WonderProfessor
100 W
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2009
- Messages
- 126
Greetings, Friends. We had an alternative energy fair yesterday here in San Diego. Sanyo demonstrated their electrically-assisted bicycle bikes that they said should go on sale in here in the U.S. this fall. There didn't seem to be any discussion on the forum regarding it so I offer my quick 'n' dirty review. (My apologies for not bringing my camera! Here is a link with a picture but the bikes they were showing looked noticeably different: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/sanyos-eneloop-hybrid-bike-has-basket-will-travel/ I guess these are the Japanese versions. The United States bikes looked more masculine.)
First things first, the name. They called it the Eneloop. I do hope they change that name.
From what I've read here, it is similar to the BionX system. There is no throttle. On flat ground, it gives you a 1:1 boost. Whatever energy you expend, it will expend the same amount. The demonstrators said that when you are climbing a hill, the microprocessor senses that you need extra help and will increase the boost to 2:1. We were in a parking lot and so we could not test this feature. The bike has that generic Euro-look which (for no good reason as far as I can tell) has recently become very popular in the States. It only has three gears in an internal rear-hub. (Personally, I would prefer far more but I think they understand their target market.) The demonstrators estimate that it will retail here for between US$1500 and US$2000. Overall, I must say I was impressed with the Eneloop. It was very enjoyable, should be very reliable given Sanyo's reputation, and could become very popular here with people who haven't ridden a bike in thirty years.
There were numerous e-bikes, e-scooters, etc. including a uniquely Californian creation called the Zuum Craft (http://www.zuumcraft.com) that resembles a snowboard / skateboard -- Kowabunga, Dude! The quality is getting much better, as far I can tell. A local brought his Vectrix but it didn't get too much attention especially after those who were initially interested heard the price (US$11000). My recumbent was very popular (although it hasn't been electrified yet) and I got all kinds of questions and requests for rides. My impression is that once I have whichever motor I wind up choosing coupled with a Ping 48-volt, 20-amp battery, my recumbent will be heads above all the available choices that were represented (with the notable and costly exception of the Vectrix -- but you can't peddle that monster).
One very refreshing aspect was that Mr. Middle-Aged-Paunchy-Suburbanites were actually buying some of the vehicles. One of the salesmen was so excited that he had sold two e-bikes, he kept telling everyone in the general vicinity. It will be so nice having thousands of bicycles out on the roads in the next few years. (C'mon Gas Prices! -- Up, Up, and Away! -- US$5.00 Or Bust By This Fall!)
Respectfully submitted,
WonderProfessor
San Diego, California, USA
First things first, the name. They called it the Eneloop. I do hope they change that name.
From what I've read here, it is similar to the BionX system. There is no throttle. On flat ground, it gives you a 1:1 boost. Whatever energy you expend, it will expend the same amount. The demonstrators said that when you are climbing a hill, the microprocessor senses that you need extra help and will increase the boost to 2:1. We were in a parking lot and so we could not test this feature. The bike has that generic Euro-look which (for no good reason as far as I can tell) has recently become very popular in the States. It only has three gears in an internal rear-hub. (Personally, I would prefer far more but I think they understand their target market.) The demonstrators estimate that it will retail here for between US$1500 and US$2000. Overall, I must say I was impressed with the Eneloop. It was very enjoyable, should be very reliable given Sanyo's reputation, and could become very popular here with people who haven't ridden a bike in thirty years.
There were numerous e-bikes, e-scooters, etc. including a uniquely Californian creation called the Zuum Craft (http://www.zuumcraft.com) that resembles a snowboard / skateboard -- Kowabunga, Dude! The quality is getting much better, as far I can tell. A local brought his Vectrix but it didn't get too much attention especially after those who were initially interested heard the price (US$11000). My recumbent was very popular (although it hasn't been electrified yet) and I got all kinds of questions and requests for rides. My impression is that once I have whichever motor I wind up choosing coupled with a Ping 48-volt, 20-amp battery, my recumbent will be heads above all the available choices that were represented (with the notable and costly exception of the Vectrix -- but you can't peddle that monster).
One very refreshing aspect was that Mr. Middle-Aged-Paunchy-Suburbanites were actually buying some of the vehicles. One of the salesmen was so excited that he had sold two e-bikes, he kept telling everyone in the general vicinity. It will be so nice having thousands of bicycles out on the roads in the next few years. (C'mon Gas Prices! -- Up, Up, and Away! -- US$5.00 Or Bust By This Fall!)
Respectfully submitted,
WonderProfessor
San Diego, California, USA
