Friday, February 25, 2011

Electric Bikes Are Now Wireless, and Can Charge Gadgets via USB [Bikes]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/#!5770071/electric-bikes-are-now-wireless-and-can-charge-gadgets-via-usb

Electric Bikes Are Now Wireless, and Can Charge Gadgets via USBI loved riding about town when testing a GoCycle electric bike, but must admit the cable that snaked around the frame sometimes got in the way of the pedals, if I didn't do it up right. The Shadow Ebike is the first electric bike that houses its Daymak Drive controller in the front wheel, alongside a lithium-ion battery, motor, USB port, charging port and LED power display.

Why would you need a USB port, I hear you ask? Why, so you can charge gadgets. The wheel stores electricity, generated from activity. So, the more you cycle, the more you can charge your cellphone once you stop.

You can choose between a 250W motor, or something with a bit more grunt in it, at 350W. The battery, on the other hand, is a 36V 10AH lithium-ion one, which takes up to five hours to recharge, and is good for up to 25 miles.

The only problem I can see with Daymak's Shadow Ebike is the price: a rather steep $1,999. Not to mention the rather "safe" color... [Shadow Ebikes via Gizmag]