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Make your bike electric with this swap-in tire
Electric bikes have been around for decades but haven't broken out of their niche audience. Instead of building a bicycle around electric power, GeoOrbital is a universal wheel you can swap into your existing bike to power your ride.
Cycling officials find motor hidden inside competition bike
"Doped bikes" that use hidden motors to give riders a boost have long been suspected but never seen. However, officials accused 19-year-old Belgian star Femke Van den Driesshe (above) of "technological fraud" at the cyclocross World Championships on Saturday. "It was no secret that a motor was found. We believe that it was indeed technological doping," said Brian Cookson, the president of the Union Cycliste International (UCI). He added that "we've been [testing] new methods of detection but you'll understand why I don't want to go into details."
Commuting with the fun, stylish and expensive Bolt e-bike
The Bolt looks sort of like a motorcycle, but it's really more like a BMX bike with an electric motor bolted to it. The startup's electric bike doesn't try to compete with motorcycle maker Zero or scooter manufacturer Gogoro; instead it's targeting the bicycle commuter that wants a smoother ride to work. While it also looks like a cross between a moped and cafe racer, it's technically a bicycle with an electric motor and can technically be ridden in the bicycle lane. Angry cyclists aside, that also means you don't need a license to ride it or a have to get it registered or insured. For urban environmentalists tired of showing up to work all sweaty, it could be the ultimate commuter.
iGo's electric Fatbike takes the grunt-work out of climbing
We realize that the market for a nearly $4,000 bicycle is going to be fairly limited -- especially when it's made for serious off-roading -- but bear with us for a moment. The iGo Electric Fatbike is a bit different than the electric two-wheelers we've seen before because, for one, well, it's a fatbike. Meaning, it's specially designed to tackle both snow, sand or other soft terrain with relative ease. To make those typically undesirable substrates (or maybe just the road to your favorite deli) a little easier to get across, the iGo will match your pedal input with its electric motor and 12Ah Panasonic battery. Pedal faster and you'll get a bigger boost, slower and it'll cut back on the push; there are an adjustable ten levels of power assistance, too. The designers seem pretty far along on the process and say they're hitting Kickstarter to setup their new assembly facility and complete the first production run. Want in? All it takes is 3,595 Canadian dollars.
Philippe Starck's latest project is a fleet of electric bikes for all terrains
We've come across a variety of wares from renowned French designer Philippe Starck. He's tinkered with everything from external hard drives to headphones, and now he's added electric bicycles to the list. Working alongside Moustache Bikes, the M.A.S.S. collection is a set of four powered two-wheelers built to tackle mud, asphalt, sand and snow with a corresponding acronym to boot. The fleet of Starckbikes have a handlebar-mounted control unit for sorting five modes (eco, tour, sport and turbo) alongside GPS navigation. Depending on which of those modes you choose, advertised range is 30 to 60km (around 19 to 37 miles) and the lithium-ion battery fully recharges in 3.5 hours. Of course, mileage goes up if you're okay with pedaling the extra distance. In terms of speed, three of the bikes top out at 15.5 MPH (25 km/h) and that road-tuned option can zoom around at up 28 MPH (45 km/h). As you might expect, the sand and snow models feature frame covers to protect that 250-watt Bosch electric motor from the elements, one of which is made of some quite dapper fur.
Rimac unveils greyp G12 electric bike with 75 mile range, 40mph top speed
Rimac's Concept One has been something of an enigma, but there's no doubting that the EV maker has just taken the veil off its latest product -- the greyp G12 electric bike. If you're not sure if looks like a motorbike, or regular bicycle, that's okay, because Rimac claims it's both. It can do 40mph (unassisted) with a pedal-free range of 75 miles, after that, you're on your own. With an alleged charge time of 80 minutes (from zero), from any regular power outlet, the G12 could be a winner with city dwellers looking to get about town. Other neat tricks include fingerprint activated ignition that allows different digits to trigger the bike's two modes -- street or speed -- with profiles for up to 50 users available. There's no official word on price or availability, but if you want to become a "dealer," you could expect to take delivery of one as soon as October for 6,000 euros (about $7,900). Pedal past the break for a video of the greyp doing its thing.
Specialized Turbo e-bike reaches the US, offers a speed boost for $5,900
When Specialized's Turbo e-bike launched last year, it was almost too fast for its own good when it couldn't legally be sold in Europe and the US. The American riders, at least, won't be held back now that the Turbo is on sale in their country. The US version costs an eye-watering $5,900, but it can reach the same 27.9MPH peak speed through its combination of pedal power and the 250W of typical output from the electric motor. With that kind of performance, it could almost pay for itself -- who wouldn't want to blow past rush hour traffic in the bike lane?
Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur e-bike
We've watched as Faraday Bicycles' first offering, the Porteur electric bike, went from award-winning concept to a fully-fledged consumer product courtesy of Kickstarter. Recently, company founder Adam Vollmer offered us the chance to ride one, and naturally, we couldn't wait see it for ourselves and put feet to pedals.%Gallery-161281% First impressions are important, a fact of which the folks at Faraday are clearly aware. The Porteur's white frame, wood fenders, and sea foam green trim pieces and rims provide a pleasing visual counterpart to the leatherwork adorning the seat, frame and handlebars. Add in the yesteryear script of the logo and vermilion detailing work, and it's retro done right -- visually arresting without being gaudy. As is often the case, the coolest bits of the bike reveal themselves upon close inspection. We're fans of the leather pouch (for holding smartphones or other sundries) nestled between the parallel top tubes and chain stay guard embossed with the Faraday name. And, the addition of the company slogan claiming it's "the ultimate electric propelled utility bicycle" along with each bike's production number is a nice touch. But enough about its good looks, how's the thing ride?
BMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mph
All things considered, we think it's safe to say BMW very rarely disappoints with its latest road-friendly creations, and one of the outfit's most recent concoctions is this eco-friendly C Evolution electric scooter. According to the German company, the prototype two-wheeler's quite close to hitting its final production stages, noting "it might soon become a part of everyday road traffic in cities throughout the world" and that it is "outstanding in terms of performance, functionality and design." On paper, the C Evolution appears to be rather promising, with BMW also claiming the environmental hog can ride out about 62 miles on a single charge -- all while being able to reach max speeds of around 75 mph. No word yet on how much you'll have to save up for one of these, but for now, there's a video of the C Evo in action waiting on you just past the break.
Zero Motorcycles recalls 2012 models with 'lack of weatherproofing'
If you took Zero Motorcycles up on its offer for 25,000 free miles with the purchase of a bike, you might be turning in those wheels for a fix-up soon. According to Asphalt and Rubber, the electric motorcycle maker is recalling 254 of its 2012 units due to "insufficient weatherproofing." The affected models are at risk for an electrical short inside the battery management system, which could cause the bikes to cut power during in wet weather. Zero says it will notify owners with faulty motorcycles and repair the bikes free of charge. This isn't the company's first recall -- in 2009, it pulled models that were prone to crashing more than usual, and just a few days ago Zero recalled 2011 and 2012 bikes with a faulty brake light switch.
BMW's i Pedelec hitches lift (and top-up) from plug-in i3 electric car
The i Pedelec electric bike has just been given a range boost -- in a way. BMW's created a new concept version of its i3 electric vehicle, which dedicates the rear half of the car to housing a pair of BMW's fold-up cycles. When docked inside the vehicle, the bikes can be recharged, although the car maker hasn't released specifics on how many charges the electric car prototype can dole out. With a top speed of 16 mph and a range of up to 25 miles (depending on the amount of assistance needed), around 200 of these i Pedelecs will join BMW's vehicle fleet for next month's Olympics in London. While there's no sight of pricing for high-earning cyclists in need of some electric oomph, the prototype car will set eco road-warriors back around $56,000.
Audi e-bike Wörthersee lets you pop wheelies eco-style, plays nice with your smartphone
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.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green. The big news that had the world of green transportation buzzing this week was Tesla's unveil of its brand new Model X luxury car and we also saw the blazing fast Lightning GT EV hit the track for the first time. We also shined light on the futuristic solar-powered SPV car while Mitsubishi's i-MIEV electric car stole the greenest vehicle title from the Honda Civic and the Boulder EV became the first electric truck capable of hitting 70 mph. We were also excited to announce that San Francisco is set to launch its electric bike sharing program, French cyclists won the controversial right to run red traffic lights, and Volkswagen unveiled its Think Blue Beetle, which is made from 2,805 pieces of recycled trash.Energy news sent shock waves around the world this week as Inhabitat reported that the US approved its first nuclear power plants in 30 years and the temperature of Japan's damaged Fukushima nuclear plant suddenly soared up to 45 degrees celsius. We also saw an energy-generating "Solar Tulip" power tower spring up in Spain, and a 10-year-old girl discovered a new molecule that stands to improve energy storage. Meanwhile, we brought you the scoop on the world's next tallest skyscraper in Azerbaijan and industrial giant AAB announced plans for a worldwide electric vehicle charging network.In recycled design news, we saw a colossal statue made from 4,200 Coca Cola crates rise up over Cape Town and we shared a set of larger than life beasts made from recycled motorcycle parts. We also brought you a brilliant line of lamps made from recycled e-waste and a set of LEGO-like Earth Blocks made from coffee beans and tea chaff. Last but not least, we showcased an electronic suit that treats nerve disorders, and since Valentine's day is on the way we took a look at BIG's interactive LED heart sculpture in NYC, 6 adorable DIY cards, and 6 simple DIY V-Day gifts.
BOXX electric bike: two wheels, four corners, all-electric transport for one
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.
Brutus 2.0 electric bike appears with moody paint job, helmet and goggles not included
Electric bikes just got a cool new poster boy. This deceptively battery-powered bike is a sequel, matching the five-speed transmission found on the original, but now gifted with a shadowy new look and some appealing chrome licks. The Brutus 2.0 also plumps for a lithium battery over the lead battery of earlier models. A chain setup replaces the belt of its predecessor, which presumably helps it power through 0-60 in just under five seconds. Top speeds remain as dark and mysterious as the bike's paint job, but the maker promises that the 500 pound beast will easily blast past the 100 mph mark, with a range of over 100 miles per charge. The electric bike is still being worked on, but until we hear more on a retail-ready model, you can gawp at the moody non-moped in action right after the break.
German museum recreates 130-year-old EV, looks like a steampunk Segway
If you think that EVs are new-fangled rubbish, it'll serve you well to listen up. Five years before Karl Benz patented his original horseless carriage, messers. William Ayrton and John Perry engineered the electrically-powered Starley Tricycle. Germany's Autovision Museum spent around a year building a fully working replica of this transportation sensation of the 1880s. Considering the 130-year-old nature of the technology, the vehicle turned out to be very comfortable, super-quiet and fast: it'll top out at a respectable eight miles per hour, with a range of around 25 miles. After the break you'll be able to see the machine in action. No word on if the museum will produce any more in time for Christmas, but it would certainly be a hit with the steampunk commuter crowd.
The Detonator brings electric biking to bots, looks pretty bomb
Parker Brothers Choppers, responsible for one of several Tron Light Cycle replicas seen recently, is continuing to prove that electric bikes aren't all weedy-looking augmented pedal-powered affairs. This time, it tackled the Detonator concept created by Daniel Simon, a former VW designer who was also in charge of vehicle design for the Tron remake. Wired reports that the $100,000 bike charges in an hour and has an estimated range of around 80-100 miles on a full battery. According to the operations manager at Parker Brothers Choppers, it's "not the easiest bike to ride," though that could have something to do with Simon's original design, geared for non-human droids able to rotate their legs all the way around. Human riders, on the other hand, would likely face some chafing issues.
The Faraday electric bike shows us all how retro the future will be
This ain't no fixie with a minty fresh paint job, this is the Faraday. Built for the Oregon Manifest design competition, ideas factory Ideo teamed up with bike builders Rock Lobster Cycles to produce this retro-technotastic electric bike. Everything futuristic has been hidden inside the frame: those parallel top tubes hold a series of lithium-ion batteries which juice up the front-hub motor -- all controlled from the green box tucked beneath the seat cluster. Those two prongs up front serve as built-in headlights and the base of a modular racking system, letting you swap out various carrying mechanisms like a trunk or child seat with the pop of a bolt. Tragically, the bike is just a concept -- so unless the teams responsible cave into peer pressure and get it into production, you'll have to use old-fashioned leg power to get you over those steep hills. [Image courtesy of Mike Davis] %Gallery-136151%
The Engadget Show is live, here at 6:00PM ET! (update: we're done!)
Are you ready for this? If not, too bad, because we're back, and boy have we got jam-packed show this month. The next episode of The Engadget Show starts shooting tonight at 6PM ET, and you can join us at this very URL -- so keep your browser locked to this spot. This time out, we'll be testing out the Grace One electric bike on the streets of New York City, paying a visit to the Frog laboratories to check out some awesome design projects, popping by Maker Faire in New York and discussing DIY projects with Make:Live co-hosts Matt Richardson and Becky Stern, getting serenaded by viral rock star Jonathan Coulton and discussing the origins of everyone's favorite dancing robot, Keepon. Update: That's a wrap! We'll have it edited and up on the site as soon as we can!
Ford electric E-Bike Concept packs a Galaxy S II on the bars, motor in the wheel
Ford already wowed us with the Evos concept, but the slinkiest hybrid we've seen so far here in Frankfurt has not four wheels but two. It's a concept bicycle from Ford called -- wait for it -- the E-Bike Concept. It packs an electric motor built into the front wheel that can power it up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h, driven by a 9.2Ah battery. Or you can power it the conventional way by pedalling, torque conveyed to the rear wheel over a carbon belt. (Oily chains are so last century.) Perhaps even more interesting is what rests up on the handlebars. No, that's no iDevice -- refreshingly it's a Galaxy S II. Through some custom software, riders will be able to change suspension modes and of course monitor battery charge, not to mention get a little assistance from Google Navigation and maybe pump out some Pandora too. The word "Concept" in the title here and the spindly frame design should give you a clue about when this thing will see production -- probably never. But, we'll be back with an update if that ever changes. %Gallery-133250%
