BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
This is a press release sent to the mainstream media by Powabykes PR company.
POWABYKE BEATS THE PUMP QUEUES
12 September, 2000 — Electric bicycle manufacturer,
Powabyke, has been inundated today with calls from businesses desperate
to ensure that their staff will still be able to get out and about,
despite the fuel blockades. As petrol supplies dry up all over the
country, it’s become increasingly apparent that business nationwide is
going to suffer unless deliveries and essential appointments are kept.
* Powabyke bicycles, which allow the rider petrol-free powered cycling,
have been snapped up by anxious bosses determined to beat the blockades.
Bath FM, for example has taken a bike on loan to allow its roving
reporters unimpeded access to breaking stories all over the city. And
Lancashire Police are reinforcing the strong arm of the law during the
petrol-less period with a fleet of six Powabykes.
* The whole issue of the vice-like grip petrol has over businesses has
made everybody realise that sooner or later, there is going to have to
be some kind of government-wide initiative to encourage the use of
electric vehicles. Powabyke, for example is already lobbying Ken
Livingstone to make electric vehicles exempt from his proposed toll on
cars and lorries entering the capital.
* "We recognise that people need to get to work, and we are doing
everything we can to keep the UK moving," said Dan Hornby, MD of
Powabyke.
* As there is no end in sight to the blockades, it’s becoming clear that
everybody will be seeing more Powabykes on the streets, ridden by those
smart enough to recognise the benefits of battery power versus petrol
power.
Editor’s Notes
* Under British law (1981 Transport Act), an electric bicycle avoids
being classed as a motorcycle only if it weighs less than 40g, is fitted
with pedals, has an output not exceeding 200 watts and cannot be
propelled under power at more than 15 mph.
* If an electric bicycle exceeds these limitations in any way it becomes
classed as a motorcycle with DVLC registration, vehicle excise licenses,
motor insurance and an appropriate users license all legally required
for use on public roads.
* Riders must be fourteen years or over.
* Once purchased the only regular cost for running the bike is the cost of
the electricity required to recharge the battery (0.75kw for a full charge,
typically less than 5p).
* Range from a fully charged battery is approximately 20 miles without
pedalling on all two wheel models. The Euro-bike has a range of over 30
miles in power assist mode.
* If you require a photo opportunity, we can arrange for people on
Powabyke’s to pose outside petrol stations in most areas of the country!
