Hybrid Electric Bicycles

[zenMachine]

Unlike a hybrid car, the XU450 allows the rider to choose how much electric power reaches the wheels. A small digital controller on the handlebar lets riders choose from four levels of assistance, and a throttle provides a burst of power as long as the bike is already moving.

The BionX electric motor, located in the rear-wheel hub, has a sensor that measures torque on the bike chain. It uses that information to provide electric power that is proportional to how hard a rider pedals, according to Michael DeVisser, president and founder of OHM Cycles (OHM | Ride like this ™). It even compensates if one of the rider's legs is pedaling more strongly than the other.

OHM Cycle's Man-Machine Hybrid - WSJ.com

[tochatihu]

Does this ebike (or any other) allow regenerative braking? Putting some of that kinetic energy back into the battery would be very desireable if it can be accomplished without too much electronics.

[Rybold]

Awesome! I've been wanting such a bike for a long time. It's finally here! Excellent!

[Rybold]

Originally Posted by tochatihu

Does this ebike (or any other) allow regenerative braking? Putting some of that kinetic energy back into the battery would be very desireable if it can be accomplished without too much electronics.

The article states "The electronic controller on the OHM can also use human pedal power (or momentum from a hill) to charge the battery. This was particularly useful on a steep downhill because the regeneration can slow the bike without applying the disc brakes. ... That will improve in future versions, he says."

[Jack66]

The review compares the regenerative breaking to the Prius and states if you used it long enough it could fully charge the battery. It was implied that it would be a stretch to do so, but that it was possible.

[McDonald]

I don't know, I think people should get that exercise that Americans hate, even if it takes a little bit of training to manage the hills, and leave the batteries in their TV remotes. Electric bike? Meh.

[MikeSF]

Originally Posted by McDonald

I don't know, I think people should get that exercise that Americans hate, even if it takes a little bit of training to manage the hills, and leave the batteries in their TV remotes. Electric bike? Meh.

Problem that if you're using a bike for work or something else most likely you're not ever going to "train" to get up those hills because you have to get to work, not show up as a sweaty exhausted mess. If anything this will help you train more so, because you can start slow with how much effort you put into a hill, where as you can't adjust the height/steepness of the hill.

However at over $2k for a bike? I'll drive to work

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by McDonald

I don't know, I think people should get that exercise that Americans hate, even if it takes a little bit of training to manage the hills, and leave the batteries in their TV remotes. Electric bike? Meh.

Why use a bike? Running is better exercise. Maybe you can carry heavy rocks while you are doing it.

We each have our own abilities. Some are strong, some are frail, some old, some young. If an electric boost allows a rider to get out and enjoy the countryside, then I'm all for it.

Tom

[Jack66]

Originally Posted by McDonald

I don't know, I think people should get that exercise that Americans hate, even if it takes a little bit of training to manage the hills, and leave the batteries in their TV remotes. Electric bike? Meh.

I'm in the military and get a regular workout. Two exercise sessions is OK but you can actually over do it and start to tear your body down if you aren't careful.

The electric assist would definitely be appreciated to make the 22 miles I would have to ride one way go a little faster.

[zenMachine]

Originally Posted by McDonald

I don't know, I think people should get that exercise that Americans hate, even if it takes a little bit of training to manage the hills, and leave the batteries in their TV remotes. Electric bike? Meh.

If you can go twice as far on the same amount of energy then what is wrong with that?