MB in the news

The way Commerce city is set up right now though I wouldn't be riding there. Maybe when they get their trails together I'll pass by.
Those Ridley pics are a bit disturbing to me. CVT transmission? And where's the chain?

__________________
You have found the fountain of youth. Ride and forever stay young.

me too LF. Any one here have a Ridley and can say?

__________________
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjD-HoC5UUc

(I want 2 ride my bicycle)

Seems to me like the Ridley folks are real enough as evidenced by their actual motorcycle designs but they are dealing a bit of smoke and vapor right now in regards to their bikes I think. They are obviously working on it though and are doing a pretty smart job utilizing the Felt bikes and just reworking some of the externals on the HT's. I would be very interested to see what they come up with for a CVT though and if it will be a much higher grade than the ones you can get from scooter parts for $40. Oh and BTW, haven't Whizzers had CVT's all along?

So a solid business plan that utilizes their existing dealer and customer base with mostly other peoples products. Could be a winner? I am curious how long they stick with the HT before they go with a 4 stroke though, how about a 49cc V Twin boys? But at those prices many of the folks on a budget can do as well for themselves if they are at all handy.

Toshiba Demonstrates Quick-Charging Electric Bike : CleanTechnica

Toshiba Demonstrates Quick-Charging Electric Bike

Written by Ariel Schwartz

Published on November 22nd, 20086 CommentsPosted in technology, transportation

This past week, Toshiba exhibited a snazzy power-assisted bicycle manufactured by Cannondale Sports Group that uses a quick-charging lithium ion battery. The SCiB battery uses lithium titanate for enhanced safety and is made up of ten battery cells connected in series.

According to Toshiba, the bike can go 20-30 miles before needing a new charge — perfect for short trips around town.

The bike will be launched in North American and Europe in early 2009. While details aren’t available yet, it is expected to be priced at a cool $3,000.

Interestingly, Cannondale and Toshiba can’t release the bike in Japan due to the current Japanese Road Traffic Law, which states that the assisting force from the motor must be within half of the rider’s pedaling force. The ratio of the force generated by the rider to the motor’s force in the Cannondale bike is 1:1.

Here is another article about it...[ITS] Toshiba Exhibits Quick-charging Electric Bicycle -- Tech-On!

Attached Thumbnails

   

Those look very comparable in performance to the Schwinn lineup, albeit a bit higher tec battery, but still only 250w to conform to Euro standards and won't even meet the Japanese? We are allowed up to 1000w in many states here and most are at least 750 which is considerably more power. 30 miles of range is pretty good but I doubt that is full throttle uphill though. Ebikes that have that type of performance are rare anway.

SANYO Announces the “eneloop bike” Electric Hybrid Bicycle

SANYO Announces the “eneloop bike” Electric Hybrid Bicycle

WEBWIRE – Monday, December 01, 2008

Charge while riding: Industry’s first*1 new standard compatible*2, with an assist ratio of 1:2*2

Tokyo – SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) is proud to announce another new eneloop universe product, an electric hybrid bicycle—the eneloop bike. The eneloop bike has been designed to be the industry’s first*1 to conform to the newest standards*2, offering a “Power-up Mode” assist ratio of up to 1:2*2 making riding the bicycle more comfortable, a new “loop charge function”*3 that generates electricity and charges the battery while in use, and a “two-wheel drive system” provide a safer, more stable ride. The new eneloop bike will be on sale in Japan in early February 2009.

SANYO, based on its ‘Think GAIA’ brand vision and the eneloop concept stressing ‘looping energy’ or stressing a lifestyle of reusing and recycling, created the ‘eneloop universe’ in 2006. The eneloop bike announced today will become a part of this product series, as it accurately represents both looping energy and consideration for the environment in a reusable system. With this new product, clean and reusable energy is “Generated, Recharged, and Conserved” simultaneously. Energy is generated by the rider, recharging the auxiliary battery, and conserving the energy both from the main battery and the rider.

1. Industry’s First*1 to conform to the newest standards*2 with “Power-up Mode” assist ratio of up to 1:2*2 for more comfort

- Conforms to newly revised road traffic law enforcement regulations effective as of December 1, 2008 allowing motor to human power, assist ratio, to 1:2
- Power-up Mode offers riders more comfort by assisting more with its smooth assistance control
- New ratio allows riders to pedal up steep hills effortlessly
- SANYO’s proprietary ‘smooth assistance control’*4 aids with balancing the bicycle when pedaling starts, and allows a smooth ride

*1 For power-assisted bicycles in Japan that are scheduled to be released at the beginning of February 2009.
*2 A Cabinet Office regulation to be enforced on December 1, 2008 that revises the drive assist ratio for the motor drive-assisted bicycles that is provided in the road traffic law enforcement regulations.
The ratio of motor power to human power (assist ratio) will become 1:2 in a low-speed area of less than 10 km/h.
*3 The “Loop Charge Function” is a generic name of the “Brake Charge” where the motor changes to the dynamo and the battery is auxiliarily charged by a left brake lever operation when the bike slows down on a downhill for example, and the function where the motor brake automatically works while the bike coasts downhill in “Auto Mode” and the battery is auxiliarily charged. Even with the use of “Loop Charge”, the battery needs to be charged daily with a dedicated charger.
*4: As of December 2008 for assist bicycles in Japan for the running mode automatically controlling the optimal recharging rate downhill and the assist “power-up” for uphill.

2. “Loop Charge Function”*3 provides efficiency and comfort while generating electricity and charging the battery while riding

- Original “Loop Charge Function”*3 conserves riders’ energy as it charges the battery on energy produced during downhill runs or slowing down
- “Loop Charge Function” *3 is based on “Brake Charge System” and “Auto Mode”
- “Brake Charge System” generates electricity by switching the motor from dynamic (on downhill runs) to auxiliary (when rear brake is in operation) charge or back while on the go
- “Auto Mode” detects various road conditions, such as gradients determining uphill or downhill, automatically adjusting to create optimum comfort while saving the rider’s energy
- Auxiliary charging while riding decreases the number of times the battery needs to be charged with a dedicated charger (normal charge still requires a dedicated charger)
- SANYO proprietary*4 technology designed so that typical bicycle riding based on company riding standard patterns will result in an increase of up to 1.8 times the distance of riding compared to the non-recharge mode
- “Loop Charge Function” aims to be compatible with the new standards*2 while maintaining as light a body as possible for assist power

*2: A Cabinet Office regulation to be enforced on December 1, 2008 that revises the drive assist ratio for the motor drive-assisted bicycles that is provided in the road traffic law enforcement regulations.
*3: The “Loop Charge Function” is a generic name of the “Brake Charge” where the motor changes to the dynamo and the battery is auxiliarily charged by a left brake lever operation when the bike slows down on a downhill for example, and the function where the motor brake automatically works while the bike coasts downhill in “Auto Mode” and the battery is auxiliarily charged. Even with the use of “Loop Charge”, the battery needs to be charged daily with a dedicated charger.
*4: As of December 2008 for assist bicycles in Japan for the running mode automatically controlling the optimal recharging rate downhill and the assist “power-up” for uphill.

How the “Loop Charge Function” works

Riding conditions
* SANYO standard pattern (Standard Mode): Approximately 15 km/h over 1 km of flat ground, approx. 10 km/h on an uphill slope gradient of 2 over 1 km, approx. 15 km/h over 1 km of flag ground, approx. 20 km/h on a downhill slope gradient of 2 over 1 km, approx. 15 km/h over 1 km of flat ground, and repeating the above riding conditions.
(However, when using the motor brake on downhill slopes the speed is approx. 10km/h)
(Gear position: on uphill gradient 2, gear 2; others, gear 3)
*SANYO standard pattern (Auto Mode): Approximately 15 km/h over 1 km of flat ground, approx. 10 km/h on an uphill slope gradient of 2 over 1 km, approx. 15 km/h over 1 km of flag ground, approx. 10 km/h on a downhill slope gradient of 2 over 1 km while the motor brake is applied automatically, (Gear position: on uphill gradient 2, gear 2; others, gear 3)
Course image:
*The numbers used to depict distance are only target estimates. They are not guaranteed distances for a single charge. The distance that can be travelled on a single charge is subject to varying road conditions and the way the bicycle is ridden.
*Testing conditions: new battery, outside temperature of 20℃, no wind, no front or rear lights, carrying a weight of 60kg (including rider and luggage)
*Travelable distance reduced if tire pressure is different than recommended amount.
*Travelable distance temporarily reduced in winter or when temperatures are low.
3. “Two-wheel Drive System” allows safer, more stable ride

- Increased stability from “Two-wheel Drive” where rear wheel is driven by human pedaling power and the front wheel is driven by motorized power
- Bike transmits assist power via motor power to the front wheel as pedaling power is applied to the rear wheel based on the movement of the chain
- As power is applied to both wheels, it is applied in a balanced manner, providing a natural-feeling, stable and safe ride

Two-wheel Drive System Overview

4. Other Features

Taillight brake lamp promotes safety
- Three high-intensity red LED lights flash on and off when the headlight is in operation
- Taillight LEDs flash faster when rear break is in operation, drawing attention of those behind

Low frame and low saddle design
- Lower frame and saddle allow easy step-through and mounting
- Seat height is adjustable from 24-inch to 26-inch framing
- Adjustable saddle range of 18cm to provide flexibility for riders regardless of height

‘Kurupita’*5 handle lock allows convenient parking
- One-touch operation prevents handle from wobbling when parking

Neatly-designed frame with internal cabling
- Cables for brake, gear, and electric wiring are put into the frames to prevent tangling and to give the bike a finished and neat appearance

Three speeds allow smooth riding
- Bike has three-speed gear for easy shifting by hand depending on road conditions O-lock for security
- Sturdy lock made of die-cast stainless steel adds more security to prevent theft Comfortable saddle for tireless riding
- Shape of the seating surface combined with shock-absorbing elastomer cusion decreases rider fatigue

*5 ‘Kurupita’ is the registered brand of Shimano Co., Ltd.

Sanyo has been dragging its feet regarding the US market for a number of years now and we won't be seeing any of these anytime soon. They hold the patent to OJ Birkestrands excellent AC motor: Modular Electric wheel systems That is how they are getting their regen. However regen is not going to do a whole bunch but it would be nice to have one of these on the front hub with a gas feeding a battery. The regen when activated would act as an assist to the front brake also. Prius, watch out.

250w is the allowable power limit overseas but here in the US we are good for at least 750 and up to 1000 in some states. I think that OJ's 500w motor would be the minimum that I would want for use here. At some point this system will be available here in the US hopefully. SANYO Announces the “eneloop bike” Electric Hybrid Bicycle | News Releases | SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. Global and it looks like around $1450 usd per copy at least.

Electric Bikes Gaining Traction - BusinessWeek

Electric Bikes Gaining Traction
The number of e-bikes sold in the U.S. is expected to reach a record 170,000 units this year as big retailers get in on the action
By Olga Kharif

A decade ago, Frank Jamerson helped develop General Motors' (GM) first electric car, the EV1, only to see interest in the fuel-efficient vehicle fizzle within years. He's determined to ensure another pet project, the electric bike, doesn't suffer the same fate.

So far, so good for Jamerson, a retired 81-year-old physicist who can be seen zipping around his hometown of Naples, Fla., on an electric bike.

Amid rising fuel costs in recent years, baby boomers, commuters, and college students have begun biking more often. In the U.S. and Western Europe, the fastest-growing niche of the bicycle market is electric bikes, a category that includes motorized vehicles of various stripes—from bikes to pedicabs to tricycles—that range in price from $350 to $14,000.

Wal-Mart Upping the Ante
The number of e-bikes is likely to rise to a record 170,000 units in the U.S. this year, from 120,000 last year, says Jamerson, who's long compiled research on the industry. The U.S. market pales in comparison with China, where there are 20 million e-bikes sold annually. But while China, the largest e-biking market, has stagnated, sales are on the upswing in the U.S.

E-biking is getting a jolt as big retailers get in on a market once dominated by specialty bike shops. Earlier this year, Wal-Mart (WMT) began selling bicycles from Currie Technologies, the largest maker of e-bikes in the U.S., in 145 stores. More recently, the world's largest retailer expanded availability to more than 450 locations.

By next spring, Wal-Mart plans to carry the gadgets in more than 850 stores, says Larry Pizzi, president of Currie, based in Chatsworth, Calif. Toys "R" Us plans to expand its distribution of the e-bikes tenfold, to 550 stores. "This has been the most rapid growth year in the company's [10-year] history," Pizzi says. "We've seen dramatically increased interest thanks to financial motivations, environmental concerns. And baby boomers are getting older [and need some help getting up that hill]." Target (TGT) also sells e-bikes.

Driven by Gas Prices
How long can the e-biking boom last? The dramatic decline in gas prices in recent months has lessened the urgency for alternative transportation for some commuters. A credit crisis is making it harder for consumers to borrow. Eric Sundin, president of Electric Bikes Northwest & California, one of the largest distributors of high-end electric bikes from the likes of Giant Bicycle in the country, says he's noticed a slowdown in mid-October. He notes that late autumn is typically a slow season for the industry. Still, "if gas prices come down, people's interest becomes more lukewarm," he says, adding that bicycle purchases are "very largely correlated to disposable income."

So far, Pizzi hasn't heard of any change of plans among retailers. "For the most part, the motivation to bicycle isn't solely the gas price," says Jennifer Dill, director of the Center for Transportation Studies at Portland State University and an avid biker herself. "It just can be a much more enjoyable commute. You see people in their front yards, and you feel more connected to your surroundings."

Major bike brands including Schwinn have jumped into this market, to compete with Chinese firms and high-end startups. They've helped improve e-bikes' battery life, acceleration speed, and charge-up time. Bruno Maier, executive vice-president for marketing at Cannondale Bicycle, the maker of Schwinn-brand bikes, expects his company's U.S. e-bike sales to jump fivefold between August 2007, when Cannondale introduced its first electric bike, and next year—faster than sales in any other bike category. To meet anticipated demand, the manufacturer plans to double its investment in e-bikes in 2009 and to establish a separate product group focused on the motorized models.

Kits to Convert Ordinary Bikes
Other high-end manufacturers report long waiting lists for their gear. Boulder (Colo.)-based Optibike puts out 24 limited-edition bikes a year, featuring custom paint jobs and gold-plated motors. Founded in 1997, the company has already pre-sold half of its 2009 limited-edition models, priced at $14,000 apiece. "November was our best-selling month of the year so far," says Optibike Marketing Director Craig Weakley, who notes that buyers aren't deterred by the falling price of gasoline. "People are still looking to the future," he says. Last spring, the outfit moved from a 2,000-square-foot shop into a 13,000-square-foot facility to meet mounting demand.

EcoSpeed, a Portland (Ore.) company, makes kits costing $2,500 to $3,500 that convert recumbent bikes into motorized machines. The company plans a new product lineup for next year, including kits that convert ordinary, upright bicycles. It expects 100% growth this year from last year, says Brent Bolton, president of EcoSpeed. The company is likely to sell 100 kits, which include electric motors and related parts, in 2008.

After seeing e-bikes at work during a visit to China in May, Wakefield Gregg has been trying to scrape together funds to open up a specialized electric bike shop in Portland, Ore., considered the most bike-friendly U.S. city. He is still more than $40,000 short. "I just can't get funding," he says. So for now, just like Jamerson, he contents himself with zipping around Portland on his electric contraption, the eZee Torq electric bike from eZee Kinetic Technology. "I've never driven to buy groceries," he says. And he doesn't plan to start now.

Kharif is a senior writer for BusinessWeek.com in Portland, Ore.

Woman on motorized bike injured in crash on Tucson's North Side | www.azstarnet.com ®

Woman on motorized bike injured in crash on Tucson's North Side
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 12.09.2008

A 34-year-old woman suffered life threatening injuries Tuesday afternoon when her bicycle veered into oncoming traffic and collided with a car, authorities said.
The woman was taken to a hospital with critical injuries after her motorized bicycle crashed into the car just before 1 p.m. near North First Avenue and East Prince Road, said Sgt. Fabian Pacheco, a Tucson Police Department spokesman.
Pacheco gave this account of the collision:

The woman and a man were both riding motorized bicycles southbound on First Avenue approaching Prince Road.
The woman began to merge into the left turn lane, but panicked when she encountered a car traveling northbound in the lane, Pacheco said.
She swerved into the northbound lanes of First Avenue and crashed into another car, he said.
There were no other injuries reported.
.................................................. .................................................. ..

This is why I never use the left turn lane!! I use the cross walk or if thier is no cross walk or intersection...I stop on the side of the road and walk my MB across the road.

Or you could always just properly follow the rules of the road and things like this won't happen.

Take the time to look, signal, then move over. And seriously, don't swerve INTO oncoming traffic.

__________________
http://www.jasonhight.net/videos/mot...etowork-sm.wmv