In late 2008 Sanyo announced it’s eneloop hybrid electric bicycle. It’s motor can basically double a rider’s effort by powering the front wheel while the rider gets on with powering the rear wheel. What is unique about this bicycle is that it can capture some energy from the wheels when braking or coasting downhill, and use this energy to recharge the battery thus extending the range.
Sanyo has just updated the energy recapture system to allow the bike to slowly charge the battery as the rider pedals along on the flats, thus increasing it’s range. According to Sanyo this system adapts itself to the rider output and doesn’t noticeably increase drag or pedal resistance.
With a price tag of $2,499.99 I guess I will never ride a Sanyo bike but with the electric motor assisting the rider up to 15mph it sounds like it could be a lot of fun. If it makes cycle commuting more accessible to more people then it can only be a good thing.
