell-powered bicycle paints a rosy picture for drop-in power stations originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikee bikeEBikeeco-friendlyelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikefuel cellFuelCellgreenSignawaterThu, 07 Oct 2010 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackTrail BT-01 is the $80,000 electric bicycle of your dreams (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/blacktrail-bt-01-is-the-80-000-electric-bicycle-of-your-dreams/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/blacktrail-bt-01-is-the-80-000-electric-bicycle-of-your-dreams/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/blacktrail-bt-01-is-the-80-000-electric-bicycle-of-your-dreams/#comments When Germany's PG-Bikes sets out to build a cruiser, it doesn't mess around -- the contraption above may look like an electric bike, but when it goes on sale in the US this year, you may have to register it as a motorcycle. Constructed of lightweight carbon fiber, aerospace aluminum, titanium and magnesium, the BlackTrail BT-01 travels up to 65MPH with a 1.2 kilowatt motor embedded in its 44 pound frame, and can carry you across 120 miles on a single 2.5-hour charge of the leather-clad 17Ah Li-ion battery pack. Of course, those sorts of numbers don't come cheap -- the company's marketing it to the likes of West Coast Customs, The Sharper Image and a vehicle enthusiast named Jay Leno -- and each of the 667 limited pieces will cost $80,000, the better part of a Tesla Roadster and far beyond a Brammo. Still, if anyone has an offshore bank account they care to donate, we call dibs on 666 -- the number of the beast. Video after the break.

Continue reading BlackTrail BT-01 is the $80,000 electric bicycle of your dreams (video)

BlackTrail BT-01 is the $80,000 electric bicycle of your dreams (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 01:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black TrailBlacktrailBT-01electric bicycleelectric bicycleselectric bikeelectric bikeselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricBicycleElectricBicyclesElectricBikeElectricBikesElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesevJay LenoJayLenoPG bikesPG-BikesPgBikesvideoWed, 04 Aug 2010 01:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Fast Forward electric pedals could make your bike power itself]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/fast-forward-electric-pedals-could-make-your-bike-power-itself/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/fast-forward-electric-pedals-could-make-your-bike-power-itself/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/fast-forward-electric-pedals-could-make-your-bike-power-itself/#commentsFast Forward electric pedals could make your bike pump itselfEvery electric bike we've seen, and we've seen quite a few, relies on motors that are either attached to the wheels or somehow integrated in to the chain drive. Efficient, perhaps, but not exactly trivial to retrofit onto an existing cycle. Stephen Britt's Fast Forward pedals take a rather more ingenious and, honestly, simple approach: put the motors in the pedals. When your feet are resting on the pedals and their motors start a spinning the result is a bike that basically powers itself. We're a bit doubtful that this kind of tech could actually push a bike up a hill without some effort from the dude or dudette in the saddle, and we suspect that the motors having to lift your legs up and down doesn't help their efficiency, but it is an interesting solution that should work on nearly any bike. You can see it in motion at the source link and, while you're there, take a moment to give Mr. Britt your vote. If he wins he'll get £50,000 to make these a reality -- and to give your lazy butt a little assistance on the ride home.

Fast Forward electric pedals could make your bike power itself originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric bicycleelectric bikeelectric powerElectricBicycleElectricBikeElectricPowerfast forwardFastForwardpedalStephen BrittStephen Britt Fast ForwardStephenBrittStephenBrittFastForwardFri, 25 Jun 2010 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen rolls out foldable 'Bik.e' electric bicycle concept]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/volkswagen-rolls-out-foldable-bik-e-electric-bicycle-concept/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/volkswagen-rolls-out-foldable-bik-e-electric-bicycle-concept/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/volkswagen-rolls-out-foldable-bik-e-electric-bicycle-concept/#comments
Well, it looks like it's the season for automakers to show off electric bicycle concepts, with Volkswagen now following Lexus' lead with its own "Bik.e" concept. Unlike Lexus' hybrid concept, this one is a full-fledged electric bicycle (sans pedals), and it boasts a few innovations of its own, not the least of which is that it's able to fold up and fit where you'd normally store a spare tire. It's also apparently able to be charged using your car's DC current in a pinch in addition to a standard AC outlet at home, and it promises to deliver a range of 20 kilometers on a full charge, along with a top speed of 20 kilometers per hour. What's more, it seems like Volkswagen is actually looking at commercial possibilities for the Bik.e, although it's not making any firm commitments just yet. Head on past the break for a quick look at the bike in action, and some dancing.

Continue reading Volkswagen rolls out foldable 'Bik.e' electric bicycle concept

Volkswagen rolls out foldable 'Bik.e' electric bicycle concept originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto chinaauto china 2010AutoChinaAutoChina2010bicyclebik.ebikeconceptelectric bicycleElectricBicyclevideovolkswagenvwThu, 29 Apr 2010 19:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus shows off hybrid bicycle, won't sell you one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/lexus-shows-off-hybrid-bicycle-wont-sell-you-one/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/lexus-shows-off-hybrid-bicycle-wont-sell-you-one/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/lexus-shows-off-hybrid-bicycle-wont-sell-you-one/#comments
This Lexus bicycle has apparently been quietly making the rounds since the last year's Tokyo Motor Show, but the automaker has rolled it out again to coincide with the Great British Bike Ride, and it's taken the opportunity to dish some details on it. While it's still just a concept, it does exist in prototype form, and packs a 240-Watt electric motor that's powered by a 25.9-volt lithium battery pack, which promises to give you a little extra push when you're tired of pedaling. Being a Lexus, it also follows the "L-finesse" design language, and it relies on the same principles of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system found in the company's hybrid vehicles to recharge the battery through regenerative braking. Unfortunately, Lexus says it doesn't have any plans to put the bike into production -- but that may be for the best, we're pretty sure the future of transportation is one-wheeled anyway.

Lexus shows off hybrid bicycle, won't sell you one originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikeconceptelectric bicycleElectricBicyclehybrid bicyclehybrid bikeHybridBicycleHybridBikelexuslexus hybird bicycleLexusHybirdBicycleWed, 28 Apr 2010 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[YikeBike foldable electric bicycle hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/08/yikebike-foldable-electric-bicycle-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/08/yikebike-foldable-electric-bicycle-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/08/yikebike-foldable-electric-bicycle-hands-on/#comments The Honda U3-X might look all futuristic and highly portable, but it doesn't pack much speed -- probably for the sake of stability. The Segway? Far too bulky, plus it's so yesterday (sorry, Woz). This brings us to the YikeBike -- a bizarre-looking foldable electric bicycle that was announced back in September. Since then this mini whizzer's been given a slight bump to its top speed (now 25km/h or 15.5mph) and range (10km; 40-minute charge time), while weighing just 22 pounds thanks to its carbon fiber composite frame. Once you've folded the bike up, you can even wear it using the supplied shoulder strap to go on the bus or subway.

During our hands-on, we started off with a bit of a wobble while adjusting to the backward handles, but five minutes later we learned to ignore the conventional cycling posture and leaned slightly further back, plus we got the right grip for the throttle (right) and brake (left). We also found the indicator, front light and horn buttons to be easily accessible by our thumbs. As you will see in the video after the break, we were traveling at fairly high speeds towards the end. The only problem that couldn't be fixed was our legs being a tad short for the pedals, but word has it that YikeBike's planning on releasing a smaller model in the near future. Living in Europe and carrying £2,995 / €3,495 / $4,659 with you? Feel free to pre-order now for a June delivery -- just in time for the summer breeze.

Gallery: YikeBike foldable electric bicycle hands-on

Continue reading YikeBike foldable electric bicycle hands-on

YikeBike foldable electric bicycle hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicycleelectric bicycleElectricBicyclefeaturedfeaturesfoldable bicycleFoldableBicyclehands-onhuman transporterHumanTransporterthe gadget show livethe gadget show live 2010TheGadgetShowLiveTheGadgetShowLive2010transportationtransportation toolTransportationToolvehiclevideoyike bikeYikeBikeThu, 08 Apr 2010 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sanyo surrounds Tokyo with Eneloop charging stations and bikes to match]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/sanyo-surrounds-tokyo-with-eneloop-charging-stations-and-bikes-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/sanyo-surrounds-tokyo-with-eneloop-charging-stations-and-bikes-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/sanyo-surrounds-tokyo-with-eneloop-charging-stations-and-bikes-t/#commentsSanyo surrounds Tokyo with Eneloop charging stations and bikes to match Renting a bike in most urban areas of the US is a difficult proposition. In Japan not only can you easily rent a bike, you can now rent an electric bike -- a solar powered electric bike to boot. Sanyo has dropped Eneloop stations on three locations around the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, each having 100 of the company's electric rides on offer for passers by to borrow (for a sadly undisclosed fee). When the bikes aren't being pedaled around town they'll sit in the station, being recharged by 46 square meters of solar panels that not only juice up batteries but also provide LED lighting for the station itself. While Sanyo does offer some solar stations for Eneloop owners, these look to be for renters only, meaning those who've bought their own will have to take themselves and their little baskets somewhere else.

Update: Commenter camcavers managed to find this article that lists the price for a 12 hour rental (7am until 7pm) is 300 yen, or about $3.50, plus a 3500 yen deposit. That's a good deal for borrowing any bike, never mind one as expensive as these!

Sanyo surrounds Tokyo with Eneloop charging stations and bikes to match originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikeelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikeeneloopeneloop bikeEneloopBikesanyosanyo bicyclesanyo bikeSanyoBicycleSanyoBikesetagayatokyoTue, 16 Mar 2010 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[HMK 561 electric bike concept seats you on the battery, makes you significantly more attractive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/hmk-561-electric-bike-concept-seats-you-on-the-battery-makes-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/hmk-561-electric-bike-concept-seats-you-on-the-battery-makes-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/hmk-561-electric-bike-concept-seats-you-on-the-battery-makes-yo/#comments Most electric bikes are fairly sordid affairs, little more than an ordinary bicycle with a motorized hub, a strap-on battery pack and regenerative braking capabilities (if you're lucky). Not this HMK 561 electric bicycle concept, which took home an iF Design Award for some seriously forward thinking. It's not just the stylish forward rake of this juiced cruiser that's innovative, it's the frame -- composed completely of a conductive carbon fiber weave that allows the bike's body to not just pass electricity to the motors, but actually store it like a giant capacitor. Factor in integrated lights and a pinch of that aforesaid regenerative braking at each axle, and you've just about got the bicycle of our dreams. Oh, and did we mention a prototype has already been built? Yeah.

Gallery: HMK 561 Electric Bicycle Concept

HMK 561 Electric Bicycle ConceptHMK 561 Electric Bicycle Concept

HMK 561 electric bike concept seats you on the battery, makes you significantly more attractive originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikecarbon fibercarbon fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFibreelectric bicycleelectric bicycleselectric bikeelectric bikesElectricBicycleElectricBicyclesElectricBikeElectricBikesif design awardif design awardsIfDesignAwardIfDesignAwardsindustrial designIndustrialDesignRegenerativeBrakingThu, 11 Mar 2010 22:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Kalkhoff's pedal-assist electric bicycles now available in North America -- cruisers unite!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/27/kalkhoff-s-pedal-assist-electric-bicycles-now-available-in-north/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/27/kalkhoff-s-pedal-assist-electric-bicycles-now-available-in-north/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/27/kalkhoff-s-pedal-assist-electric-bicycles-now-available-in-north/#comments Europeans have been cruising around on Kalkhoff e-bikes for millenniums now, but ye old Americans have been forced to either walk, pedal similar two-wheeled machines with our own energy, or fire up the HEMI-based Charger while throwing a finger up at Ma Earth. Thankfully, Portland's own Greenlight Bikes is doing what no one else would: importing these beauts for enjoyment here on US soil. What's most interesting is that the company's range of pedal-assist electric bicycles (or pedelecs, for those "in the know") don't look much different than the Schwinn Windwood Cruiser that your dad still uses to fetch the mail with, but believe it or not, an electric motor is included in order to "supplement the power a rider applies to the pedals, providing a smooth, predictable boost." Too bad that extra oomph won't be yours without spending between $2,499 and $3,399.

Kalkhoff's pedal-assist electric bicycles now available in North America -- cruisers unite! originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikee-bikeelectric bicycleelectric bicyclesElectricBicycleElectricBicyclesgermanygreenlight bikesGreenlightBikesKalkhoffNorth AmericaNorthAmericapedal-assisttransportationUSASat, 27 Feb 2010 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Grace E-motorbikes are ultralightweight, German, and very expensive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/20/grace-e-motorbikes-are-ultralightweight-german-and-very-expens/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/20/grace-e-motorbikes-are-ultralightweight-german-and-very-expens/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/20/grace-e-motorbikes-are-ultralightweight-german-and-very-expens/#comments
We've ridden our fair share of electric bikes and motorcycles, but we've yet to get our hands on one that's been hand assembled in Berlin/Biesenthal. Grace boasts a water-tight / ultra-light CNC-Aluminum frame, a 1300-watt motor, lithium-ion batteries, a 40 30 MPH speed, a range of up to 31 miles, and a one-hour recharge time. Looks good enough for a Kraftwerk video, although you'd better steer clear of the Autobahn with this thing. The bike starts shipping in January for €5,877 ($8,760-ish).Video after the break.

Gallery: Grace street legal e-bicycle



[Thanks, Christopher]

Continue reading Grace E-motorbikes are ultralightweight, German, and very expensive

Grace E-motorbikes are ultralightweight, German, and very expensive originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikee-motorbikeselectric bicycleelectric bikeelectric motorcycleElectricBicycleElectricBikeElectricMotorcyclegracegrace e-motorbikesGraceE-motorbikesgreenmotorcycletransportationFri, 20 Nov 2009 14:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Electric folding YikeBike looks slightly ridiculous, totally practical]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/video-electric-folding-yikebike-looks-slightly-ridiculous-tota/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/video-electric-folding-yikebike-looks-slightly-ridiculous-tota/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/video-electric-folding-yikebike-looks-slightly-ridiculous-tota/#commentsElectric folding YikeBike looks slightly ridiculous, totally practical You know the opening sequence of The Jetsons where George's flying car folds right up into a briefcase, then he goes inside and kicks his feet up at the desk of the future? Well, we may not have flying cars -- or moving walkways that sweep us to our office chairs for that matter -- but soon we will have the YikeBike, an electric bicycle that tucks neatly into a bag little bigger than a briefcase. Its styling queues are decidedly futuristic penny-farthing, with the large front wheel, tiny rear, and little mustache handlebar, but that front wheel is driven by an electric motor giving a range of 9km and a top speed of 20km/h. No word on how long a full charge takes, but 80 percent requires only 20 minutes. It looks like fun (see for yourself after the break), and is due to start shipping by the middle of next year, but at a cost of €3,900 (over $5,500) it's going to be something of a tall sale for a short ride.

Gallery: YikeBike



[Via WOW-POW]

Continue reading Video: Electric folding YikeBike looks slightly ridiculous, totally practical

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Video: Electric folding YikeBike looks slightly ridiculous, totally practical originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicycleelectric bicycleElectricBicyclefoldable bicycleFoldableBicycletransportationtransportation toolTransportationToolvehicleyike bikeYikeBikeThu, 03 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Sanyo's new eneloop bike gets carbon fiber frame, traction control brain]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/sanyos-new-eneloop-bike-gets-carbon-fiber-frame-traction-contr/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/sanyos-new-eneloop-bike-gets-carbon-fiber-frame-traction-contr/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/27/sanyos-new-eneloop-bike-gets-carbon-fiber-frame-traction-contr/#commentsSanyo's new eneloop bike gets carbon fiber frame, traction control brain
Carbon fiber, with its light weight and high strength, is the material upon which the modern motorsports world is built. Traction control, which decreases difficulty, threatens to destroy it. However, in the world of the urban commute, traction control is a great thing and carbon is generally unheard of. Not for Sanyo, which will soon introduce the CY-SPK227 eneloop bike with a frame made of the stuff, featuring two wheel drive and traction control. The rear wheel is powered by the chain, the front by an electric motor, and should the rider pedal more enthusiastically than slippery conditions allow the bike will compensate by adding more juice to the front. Total weight is about 43lbs, many times that of the composite wonders Lance straddled in France, but about 7lbs lighter than the company's last entrant. It has regenerative braking, an LED headlight, magnesium suspension, a ¥627,900 price tag (about $6,600), and it releases in Japan in October -- you know, right about when the skies start to threaten snow. A good test for that traction control, then.

[Via Fareastgizmos.com]

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Sanyo's new eneloop bike gets carbon fiber frame, traction control brain originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikeCY-SPK227electric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikeeneloopsanyosanyo CY-SPK227 eneloopsanyo eneloopSanyoCy-spk227EneloopSanyoEneloopMon, 27 Jul 2009 09:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Schwinn Tailwind electric bike review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/schwinn-tailwind-electric-bike-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/schwinn-tailwind-electric-bike-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/schwinn-tailwind-electric-bike-review/#comments Schwinn's Tailwind electric bike -- which has been available for just a few months -- has been sitting in our apartment since post CES, waiting for the New York weather to shape up enough for us to give it a fair spin. Well, it's been beautiful recently, so the pedal-assist bike has been taken for several spins on our backyard BMX trail to see what kind of dust we could raise together. The bike is a retro, hulking, 58 pound package, with a Toshiba SCiB Quick Charge Plug n' Drive (SCiB) battery saddled onto the back for about 30 miles of assistance. It's an expensive (about $3,200) piece of eco-friendly transportation, to be sure. So the questions are thus: what do we think about Schwinn's latest foray into commuter cycles? Just who is this bike for? Will we ever get used to carrying it up and down our apartment stairs? Join us on the road after the break.

Continue reading Schwinn Tailwind electric bike review

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Schwinn Tailwind electric bike review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 May 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclesbikebikeselectricelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikefeaturefeaturedfeaturesreviewreviewsschwinnschwinn tailwindschwinn tailwind electric bikeSchwinnTailwindSchwinnTailwindElectricBiketransportationFri, 22 May 2009 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Industrial design student builds Capella, the portable, unobtainable electric bike]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/03/industrial-design-student-builds-capella-the-portable-unobtain/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/03/industrial-design-student-builds-capella-the-portable-unobtain/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/03/industrial-design-student-builds-capella-the-portable-unobtain/#comments

Where most students only go so far as to render their designs, Truong Minh Nhat -- working on his senior project at the Ho Chi Minh City School of Architecture -- made a functional prototype, sourcing the parts from local manufacturers. Dubbed Capella, the lightweight vehicle folds down to a neat "backpack sized" package (well, maybe a large backpack), travels over 30 miles an hour, has a range of about 7.5 miles (on a two hour charge), and in its final, mass produced form it should weigh about 22 pounds. If you're looking for a wilder ride than most electric bike designs offer, and you happen to be reading this in Ho Chi Minh City, keep your eyes peeled.

[Via Core 77]

Update: This bike has a top speed of 30 km (roughly 18.6 miles) an hour.

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Industrial design student builds Capella, the portable, unobtainable electric bike originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schwinn has been pretty big on electric bicycles for some time now, but it seems to be particularly excited about its new Tailwind bike, which it says "sets a new standard for the electric bike industry." That boasting is apparently due in large part to the bike's use of Toshiba's newfangled Super Charge ion Battery (or SCiB), which has a promised 30-minute recharge time, or about an eighth of that of competing bikes. The rest of the bike's specs also look to be up to Schwinn's usual high standards, and include a Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal geared rear hub, a brushless motor with 180 watts of continuous power or 250 watts at peak power, a rear roller brake system, double wall alloy rims, and Continental Town Ride tires, to name but a few premium features. Just don't expect any of that to come cheap, as the bike is set to retail for $3,199 when it hits shops early next year.

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Schwinn debuts Toshiba-powered Tailwind electric bike originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Believe it or not, Electric Motion Systems' E+ actually isn't the priciest electric bicycle we've ever seen, but at $3,495 sans chauffeur, it's a far cry from being a bargain. Aside from boasting a relatively traditional frame, the unit gets powered by an EMS 1000-watt hub-mounted, brushless permanent magnet motor, which should provide 20 to 40 miles of fun on a single charge. Proving its intelligence, the E+ also supports regenerative braking, which enables the battery to get charged each time the rider slams the stoppers. You'll also find a handlebar-mounted LCD display which shows speed, distance traversed, battery level and whether or not cruise control is enabled. Yeah. Cruise control, son. Suddenly, $3,495 seems quite reasonable, no?

[Via AutoblogGreen]

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Electric Motion Systems E+ electric bike: $3,495 for two wheels originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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OHM Cycles rolls out new line of electric-assist hybrid bicycles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yeah, there's already a few folks out there depriving themselves of adequate exercise by choosing to cruise on an electric bike, but those who've yet to take the plunge now have yet another alternative. Panasonic's Titanium Flat Road EB electric bicycle isn't likely to be certified for use in the Tour de France, but it can propel riders a maximum of ten kilometers in around half an hour (or up to 150 kilometers if you use your own strength every now and then). Additionally, the bike features a Smart Lithium-Ion Integrated Management System (SLIM) to display remaining battery life and the distance left before your legs will be forced to take over. No word on a price just yet, but there's plenty of pics in the via link below.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

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Panasonic's Titanium Flat Road EB electric bicycle is almost cheating originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot on the heels of Matra's MS1 comes yet another human / electric-powered hybrid bike, but Marcus Levison-Hays' Electrobike Pi definitely rocks a more unorthodox design. This blindingly red transporter "combines the lightweight portability of a bicycle with speed and self-propulsion more akin to a motorcycle," as it includes a 36-volt pack of NiMH batteries that provides "about one horsepower" to the 58-pound device. The unit can be fully charged "from any standard household outlet in 2.5 to 3 hours and can run for 25 to 30 miles," and according to a report from the LA Times, the 20mph maximum stock speed can be increased to around 46mph "with a little after-market hot rodding." Granted, the base price on this thing is said to be around $7,500, so it looks like the most of us will have to stick with the trusty Huffy ten-speed for the time being.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

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Electrobike Pi: the pricey hybrid electric bicycle originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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