Electric bikes have come a distance since they first turned up in the 1890s, just 30 years after the pedal powered bicycle was born in Paris. Now, with new technologies in electric bikes offering lighter batteries, superior storage density and conversion kits, electric motors are the most popular mode of propelling electric bikes. Depending on the type of electric bike, the functionality of the motor can range from taking a back seat to pedaling and used only when extra energy is required, like pedaling uphill, or it may be the primary source of energy, as it is with mopeds, where pedaling is only to be used during emergencies. Some newer models boast the ability to enable regenerative braking and charging while pedaling or rolling downhill, and fuel cells are on the horizon for alternative methods of powering electric bikes.
Check out this video demo of the X-Treme Scooters XB-508 Electric Bicycle. This e-bike has a single-charge range of about 20 miles, and tops out at 20mph. It has a 500 watt rear-hub motor, dual-headlight system, keyed start, tail and brake lights, blinkers and a storage compartment. This is a fantastic commuter e-bike that looks and feels like a more expensive moped. And the best part is - you don’t need a license to operate this vehicle!
Check out this video demo of the X-Treme Scooter XB-600 Electric Bicycle, a fantastic new e-bike product from X-Treme Scooters. This e-bike can travel up to 20mph and 20-25 miles on a single charge. We love this e-bike model for it’s full set of features, including headlight and tailights, blinkers, a store compartment, and many other features typically only found in a larger moped.
PSU Police Detective Bill Wagner test drives one of the department’s new Vectrix electric police bikes on the campus Friday, Sept 19, 2008. CDT/Mark Johnston
Penn State police this weekend will become the first university law enforcement agency in the nation and the first police department in the state to deploy “green,” battery-operated Vectrix motorcycles for patrolling, said Police Chief Steve Shelow.
Its also the departments first motorcycle patrol. Intended to allow police to move easily through crowds, it will be used for the first time before the football game against Temple, Shelow said.
“It’s fairly difficult at times to get a traditional police vehicle around the tailgating lots,” Shelow said. “We’ve found our police bicycles are very effective. The motorcycles will add more of a capability for quicker response.”
