In today's (10 Nov 2003) online New York Times there is a feature about
a little business venture that Wesley Clark is involved in with marking high-speed
electric powered bicycles. I skimmed the article just enough to get the name of
the company, and then went to their web page, it is www.tidalforce.com.
Interesting at least, to see them have three application categories for these
things: Military, Law Enforcement and Recreational.
The Military M-750 (Military model) has front shocks, a DARPA approved frame, 1000 Watt
DC motor that is rechargable after 3-6 hours of usage. It weighs 64 pounds (30 kg), has
a range of 15 miles, and can reach a maximum speed of 30 mph. From the photos, it
looks like it uses Shimano components as well. Uh, here's a great line, "designed for
the toughest combat situations, the Tidalforce M-750x has all the features soldiers need."
The Secutiry M750, which is the Law Enforcement model looks about the same as
the military model, at least with similar specifications that I mentioned. Oh, and both
frames actually fold, too.
The Recrational M-750, the Recreational model, has similar features, except that the
motor is only a 750 Watt DC motor, which can only reach a maximum speed of 20 mph. The
frame is NOT DARPA approved (bummer).
Hmm, funny how the recreation model can only reach 20 mph and the law enforcement model
can reach 30 mph. I think I get the idea of where they are going with this.
As far as the user benefits, they mention that their electric bicycle is "a transportation choice
that helps reduce air pollution and preserve natrual resources." Well, yeah! That's what
bicycles do!
No mention on price, but I would guess it to be on the high end. Probably not something
that I would consider buying for my mother, unless she was going to join the Marines.
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