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New wireless electric bicycle technology
By Robert Stensson August 19, 2009
Students at MIT have invented a new wireless hub engine containing where controller and battery are enclosed inside the engine.
The only external part of the GreenWheel system is the handlebar-mounted throttle that is connected wirelessly to the electric motor in the wheel, so absolutely now external wiring is required along the bike frame. The hub motor is spoked into a standard bicycle wheel and is powered by batteries supplied by another MIT firm A123 Systems.
The potential advantage of this enclosed system is that if you want to give your bike an electric boost, you only need to change the wheel, not purchase a whole new steed.
No details on motor power output or battery capacity have been made available but range is expected to be an estimated 25 miles (40 km). Pedaling the bike doubles the range under electric power provided the rider isn't traveling at the nearly top speed of 30 miles an hour (48 kmh). The bike can be charged by pedaling or by plugging it into the electric grid. A123 batteries can be fully charged in only 10-15 mins.
Both front, rear or both wheels on any bicycle can be powered with a GreenWheel and the team estimates its range at 40,000 miles (64,000 km), or about eight years work of travel at an estimated 20 miles (32 km) per business day.
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Electric bikes sponsored by government, steps are taken in Italy
By Robert Stensson March 20, 2009
The Italian Government is currently examining a proposal by the industry organization ANCMA for a major tax incentive on electric bikes. Like in all EU countries, the Italians are looking for new means to cut emission rates in their urban areas. In order to stimulate the use of sustainable forms of mobility as alternatives of motor vehicles the Italian Government wants to grant 30% restitution on all electric bikes.
It is generally expected that this incentive will boost the sale of electric bikes tremendously. When successful it might even be a good example for other national Governments within the Euroepan Union as a means to reduce emission rates.
Read more: Electric bikes sponsored by government, steps are taken in Italy
Electric bike EN standard suspected to be announced in April
By Jens Christensen February 10, 2009
BRUSSELS, Belgium – The EN 15194 standard for EPACs (Electronically Power Assisted Cycles) is expected to be implemented next April. With the new standard the European e-Bike market will change drastically as EN 15194 include complex Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements. The implementation date of April 2009 is not officially announced by the CEN Technical Committee TC333 which is handling the EN 15194 standard. However, strong rumours among e-Bike manufacturers and suppliers indicate clearly that this will be the timing of the publication as EN standard.
As the final voting round has already taken place with all CEN members (30 countries) agreeing on this standard, the last step for the implementation of the standard is publication. All CEN-member countries will publish this standard as a national/EN standard like.
These publications will give the EPAC standard the ‘presumption of conformity’ with the EU Safety Directive 2001/95/EC that: “Lays down an obligation on producers to place only safe products on the market.” This Directive also states that: “A product shall be presumed safe as far as the risks and risk categories covered by national standards are concerned when it conforms to voluntary national standards transposing European standards, the references of which have been published by the Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union in accordance with Article 4 of that Directive.”
For more details on EN standard and EMC directives please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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EU to pas law freeing electric pedla assisted bicycles from motorbike restrictions
By Jens Christensen January 29, 2009
BRUSSELS, Belgium (BRAIN)--The European Parliament updated its motorcycle and moped classification, which now considers some electric pedal assisted bicycles (EPACs), a move that affects the legal requirements of their riders.
this new classification no longer need to conform to helmet, licensing and other motorcycle laws.
The Parliament defines EPACs as electric bikes that apply power assistance only when the pedals are pushed up to a maximum speed of 15.5 miles per hour. At speeds greater than that, or when the rider stops pedaling, power assist must be cut off. Electric bikes that meet the standard are treated like bicycles. This is similar to Japan's electric bike classification.
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Electric bikes are most profitable in Germany
By Jens Christensen December 11, 2008
Electric bikes AKA pedelecs
and e-bikes
"reaches the highest average price in the German bicycle trade. Customers pay for additional comfort and functions––a great chance for bicycle dealers".
States new article from Extra energy
According to ExtraEnergy estimates, 250,000 electric bikes were sold in Europe in 2007. In 2008, this number will be higher. All the positive media reports have created a new perception of electric bikes among people of any age. They are not the strange granny's bikes anymore but a serious alternative to cars and other polluting vehicles. This change of trend was obvious at the bicycle shows Eurobike and IFMA this year. Visitors were very open towards e-bikes and showed positive interest and curiosity towards new forms of mobility and vehicle concepts. The last days of the IFMA fair turned into a flie market were locals bargained and bought especially from the exibitioners who came from far.
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