PRESS RELEASE: OHM Cycles has expanded its marketing efforts into Europe, looking to capitalize on the continent’s increasing consumer interest in power-assisted bicycles, announced OHM Cycles President Michael DeVisser.
“As electric power-assist bikes gain in popularity in North America, they are even more popular in Europe,†DeVisser said. “At a recent worldwide bike conference in Brussels, it was reported that one out of every 10 bicycles sold in Europe has power-assist . We’re looking to tap into that market.â€Â
OHM has established dealers in Spain, Germany, Ireland, and Italy. Enthusiasm for the product in Europe mirrors the positive response OHM e-bikes have earned in the U.S. and Canada.
“This Spring-Summer 2009 is our first season selling OHM bikes,†said Luciano Cicloone of CICLOONE, an E-bike distributor in Pianezza, Italy (outside Turin). “We chose OHM Cycles because of the quality of components and the high technology used. OHM bicycles are designed for very demanding customers, from which we are receiving very positive feedback both as performance and as a general satisfaction of the product.â€Â
An OHM Cycles hybrid electric-assist bike is just like a standard bike, but one energized by an electric motor integrated into the rear wheel. An enclosed rechargeable lithium-ion power pack straddles the top tube. Atop the handlebar, a micro-chipped control module choreographs the symphony of human and e-power – automatically adding a pedaling boost. The more effort the rider gives, the more boost the electric motor provides.
OHM Cycles 2009 product line up includes five models: Urban XU450, XU500 and XU700 and Sport XS700 and XS750. The Urban models are ideal for in-city commuting, featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, front suspension, and upright position for a more comfortable ride. The Sport also utilizes high-performance components — plus a more powerful motor and all-terrain tires.
At the core of the OHM Cycles’ bikes is the BionX motor, a brushless direct current generative wheel motor capable of peak power output of 700 Watts (450 Watts for the 250 Watt series motor). The silent motor features a microprocessor that calculates rider thrust and compensates for the weakest leg to ensure a smooth ride. Range is 20-75 miles (32-120 km). OHM bikes have caught the attention of the mainstream media, too, with positive reviews in the Wall Street Journal, Wired magazine, AutoWeek and the Vancouver Sun.
