BikeBiz

SECTOR GUIDE: Motorised Bikes

GIANT

The Twist series from Giant features light-weight frames with slimline batteries, which offer around 80-miles of power assisted cycling per charge. The Twist comes in two, aluminium frame, models, the 1.0 and the 2.0. The 1.0 features an eight-speed, Lithium Ion battery, while the 2.0 features a seven-speed NiMH battery. Both models include a Sanyo compact hub-motor located in the front wheel, with the batteries hidden beneath the rear panniers, making it hard to tell that it is an electric bike.Features include a suspension seatpost, an adjustable stem and a kickstand.

IZIP

Currie is a US-based company behind IZIP, with 11 years experience developing electric bikes, while keeping up with the pace of the rapid developments in battery technology. According to IZIP, sales expectations have been exceeded in the first 18 months, with many independent customers reporting that the inclusion of IZIP bikes in their range had increased electric bike sales. With the range beginning at £399.95 for a lead acid powered model, the line-up includes a folder, trike and cruiser style, as well as a range of more refined nickel metal hydride battery powered models that begin at £1,199.95. Moore Large offers a full parts and service back-up, plus specific training courses available to stockists via its link with Weldtech training. With healthy margins, the 2008 line-up offers the ability to enter a new sector with confidence.

MISSION CYCLES

The pedal tricycle R34 has the same frame as the tricycle R32. However, it is equipped with an electric auxiliary motor, which helps pedalling, especially when going uphill.Folding and unfolding steps are as simple and quick as those of the R32. The sole difference is that it is necessary to remove the battery pack, which is very easy and can be removed in seconds.The dimensions of R34 when folded and when unfolded are the same as those of the R32. The R34 boasts a NiMH battery pack, which is much lighter than a lead battery pack of the same capacity. Furthermore NiMH batteries are much more reliable because charging does not need any special care, thanks to its electronic control device.

ELECTRIC CYCLE CO

The Gazelle Easy Glider, features a lightweight aluminium frame, which neatly clutches a Lithium Ion battery. Battery life extends to approximately 1,000 charges and a single charge can cover a range of up to 44 miles.Front and rear roller brakes with cooling discs feature, while Shimano Nexus eight-speed gearing composes the drivetrain. The bike features 28-inch wheels and can reach a top speed of 15.5 mph, the top end of the UK legal limit. The tricycle allows for normal pedal power, power assisted and full power cyclingThe bike has a ten-year warranty on the frame, five years on the forks and two years on the battery and working parts. The model retails for £1460, including a rear storage rack.

ZIPEE

ZiPee Bikes are moped style, electric bikes, which provide a great alternative for door-to-door motorised transport that won't pollute the environment by emitting CO2 into the atmosphere. With two models in the ZiPee range and distribution networks set up in London and Brighton, the ZiPee range is suitable for ages 14 plus, as they meet guidelines making them road legal without a licence or need to pay road tax.Each bike is fitted with pedals and can be ridden without the use of the motor.The controls on the bike share similarities to a moped such as indicators, lights and wing mirrors. ZiPee bikes retail for £799.

BRONX

The Bronx Sunrunner is equipped with a new eco-friendly Battery Technology, Lithium Iron Phosphate, giving the user a green, hassle-free alternative to urban transportation.Bronx offers cruising bikes for the serious commuter and folding electric bicycles for those desiring storage and transportation convenience. Bronx electric bikes feature electric pedal assist allowing the user to choose to what level they want to exert themselves. All Bronx models can be manually pedalled with or without the electric assistance. Bronx first introduced Sunrunner electric bikes to the UK market in January 2007 and since then sales have seen a progressive increase. The bikes are made in Taiwan and they weigh in at 19.5 kg, including the battery. Bronx offers a warranty of three years or 1000 charges on the battery. The available sizes are as follows: 26-inch for the step through frame, 18-inch for the 700c gents frame and 18-inch for the folding model. Also available are 20-inch and 24-inch three wheelers.

POWACYCLE

PowaCycle has an extensive range of high specification, yet affordable electric bikes. The company was the first UK supplier to launch a Lithium Polymer powered electric bike early in 2007. PowaCycle’s top sellers are the Windsor and Salisbury electric bikes, and these come with either NiMH batteries (£499 inc VAT), or Lithium Polymer batteries (£599 inc VAT). The Lithium Polymer models are known as Salisbury LPX and Windsor LPX. They weigh only 22kg, so are easy to manoeuvre with or without power assistance. The Lithium Polymer based LPX models have improved the powered range per charge by almost 50 per cent over the NiMH battery models. On a good run a Salisbury LPX or Windsor LPX will cover 27 to 37 miles of power assisted cycling, and these LPX batteries are good for 500 recharge cycles.