Electric bikes are catching everyone’s attention lately and they are poised to make a serious contribution as a transportation system in the years to come. But still, the technology has not taken off seriously. Now, Electrobike is showing off its new Pi electric bicycle, which touts just 750 watts, or about 1 horsepower. The Pi rocks a 36-volt pack of nickel metal hydride batteries, and can be pedaled or run only on its own juice; at up to about 20 mph. It means you can ride it as long as your legs keep moving. With a little after-market hot rodding, viz. a larger chain ring and gears, the bike is capable of about 46 mph. Design-wise, Pi looks bold and contemporary with its 58 pounds of weight.
The smartly designed Pi’s curved backbone houses the batteries so that the most of weight is centered but carried high. Pi runs in three modes - pedal only, motor only and motor assist, which combines the two. One single 2.5 hours of charge, Pi is able to manage a range of 25 miles. You can add another 25 miles to the count if you add an extra-range battery.
Pi is being sold exclusively through Design Within Reach, a nationwide 65-store chain in California. Amusingly, Electrobike calls it the world’s fastest hair dryer. Three seems to be no connection. Anyway, it’s a great buy for the eco-conscious consumers at US $7,500.
via LaTimes
