French newspapers this week claim that professional riders have competed in high-profile races using a bicycle secretly equipped with an electric motor and batteries.
Journalist at L’Equipe newspaper, Philippe Brunel, reports that the stealth bicycle weighs little more than a conventional bike and has a motor and electric battery concealed in the frame.
The motor is controlled by buttons hidden in the brake levers and can propel the bicycle at speeds of over 30mph with minimal effort from the rider.
Little is known about the bicycle’s designer, but he is said to be Hungarian.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The technology to make this bike exists already, what is less certain is whether professional riders have used it to cheat their way to a podium place.”
“With media attention focussed resolutely on electric cars of the future, the performance and range of electric bicycles on sale today continues to evolve without fanfare.”
Stealthy electric bicycles
The Stealth Fighter electric bicycle may be far heavier than the road bike mentioned above, but it is designed to look like a conventional bicycle and no more. A rear wheel hub-mounted electric motor does away with the need for a derailleur or chain tensioner and means the bike, unlike chain-driven machines, is almost entirely silent.
The Cytronex range of bicycles features a battery hidden in what appears to be a large water bottle and cables hidden within the frame for a clean, uncluttered look. As the rider starts pedalling, a button on the handlebar engages the electric motor, which quickly accelerates the bike to 15mph for a maximum of 20 miles.
Cycle insurance (covers electric bicycles, too)
Cycle insurance from the ETA protects against theft and accidental damage including race events.
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