Yamaha Japan introduces three electric bikes: $1,200 for a 42 mile range
Yamaha. I hear the name and hope the news is about zippy electric scooters. The truth is, though, that the Japanese manufacturer also builds bicycles, and some of these bicycles have electric motors to assist the person pushing the pedals. This month, the company is releasing three new models, each using 25V / 4 Ah Lithium batteries: the PAS Lithium S (pictured above), the PAS CITY-S and the PAS CITY-F. Priced at $1,200 in Japan, the only difference between the three models is their wheel sizes and trim details. The bikes offer less-stressed-out riders three different ranges, depending on riding style: 21 km (14 miles) in power mode, 39 km (24 mi) in standard mode or up to 67 km (42 mi) in eco mode.
[Source: Yamaha via Crunchgear]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Max 3:22PM (2/12/2009)
Nice bike, it looks a lot slimmer and lighter than the other electric bikes I've seen, and it has quite a bit of range!
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MT 4:03PM (2/12/2009)
It sure would be nice if they'd offer these in the US. $1200 USD is pretty cheap compared to the Giant Twist. My wife might actually bike-commute to work with one of these.
While e-bikes get poo-pooed by many cyclists, they provide a comfortable riding position, allow you to maintain decent speed, and reduce the effort enough that you can usually ride in street clothes and not break a sweat, although you do still get some moderate exercise. Because they're the lightest practical mechanical transportation device, and usually used for short distances, bikes are the perfect match for electric propulsion.
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-M.Dub 4:36PM (2/12/2009)
Forgive my ignorance, but how the heck does it go up to 42 miles on a 4 Ah battery??? My bike with lead-acid goes *maybe* 15 miles with 12 Ah batteries and about the same voltage...is it a difference between lithium-ion and lead-acid?
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meme 5:38PM (2/12/2009)
Well, it's 42 miles in "eco mode", which is undoubtedly low accel and requires a relevant amount human input. It's 14 miles in "power mode".
But yes, there is a big difference between PbA and li-ion in tasks like these: Peukert's law. The smaller the battery pack, the faster you drain cells, and PbA doesn't like to be drained quickly. The faster you drain PbA, the less total current you can pull out of it.
EV-1 6:15PM (2/12/2009)
What a lovely vehicle !
Just lovely !
Stressless !
Invites to another kind of life :
let your senses be blessed with the fresh scent of nature, the subtle sounds
you're actually able to hear on a silent, low speed vehicle, and enjoy it all
at a sensible speed that allows you to relax while still travelling.
What a lovely vehicle !
Let's organize our society to take advantage of this invention.
You need a Hummer to go to war.
This bike you need to enjoy life in beautiful simplicity !
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leo 7:42PM (2/12/2009)
i don't know what stuff you are on, but can i have some? ;)
EV-1 8:29PM (2/12/2009)
It only works in a friendly heart ... an open mind ... and a soul in harmony ...
:)
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Yggdrasilly 12:16PM (2/16/2009)
"It only works in a friendly heart ... an open mind ... and a soul in harmony ..."
Oh, right. Vicodin.
DanY 10:01PM (2/12/2009)
Cheers, EV-1 :)
Its one of those things where you don't need any pills to get hooked.
1200 is a very good price for a Yamaha but [almost] the same thing can be found for around 800. Check out pics on page 3:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,58481.0.html
Warning: my threads are contagious. proceed with caution.
p.s. I suppose it is an electric assist bike, rather than a pure EV.
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