High gas prices have sent consumers scrambling to smaller cars, mass transit and even scooters. Another alternative: electric bikes. Riders aren’t totally off the hook from labor — they still have to pedal — but the battery and electric motor lend a hand when covering long distances and steep hills. Unlike a hybrid car, the XU450 allows the rider to choose how much electric power reaches the wheels. A small digital controller on the handlebar lets riders choose from four levels of assistance, and a throttle provides a burst of power as long as the bike is already moving. The BionX electric motor, located in the rear-wheel hub, has a sensor that measures torque on the bike chain. It uses that information to provide electric power that is proportional to how hard a rider pedals, according to Michael DeVisser, president and founder of OHM Cycles (www.ohmcycles.com). It even compensates if one of the rider’s legs is pedaling more strongly than the other.
The electric motor puts out 250 watts of steady power and 450 watts of peak power, equivalent to the power that a human can put to the pedals. On the least-powerful setting, the electric motor provides a boost equivalent to 25% of the rider’s output; the top setting shells out a 200% boost, according to Mr. DeVisser. On the street, the hybrid powertrain works well on mild inclines and flat terrain. When pedaling around a hilly suburban neighborhood with the assist set to the max, it feels like someone is pushing the back of the bike.
Charging the battery is about as simple charging a cellphone. The lunchbox-sized battery case can be removed from the bike and the similar-sized charger plugs into a standard wall socket. Mr. DeVisser says the battery can be charged in three to four hours and lasts about 70 miles on a charge. At the end of my 3-5 mile rides, the battery indicator showed half a charge remaining. The XU450 has the least powerful battery OHM offers and Mr. DeVisser says the company plans to offer more battery options and a smaller case.
– from online.wsj.com
In India the bicycles are available from Eko Vehicle, Yo Bikes, BSA electric, Hero Cycles, Atlas Cycles, Ultra Motors.