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Charger electric bicycle (Designed by Aerovironment.)
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
Owner reports:
Subject: Re: Electric Bikes
From: sparker@uiuc.edu (ITCS)
Date: Sun, 14 November 1999 12:19 PM ESTI 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.
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:
- Electro Ride Bikes and Scooters, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913, 408-262-8975 (call for demo appointment)
- ElectroPortal, 236 W. Portal Ave. # 510, San Francisco, CA 94127, sales@electroportal.com, 415-672-2645, Fax: 415-564-6378
Other web site pages about Charger bikes:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Charger:
http://abc.eznettools.net/D300013/X300109/ChrgrFAQS.htmlDetailed photos and explanations:
http://charger.renlabs.com/gallery/chargerFor the Green Bike Tour, two electric-assist bikes were “solarized” by adding photovoltaic panels:
http://www.greenbike.org/MidWest2004/Photos2004/Solarized_bikes_photos.htmSome of the unusual, efficient vehicles with which AeroVironment has been involved (including the Charger bicycle):
http://abc.eznettools.net/D300013/X300109/MacCreadyVehicles-c.htm
