Lexus develops hybrid bike concept
Prestige manufacturer applies materials and hybrid technology to the humble 'treadley'The electric bicycle is nothing new. Nor is regenerative braking for pushbikes. But put them both together with carbonfibre construction, lithium-ion battery and an eight-speed transmission, and you're looking at something unique indeed.
That's what Lexus has created in its latest concept. Its Hybrid Bicycle Concept is all-wheel drive, according to Lexus. The 240W electric motor drives the front wheel and the non-electric motive power (supplied by the rider) adds to the available power and torque via a drive-belt system and the bike also features an eight-speed Shimano transmission.
A 25.9V lithium-ion battery holds the charge to drive the electric motor and collects electrical energy recovered by the motor when the bike is coasting. At home, the battery requires two hours to recharge from a household outlet, although Lexus has not been clear about whether that's with a 110V outlet as used overseas or the 240V outlet in Australia. Presumably it's the former.
The rider can select from two running modes, Eco or Power, which should need no further explanation. Total all-up weight, thanks to the carbonfibre construction, is 17kg -- as much as 10kg lighter than conventional electric bikes on the market.
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