Bike to the future

As Valley temperatures begin to cool, drivers looking to take advantage of the weather change, as well as deal with the uncertainty of gas prices, may have another option at their disposal.

Saying the folks over at Ultra Motor have reinvented the wheel may be an overstatement. What they did was add a green and urban touch to it.

You cannot compare their new line of electric bicycles to something like a Segway because there really is no comparison in terms of price tag, speed and range.

The electric bicycles are powered by a lithium ion battery, which can take users up to 20 miles on a full charge. At a top speed of 20 mph, the bike definitely has some pickup when driving around town.

The option to pedal is still there, however. The top-of-the-line model, A2B, which retails at $2,599, does not require any pedaling to achieve the full range.

A step down is the Europa model, which boasts the same range and top speed as the A2B, but does require some pedaling to hold the battery's charge. Retail on the Europa is set at $1,899.

An Ahwatukee Foothills bike shop owner says these bikes are perfect for those who want a new way to commute without spending a hefty amount every week on gas.

Richard Marquis, who owns Javelina Cycles, 4647 E. Chandler Blvd., sees these bikes appealing to a wide range of people.

"I see people say ‘I want to get to work without sweating, but I want to pedal home,'" Marquis said. "It makes sense for people who ride bikes, like commuters or students."

The electric motor is engaged by a throttle on the right grip. It is pressure sensitive, which allows for smooth acceleration.

"There is nothing with a more powerful motor or a stronger battery," Marquis said.

Charging the lithium ion battery takes about six hours. Marquis said there is a two-year manufacturer's warranty on the battery and motor.

He said that the electric bike is in a market of its own and he hopes those who can afford the price tag will consider the newest option.

"The market is kind of weird," Marquis said. "A big advantage is that you do not need to register it and there is no insurance either."

For those looking to get out of their cars and delve into the world of electric-powered transportation, these bikes have a lot to offer. Visit the Javelina Cycles Web site, www.javelinacycles.com, or call (480) 598-3373 for more information.