Welcome to Electric-Bikes.com
Ready-to-Drive Commute Cars
Faster speeds, longer ranges, and full enclosures make these Commute EVs a practical choice for commuters.
Myers Motors NmG (formerly the "Corbin Sparrow")
The vision of where this industry is headed is the Personal Electric Vehicle (PEV). Think of it as a one-person electric car. They're clean, quiet, and efficient. Like a car, PEVs provide the user with point-to-point transportation. Designed for one or two persons and a small amount of cargo, their range, speed, and cost are moderate. The Myers NmG is the premier example of a PEV. It's a three-wheeled electric vehicle: two wheels up front, one behind. Designed from the ground up, it takes you 40 miles at 60 mph. Price: $24,900.
Specifications:
- 156 volts DC (Thirteen 12-volt batteries in series)
- Three wheeled vehicle registers and insures as a motorcycle
- 1350 pounds curb weight (approx. 612 kg)
- 61 inch (155 cm) wheelbase
- 57 inch (145 cm) vehicle height
- Top speed: 70+ mph (110 kph)
- Range: 30-60 miles (65-97 km) with stock lead-acid batteries
- (Range: 150 miles (65-97 km) with new Li-Poly batteries)
- Price: $34,900
This gold Sparrow made an appearance in the Mike Myers movie "Austin Powers, Goldmember"
Learn more about the Sparrow and its history at:
http://www.hightechscience.org/sparrow.htmMyers Motors, LLC. 180 South Ave. Tallmadge, OH 44278 1.866.MYERSPV
http://www.myersmotors.com/In the San Francisco Bay Area, check with Electro Ride (Brian Howell is an authorized dealer), 650-222-0378, Belmont, CA, 94002-3463, brian.howell@comcast.net, http://www.electric-bikes.com/betterbikes/wheretobuy.html
Electro Ride is working on the Lithium-Polymer version of the NmG which will retail under $30K and offer a range of up to 150 miles per charge - and 25% better acceleration!
The CycleCar
"A freeway capable commuter vehicle with all the latest electric technology"
The first affodable car was called the "Cyclecar" from 1910. Wikipedia Cyclecar
This new CycleCar strives for the same place in history by provided the first affordable electric commuter with plenty of performance and range.Specifications:
- Seats two passengers side by side.
- 10 gallon trunk capacity with inside lite.
- Front/Rear independent hydraulic shock absorbers.
- Front/Rear hydraulic disc brakes.
- The latest AC motor technology--74-80 volts 500A max (almost 50 hp)
- Regeneration (adjustable). Almost never need to use your actual brakes! Adds safety, efficiency, and reduces brake pad wear.
- Three wheeled vehicle registers and insures as a motorcycle
- 74V 100Ah of Third Generation Lithium Batteries with 2000 charge cycles. (Other sizes and battery types available.)
- Under 600lbs including 200lbs Lithium batteries.
- 97 inch length
- 74 inch wheelbase
- 56 inch width
- 55 inch height
- Top speed: 70 mph (110 kph)
- Range: 80-100 miles
- Price: Under $19,000 (TBD)
Electro Ride LLC (Brian Howell) offers this vehicle, 650-222-0378, Belmont, CA, 94002-3463, brian.howell@comcast.net, http://www.electric-bikes.com/betterbikes/wheretobuy.html
If you are in the bay area, stop in for a test drive.
Tango
"Ultra narrow freeway-capable safety vehicles that fit anywhere a motorcycle can."
This is a two-person commuter car. (It takes two to Tango).
Comes in 3 models and price ranges:
T600 => 0-60 in 4 seconds. A luxury race car that outperforms the Dodge Viper. ~$85,000 (George Clooney's new electric car.)
- T200 => 0-60 in 5 seconds. ~$39,900
- T100 => 0-60 in 7 seconds. ~$18,700
From Commuter Cars' web site: You may have seen us driving the Tango prototype around Spokane or racing it at Woodburn, Oregon (sans body) and wondered "what the heck is that thing?!" This site, which will be updated when the Tango is complete, will try to provide all the information you're looking for.
The Tango, the first vehicle produced by Commuter Cars, will be a prime example of what we believe the future of commuting will be. Our requirements of this car (safety, etc.) will be found in every vehicle we ever produce.
Commuter Cars, 715 E. Sprague, Ste. 114, Spokane, WA 99202
Phone = (509) 624-0762. Fax = (509) 624-1466, Bryan Woodbury
http://www.commutercars.com/Here's a note from an interested party (Feb. 2006):
I was impressed enough with the specs on the Tango that I am thinking of upgrading to the T200 and paying extra $500 refundable if I get this senior position at Sony. He said I could change my mind and get the T100 if finances are not there. The T200 will be out sooner and I am eager to get one.
The T100 is either front wheel or back wheel drive and has 100 kilowatts of power (50Kw per wheel). It goes 0 to 60 in 7 seconds (no shifting!). Retail should be $18,700. The T200 is also 50 kilowatts per wheel but has all wheel driving giving it twice the power at 200 kw. It goes 0 to 60 in 5 seconds. Retail should be $39,900.
The race car that you can buy today for $85,000 (incentive for investing in the technology for rich folks) has 2000 amp Zilla controller with peak 600 Kw (150 kw per wheel). The motors produce over 1000 ft-lbs of torque. This is just an insane amount of power. It goes to 0 to 60 in 4 seconds but could accelerate faster were in not for fact that the tires would delaminate. It actually becomes more of a tire durability issue to accelerate faster. The myth that electric cars can't climb hills has been dispelled by this car. Since on a race track they do not go up hills and there are no police officers, they have a gearing unavailable to the public that gets the car up to 200 mph. They don't show it on the website but I have a picture of the car peeling out with smoke coming from the wheels. They are trying to send a message that these cars are superior performers to standard gas cars.
The Gizmo
Fun and Earth Friendly
Here is your new ride into the 21st century. A revolutionary concept in personal transportation. Never before has an enclosed electric vehicle been so affordable, so efficient and fun to drive. With an award winning design so original its patented. The Gizmo is practical enough to carry six bags of groceries, quick enough to sprint to 40 miles per hour, and so easy it takes only minutes to learn. With the Gizmo, driving can be affordable, efficient and fun.
Specifications:
vehicle weight: 340 lb.
- battery weight: 240 lb.
- payload: 250 lb.
- storage capacity: 10 cubic feet
- dimensions: 4' wide x 4.5' high x 8' long
- motor: 12 peak HP series DC
- batteries: sealed, lead acid
- chassis: steel tube truss
- transmission: chain drive, single speed
- brakes: hydraulic disc, hand actuated
- speed: up to 40 mph
- range: about 25 miles of city driving per charge
- range with recharging: up to 90 miles in 8 hours
- full recharge time: about 3.5 hours
- life of batteries: 3 to 5 years
- recharge power source: standard 110V AC outlet
Currently, there are a dozen beta test models in use. End of year (1999) production is expected with prices running about $8000.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Company
435 Lincoln Street, Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 687-5939
http://www.nevco-ev.com/
The Twike
The world's most energy efficient two passenger motorized street vehicle is now licensed and turning heads on the streets of Seattle! The TWIKE was recently featured in The Seattle Weekly where it was awarded "Best of Seattle" status among urban transportation options.
Length / width / height:2650 / 1200 / 1200 mm (103 / 47 / 47 inches)
Unladen weight:220 - 250 kg (485 - 550 lbs), including batteries
Capacity:2 adults (plus baggage)
Maximum speed:85 km/h (52.7 mph)
Maximum permitted slope:22 %
Consumption:4 - 8 kWh / 100 km
Chassis:Aluminium space frame construction
Body:Luran®S, thermoplastic
Power source:5 kW electric motor with pedal assist
Steering:Joystick
Brakes:Hydraulic disc and drum brakes
Battery:NiCd, 2 kWh or 3 kWh
Charging time:1 - 2 hours Range:40 - 80 km (25 - 50 miles)
Manufacturer:TWIKE AG, CH-4450 Sissach, Switzerland, http://www.twike.us/This Swiss designed and beautifully engineered vehicle is commercially available from mike.patterson@twike.us
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2001 11:21 AM
Subject: Twike $16,000The Twike is about 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long, with three wheels - two drive wheels in the rear and one front wheel. Its aluminum space frame is covered with a tough, lightweight plastic shell, and the windshield is made of Plexiglas (or safety glass with heating wires). The motor, transmission and batteries are all in the rear, creating excellent traction similar to the old Volkswagon bug.
The Twike's battery system was quite unique until Toyota borrowed the basic design for its hybrid electric Prius sedan, which has a single pack with 240 nickel metal hydride (NiMh) batteries. The Twike has either two or three battery packs, each with 280 C-cell nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries run in series. Each battery pack is controlled by a computer board that carefully monitors the charge level and temperature of each cell. Fully charged, each battery is about 405 volts (V). The D/C-to-A/C inverter powers a 5 Kilowatt (KW), 330V AC electric motor.
The Twike's motor bike tires are mounted on alloy rims. The rear brakes are hydraulic and the front brake is a cable brake. The emergency/parking brake is cabled to the rear wheels. The regenerative braking system is controlled with a button on the beechwood handle of the steering joystick. One unique Twike feature is that both the acceleration and the regenerative braking have cruise control, very handy when riding up and down the Swiss Alps! The acceleration cruise control allows the Twike to maintain a steady speed regardless of the pedaling status of the driver and passenger.
The Twike's NiCad system can propel it about 45 miles between charges and the fully discharged batteries can be recharged with 220 V at 16 amps in about an hour.
Twike will be registered under a brand new Vermont law that covers electrically powered enclosed motorcycles under 1,500 lbs.; no helmet or motorcycle license will be required.
Cushman
Cushman builds Industrial and Commercial transports. Most are boxy-looking and slow (like the Bellhop pictured above). However, the expected Cushman ZEV is a 3-Wheel, 40 m.p.h. city commuter. Standard features include speedometer, horn, turn signals, stop/tailights, heater/defogger, rear view mirrors, self-adjusting hydralic brakes and a covered steel cargo box.
Here's their corporate introduction:
In an era of so-so service and sacrificed quality, it's nice to know that there's still a company that does, in fact, "make them like they used to." When you stop to consider that we've been making commercial and industrial utility vehicles since the turn of the century, you'll understand why the Cushman name is synonymous with strength and reliability. From vehicles that powered the allies in World War II to our present fleet of industry-leading personnel and burden carriers, Cushman products are built to last.
CUSHMAN
P.O. Box 82409
Lincoln, NE 68501-2409
Fax: (402) 474-8700
For assistance in locating your authorized Cushman Dealer, call 1-800-228-4444.
http://www.cushmanco.comCityEl
How much car do humans really need? The CityEL may be the answer.
This unique vehicle offers pollution-free and stress-free mobility for times when a full-sized car is unnecessary. For example, commuting to work and everyday shopping. With the CityEL, you can comfortably bridge the few miles up to the next transit station. Bring your child to school in the morning. Leave your full-sized car in the garage until you really need it.
Dramatic efficiency increase in the new CityEl.
The new FactFour requires only 3,5 to 5 kWhs on 100km as opposed to the 7 to 9 kWhs with the old model. A more efficient electric motor avoids abusing the batteries. The capacity of lead acid batteries is much reduced at high discharge currents. An inefficient electric motor requires more current for the same performance. When the battery delivers that higher discharge current, we get fewer watt-hours from the battery. Therefore, the new CityEl with the better drive is called FactFour - because it uses half the electric power consumption, range is doubled, and the lifespan of the batteries is doubled.Priced about $10,000 to $13,000 
CITYCOM AG
IndustriestraBe 5-9
D-97239 Aub GERMANY
Phone: 049(0) 93 35/97 17 -0
Fax: 049(0) 93 35/97 17 28
For assistance in translating from the German, look up "CityEl" with Google and selecting the "[Translate this page]" option.
http://www.cityel.de/Araco Corporation COMS
Another new player in the PEV market is Araco Corporation with this interesting single-person electric vehicle which can be used for running personal errands, as campus transport or on resorts. The Japanese company says it has sold several hundred since it introduced the vehicle in Japan. Top speed is 50km/hr.
