CES 2009: Coming of the eBikes

One of the highlights for me at this show was the chance to take a quick spin on an electric-powered bicycle called the Ultra Motor A2B. This new eBike, which was designed in Germany for the U.S. urban market, was among several models being shown at the ELV Motors booth. The A2B, which costs about $2,700, is a seven-speed bike with full front and rear suspension and disc brakes. It houses a 36-volt Sanyo lithium-ion battery in its rectangular downtube and has a 500-watt electric motor in its rear wheel assembly. The bike weighs 72 pounds. You can pedal the A2B normally or, by flipping a switch, ride it like an electric scooter.

Electric motors inherently provide a lot of torque and, when you twist the throttle on the right handgrip, the A2B responds well. The bike has a top speed of 20 mph and can get there pretty quickly. You can pedal while the motor is running and, in my short stint, I was able to make seamless transitions between using the pedals and motor. The compact throttle assembly didn't seem like it would get in the way during normal biking, and the motor shuts off automatically if the hand brakes are used.

The company estimates that a 160-pound person on flat terrain could go about 20 miles on electric power alone. A second battery can be added to the rear, which extends the range about another 20 miles. ELV Motors estimates that this would run you only about 5 to 10 cents in electricity.

It takes about 3.5 hours to recharge, and the company estimates that the battery can be recharged about 700 to 900 cycles before needing replacement. A new battery is expected to cost about $350 to $400.

ELV Motors, which was exhibiting in the show's Greener Gadgets area, sells a range of electric bicycles and scooters. They can be ordered online and are shipped fully assembled (except for attaching the front wheel on some models). All parts are also available through their web site.

Meanwhile, Schwinn was making big news at the show with its new Tailwind eBike, which is priced at $3,200 and will be available at U.S. dealers later this month. Using an advanced Toshiba lithium-ion battery, which is carried on the rear rack, this bike boasts a speedy recharge time of about a half hour, which the company says is the fastest recharge time for any electric bike. The battery can be quickly detached for charging and is said to provide a minimum of 2,000 cycles (a spokesman says that it's been tested to 6,000 cycles). The bike weighs 50 pounds.

The Tailwind uses a 250-watt motor, located in the front wheel hub and an eight-gear rear hub, which can be shifted while standing. The electric motor is engaged by pedaling the bike, and the power cuts out when coasting and when the brakes are applied. There are three power settings, which affect top speed and range. At full power, the Tailwind can go up to about 18 to 19 mph for an average of about 25 to 30 miles, depending on the rider and terrain. On the mid-power setting, it can go about 15 mph for about 10 to 15 miles. And on the low setting, it can go up to 12 mph, for 40 to 50 miles. Including the Tailwind, Schwinn is offering seven eBike models this year.

According to the Electric Bikes Worldwide Report, sales of eBikes are expected to hit 220,000 units in 2009, an increase of 83 percent over 2007 sales. And because of their limited speed, they typically don't require a license or registration.

--Rik Paul

See all our automotive-related coverage from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), as well as CES coverage from the Electronics team. Learn more about mobile electronics in our complete guide.