'Humble' electric bike to fight climate change
The recently unveiled high-performance electric sports cars like the Tesla Roadster may do best at stealing headlines, but it is the relatively humble electrically-assisted bicycle that is likely to do more in the fight against climate change.
The rider of the recently-launched Schwinn Tailwind electric-assist bicycle needs to pedal in order for the battery and electric motor to help propel the bike, which makes it more efficient than ‘battery power only’ models.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “For those unable or unwilling to ride conventional bicycles, battery-assist provides a relatively green and healthy alternative to almost every other type of transport.”
Laptop power for your bike
Demand for ever smaller, lighter and longer-lasting batteries for personal electrical goods like laptops has delivered technology suitable to power bicycles – the latest electric-assist bicycle from Schwinn uses battery technology created exclusively by Toshiba.
A full charge takes only 30 minutes compared with around 4 hours for other electric bikes on the market. The battery is guaranteed to give at least 2,000 re-charges, which equates to the bike being used and re-charged twice a day, every day for two years.
| Schwinn Tailwind electric-assist bicycle | …performance at a glance |
|---|---|
| Power | 100% electric |
| Overall weight | 26kgs |
| Top speed with battery assist | 15mph |
| Maximum battery range | 25miles |
| Rec-charge time | 30mins |
| Price | $3200 (£2,176) |
| Watch the Tailwind in action | |
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Insurance for bicycles and electric vehicles
The ETA is a not-for-profit provider of breakdown cover and insurance to cyclists and motorists, including a specialised service for electric vehicles. See below for more information: