CHARGER bikes were designed and
made by two California companies: One of U.S.A's major bike
manufacturers and AeroVironment, an electrical engineering firm
founded by Paul MacCready. Dr. MacCready is best known for his
"Gossamer Condor", the first human powered aircraft to
cross the English Channel. The two companies partnered to manufacture
and market this unique "bionic" bike--a most advanced,
"strength amplifying" concept that's still way ahead of
it's time.
Unlike other designs that have a
"throttle" or on/off switch, the Charger responds to
pedaling. The half-horsepower (sustained power rate) electric motor
uses programmable "torque-sensing" electronic controls to
boost power in direct proportion to the rider's pedaling effort. The
torque measurement system, a patent pending technology called the
"Impulse System", communicates with the Charger's
on-board computer to provide additional power to the rear wheel. The
system will then add the desired level of electric
"boost"...to add half, add equal, or multiply by up to 3,
or 4 times your own effort.
Originally priced at $1500, the Charger allows for a range of up to 40
miles at assisted speeds of 20 miles per hour--the legal maximum
assist speed in most States. Beyond this speed you're on your
own as the motor freewheels with no drag. The Charger can be fully
re-charged in about 4 hours via the on-board charging system. Other
features include: a two-chain drive system to eliminate the need for
tire-driving rollers and a more efficient interconnection between the
motor and each of 7 pedal gear ratios (like a car's transmission
gears connect with the motor); instant quick-release for detaching
the 24-volt controller / battery / charger pack; and user-defined
personal identification numbers (PIN) to turn on the system.
CHARGER bikes were designed and
made by two California companies: One of U.S.A's major bike
manufacturers and AeroVironment, an electrical engineering firm
founded by Paul MacCready. Dr. MacCready is best known for his
"Gossamer Condor", the first human powered aircraft to
cross the English Channel. The two companies partnered to manufacture
and market this unique "bionic" bike--a most advanced,
"strength amplifying" concept that's still way ahead of
it's time.
Unlike other designs that have a
"throttle" or on/off switch, the Charger responds to
pedaling. The half-horsepower (sustained power rate) electric motor
uses programmable "torque-sensing" electronic controls to
boost power in direct proportion to the rider's pedaling effort. The
torque measurement system, a patent pending technology called the
"Impulse System", communicates with the Charger's
on-board computer to provide additional power to the rear wheel. The
system will then add the desired level of electric
"boost"...to add half, add equal, or multiply by up to 3,
or 4 times your own effort.
Unlike adaptive systems that
drive the front or rear wheel by means of a roller rubbing against
the tire, the Charger's motor relies on a small second chain to power
the rear wheel. With the Charger's direct chain motor to gear system,
there's no slippage found on some roller-drive electric bikes,
especially in wet conditions. With the Charger, there's no additional
tire wear caused by a roller and the rider can choose to replace the
standard dual-purpose tires with a variety of off-road or
street-oriented tires. Compared with other direct chain drive
motor systems, connecting the motor to the pedal gearing
significantly increases motor and battery efficiency...for higher
assisted speeds and better pulling power.
A five-button membrane switch
allows you to enter a user defined PIN to activate the system. Select
Standby mode (no assist) or levels 1 through 4. At any time, use this
keypad to check the state of charge of the battery pack. Should you
forget to turn off the system, don't worry. The system will
automatically turn itself off after a period of idle time. By locking
the electronics, you discourage theft or 'joy rides'. The PIN
is especially useful in fleets where individuals are assigned a bike
and expected to care for it. The PIN is part of the battery and
electronics package that is completely removable. Just pop the
electronics off the bike and lock your Charger bike to the closest
bike rack...or you can run a cable or U-lock through the pack handle
and bike frame.
Other features of the Charger include:
A battery
with an integral carrying handle that's easy to remove and fully
recharges in about four hours with an on-board charging system. The
two 12-Volt, 12Ah lead-acid batteries may be recharged at any time.
Just plug it in!
An on-board
security code PIN number to discourage theft and "joy
riding." Built-in low-voltage protection.
An
easy-to-use seven-speed Shimano Nexus shifting system, the most
advanced internal-hub bicycle transmission available.
A high-power
Shimano roller clutch brake system for dependable stopping.
A 12-volt
port to power a headlight (click
here for details)
A light but
strong Cro-Moly steel frame and fork, alloy rims, and a
quick-release front wheel for easy storage and transport.
A
top assisted speed of 20 mph with an average range of 25 to 30 miles
(40 miles 165 lb rider at 20 mph...lowest assist level, level ground,
no wind.
A choice of colors: gloss black, moss green or candy blue.
The complete
Charger bicycle weighs about 65 lbs. The removable battery box,
electronics and charging system weighs approximately 24 lbs., while
the frame and motor drive weighs 41 lbs.
A
manufacturers suggested retail price of $1495, or $1695 with the
optional Rock Shox front suspension.
Warranties:
frame = 5 years, batteries = 6 months, other parts = 90 days.
Shortly after the bikes appeared,
Popular Science Magazine named The Charger bike their Grand Winner
for the best new recreational product. Popular Science noted:
"Delivering exceptionally smooth interaction between the
bicyclist and motor, the Charger powers electric-assist bicycles to a
new level of excellence."
The trail blazing Charger bikes
are back!...including premium batteries and mountains of spare
parts...readily available from: ElectroPortal,
236 W. Portal Ave. # 510, San Francisco, CA 94127, cyclesales@electroportal.com,
415-672-2645, Fax: 415-564-6378,
www.electroportal.com
Click for more photos and tips.
Click to return to "Best Buys".
Owner reports:
Subject: Re:
Electric Bikes
From:
sparker@uiuc.edu (ITCS)
Date: Sun, 14 November 1999 12:19 PM EST
I commute on a GT
Charger. I think it is great. It has allowed me to reduce my auto
commute to 1-2 times a week. (When I have extra gear to bring in.) I
make the 3 mile commute in about 12-14 minutes get a LITTLE excercise
and can park next to the office. I am not a bike purist.. I just like
to have fun.
Range depends on
the power assist seting. I'm a big guy... 245+... I can go full
assist for 16-18 miles. 1/2 power, about 30 miles.
The Charger is a
heavy beast. It can be riden without assist, but you will feel it. It
is relatively well built, with heavy wheel construction and brakes to
handle the extra weight.
I have to admit,
I've become an E-assist nut. I've ridden a number of different bikes.
I'll probably be adding a US ProDrive to an existing bike this
winter. (I need a second bike to cut down on family squabbles.)
Steven R. Parker,
Video Production Specialist, 69 Mumford Hall MC710, University of
Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
[Editor's note:
"Heavy" is a relative term. The CHARGER is lighter
than Iacocca's 36V "e-bike" by 20 lbs or so...and no
heavier than e-bikes with aluminum frames sporting lower power and
range such as the Merida. The Charger weighs the same as the
LaFree, and US Pro Drive bikes...yet still able to assist "big
guys" for an hour of cycling in level 4 assist and 1.5 hours in
level 2 assist.]
Another owner, "Ronald
Ganger" <rleeg2@msn.com>, reports these range results:
I ride a Charger. At the lowest
boost (50%) I can get 30 miles. (My weight 280 lbs.) At 400% boost I
get a little over 12 miles.
"The electrics weren't
waterproofed when I bought the bike. Now that I have added fenders, I
can ride in light rain and through puddles. Parking outside during
storms still causes malfunctions, but I am sure I can completely
rainproof the bike with silicone caulk." -
bike-valets@sfbike.org (Kash) 2/28/00
[Editor's Note: Chargers now come
with a nifty solution for rain -- a see-thru sock that quickly fits
over the battery pack. For those subject to frequent
doun-pours, zip-tie the cover to the bottom of the seat.]
"The biggest problem I have
had with the Charger is that changing the rear tire is a major
problem. It would be a real disaster if you needed to change a
tube if you were far from home.
[Editor's Note: Either before or
after your first flat, install tire liners and thorn-resistant
tubes into your rear tire (size = 26X2.10). And add Slime
to the tube. Your local bike shop has these parts. Click
here to see the rear wheel removal procedure.]
"Hey! This bike is
awesome! I have to laugh that here in Grand Rapids, Michigan,
when the lake effect snow blows in (we got 12 inches the other day!),
I can make it around town faster and safer than using a car.
Some people at work, it took 3 hours to get home, I made it in 15
minutes. This thing is great. If you ever have anyone
that needs a recommendation, please feel free to give them my
personal email address of markchristopherross@hotmail.com and I will
be more than happy to tell them about the bike and the great service
I got from you. "
Here's how one user overrides
the Charger's 20-mph limit (and goes up to 28mph):
1) Move the speed sensor on
the left chainstay toward the front and pointing outward.
2) Stick a magnet to the
inside of the left pedal crank near the pedal.
3) Align the speed sensor with
the magnet on the pedal crank so the controller still senses rotation
but never sees "20 mph".
Using this trick, a moderate
cyclist reports that "The modification to increase top speed was
painless and really makes this the ideal bike for my needs.
Depending on winds, I can comfortably cruise at speeds approaching 24 mph."
The electronics in the
battery/charger pack are susceptable to overheating. So, 1)
don't charge your battery/charger pack in the sun light, and 2) don't
store the battery/charger pack in a metal shed.
Click
for more photos,
tips, and details.
Click
to return to "Best Buys".

The Charger
Comfort model offers a more comfortable seat and riding position with
the swept-back handlebars. Fenders are optional.
Mail order (boxed bike) prices (click
on item for more information):
Standard
Model - $800 (half off orig. $1499)
Comfort
Model - $800 (half off orig. $1499) Same as Standard except
for handlebars and seat.
Fenders
- $30. Rear Rack - $40. Premium grade battery option - $25.
Standard and Comfort models available in gloss
black, moss green, and candy
blue.
Standard LX model available in gloss
black, and moss green.
Available from:
Other web site
pages about Charger bikes:
Frequently
Asked Questions about the Charger:
http://abc.eznettools.net/D300013/X300109/ChrgrFAQS.html
Detailed photos
and explanations:
http://charger.renlabs.com/gallery/charger
For the Green
Bike Tour, two electric-assist bikes were solarized by
adding photovoltaic panels:
http://www.greenbike.org/MidWest2004/Photos2004/Solarized_bikes_photos.htm
Some of the
unusual, efficient vehicles with which AeroVironment has been
involved (including the Charger bicycle):
http://abc.eznettools.net/D300013/X300109/MacCreadyVehicles-c.htm
Click
for more photos
and tips.
Click to return to "Best Buys".
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