With flatulency prices hovering around $ 4 a gal and what seemsan entire generation shunning motorcar , it ’s no curiosity that bicycle commuting has see such a resurgence in late years . But for all the physical and environmental benefits riding imparts , it nevertheless leaves you a live , sweaty plenty . That is , of course of instruction , unless you get your cycle to do the pedaling for you .
A2B bikesis the American arm of the HERO Eco Group , which has been making electric bikes for Indian and European markets since the turn of the century . The A2B lineup boasts five models with a variety of pedal assist and strangulate alternative to minimize commuting effort . I recently have a ride on four of the models at A2B ’s saleroom in downtown San Francisco .
Shima
The Shima ’s 500W steering wheel - hub actuation system allow for a approximately 37 air mile range per 5 hour charge of its 36v 13.2ah Lithium - ion bombardment . That battery slide in and out under the rear deck and can be interlock in piazza when you park . Three levels of pedal assist — thriftiness , standard , and speed racer — put up up to 35 Nm of torsion and incite the rider to velocity approaching 30 MPH . It ’s 7 - speed Shimano gear set is relatively light and with the treadle assistance at max , I routinely beat traffic off the stemma and passed other passenger with easiness . It feel like I was incessantly riding downhill . The Shima retails for $ 3,800 .
All of the modelling admit integrate head and tail lights and are all currently available .
Alva
The Alva is another pedal assistance good example , designed for comfort where the Shima was built for speed . Its 36v , 13.2ah Lithium - ion battery drive a 450W brushless hub motor to make hurrying of 20 MPH and a chain of 20 stat mi . While the Shima ’s pedal aid was powerful enough to get off the line without too much worry , the Alva takes a more on - demand approach . Located just under the gong on the unexpended handlebar , there ’s a cradle substitution that manually engage the motor without demand you to push off or pedal commencement . That means you get a slight minute of speed go before you start up pedaling and decimate the motivation to huff and puff through the first two gears . The Alva will set you back a $ 2,600 .
Alva +
The Alva+ get the features that made the Alva so popular in Europe and recalibrates them for lazy Americans . It offer pedal assist like its predecessor but raise the commencement clitoris into a full - on throttle integrated into the right handlebar so you ’ll never have to pedal through the low gears . The Alva+ tops out at about 20 MPH under just throttle power but when you take off pedalling as well , you may reach about 24 MPH , easily keep pace with metropolis dealings over the bike ’s 37 naut mi range . The primal watch pocket security system — needed to turn on or correct the big businessman assist level — is ingenious as the A+ weighs a 66 pounds and gainsay to ride without it . They may take your wheel , but they wo n’t get more than a few block with it . The Alva+ cost $ 3,400 .
Octave
Kyle Langdon , A2B ’s Business Operations Manager , described the Octave as the Escalade of E - cycle . The human race does not rest , the Octave is downright princely — like a Beach Cruiser you do n’t have to pedal . See , the cranks are fix forward on the inning far in advance of the seat , like a Cruiser . This eases the rider into a more upright and comfortable sit position , almost like a recumbent . Sure , that position makes push hard with your leg nearly impossible but it does not matter because you wo n’t really be doing much pedaling . I rode this bicycle for a good 20 minutes and pedaled none time — Zero — I just kept grabbing fistful of throttle instead . The chief barrage is located internally and deliver 15 - 20 MPH and 20 miles of chain of mountains , though it can be augmented with a secondary shelling on the rearward deck , which boosts vagabond to a potential 40 mile . It , too , escape $ 3,200 to $ 3,500 look on options .
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