Zoomi Life

SEPT. 25, 2008 - Electric bicycle manufacturer Ultra Motor announced their new A2B electric bike today, along with the results of it’s first Smart Annual survey. The survey results strongly suggest that alternative transportation methods such as electric bikes, smartcars, and hybrids are the transportation technology of the future. From the survey:

“Overall, 80 percent of respondents said they think alternative transportation methods such as electric bikes, smart cars and hybrids are the way of the future. When asked about the main source of future transportation energy, nearly one-third of all respondents believe electricity will be the key energy source that people will rely on for their transportation needs in the next 10 years. This suggests ample market opportunities for electric bicycles such as the A2B, which uses standard household current to recharge its battery just as a cell phone or laptop.”

“Alternative transportation offers many clear benefits and it is evident that people are ready for change,” said Chris Deyo, CEO of Ultra Motor USA. “Whether they’re headed to the office, college campus or running errands around town, commuters will find that our A2B electric bikes will fill their transportation needs without emptying their wallet at the gas pump.”

About the A2B itself - it’s a folding electric bike powered with a 500W electric motor and lithium-ion batteries. Ultra Motor claims a 20 mile range per charge on this bike. As you can see from the picture, it is one of the cooler-looking folders out there. Check out the product details and detailed specs at Ultra Motor.

Via MarketWatch

Bicycle manufacturer Schwinn announced their new Tailwind eBike today at the Interbike Trade Show in New York City. The Tailwind electric bicycle utilizes Toshiba’s Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) technology to deliver an industry-leading 30-minute recharge time.

According to Schwinn, the Tailwind electric bike represents the next generation of eBike and will be available in early 2009 at a suggested retail price of $3,199.99(US).

The Tailwind (like all Schwinn electric bicycles) is a so-called eBike hybrid and can be ridden in either motor-assist mode or as a conventional bike. The eight-speed Tailwind utilizes a lightweight, Schwinn-designed 6000 series aluminum alloy frame and an SR Suntour NEX-4610 suspension fork with lock-out.

The electric motor in the Tailwind is housed in the hub of the front wheel, an innovation found in all Schwinn electric bike models. In addition, all Schwinn eBike models (including the Tailwind) utilize the Plug N’ Drive removable battery pack which is built into stylishly designed rear bike rack systems, allowing riders to quickly detach the battery for recharging.

It is projected that Tailwind owners will realize an industry leading 2,000 recharge lifecycles with the eBike versus the industry standard of 1,000 charges before needing to replace the battery. Tailwind riders will find they can ride 25 to 30 miles per charge (depending upon such factors as climate, rider weight and terrain). The Tailwind also comes with a 20,000-mile or two-year limited warranty.

From the press release:

“The Tailwind sets a new standard of excellence in the eBike industry,” said Bruno Maier, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cannondale Sports Group. “Through our new cooperation with Toshiba Corporation, the Tailwind is powered by the world’s most innovative and fastest charging battery, a battery that can be recharged in 30 minutes through a standard electrical outlet (or as little as five minutes through a commercial charger) versus the industry standard of four hours or more. That’s one-eighth the time or better of competing eBikes.

“We know that more and more people are riding bikes for a variety of reasons, including economic factors, health benefits and environmental concerns. Industry reports forecast a dramatic rise in electric bicycle sales here in the U.S. and around the world, and we expect a significant interest in the Tailwind eBike when it arrives in Independent Bicycle Retailers (IBDs) in early 2009.”

Via PPOL:News

BETHEL, Conn., Sept 24, 2008 - PRNewswire via COMTEX — Schwinn Bicycles, America’s most recognized bicycle brand today announced a strategic collaboration with Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) that is expected to dramatically alter the electric bicycle landscape in the United States and around the world. Schwinn Bicycles is part of the Cannondale Sports Group Division of Dorel Industries (CA:DII.B) (CA:DII.A).

Schwinn has incorporated Toshiba’s new Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) technology into the Schwinn Tailwind, a brand new electric bike to be formally unveiled today in Las Vegas to bicycle dealers attending the annual Interbike International Bicycle Expo, the largest bicycle trade industry event in North America. The Tailwind will also be showcased tonight from 6 to 9:30 p.m. (EDT) at the ShowStoppers media-only reception being held at the Millennium Hotel on Times Square in New York City at 44th and Broadway.

Toshiba’s SCiB power technology will enable Tailwind owners to recharge their eBike in 30 minutes through a standard electrical outlet (or as little as five to seven minutes through a commercial charger). By comparison, it takes four hours or longer to fully recharge the battery of virtually any other eBike in use today through a standard electrical outlet, allowing riders to recharge their Tailwind eBike in one-eighth (1/8th) the time of other electric bikes.

In addition, Tailwind owners can expect to see an industry leading 2,000 recharge lifecycles with the eBike versus the industry standard of 1,000 charges before needing to replace the battery. Tailwind riders will find that they can ride 25 to 30 miles per charge (depending upon such factors as temperature, rider weight and terrain). The Tailwind also comes with a 20,000-mile or two-year limited warranty.
“We are very pleased to supply our first SCiB product to such a well-known and respected company as Schwinn Bicycles and its parent company, Dorel Industries,” said Shoshi Kawatsu, General Manager, Super Charge Battery Div. of Toshiba’s Transmission Distribution & Industrial System Company. “Schwinn is one of the most recognized bicycle brands in the world, and we are happy to provide Tailwind owners with our innovative SCiB technology.”

Read More at MarketWatch