This costs $400, which is a lot cheaper than other purpose built electric bicycles I have seen.
See: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8467096 I saw one of these parked at the grocery store yesterday. It seems like a solid machine, with a simple electric motor mounted low on the frame, on the back wheel left chain stay, level with the wheel hub. The battery is 18 lb, mounted below on the rear cargo rack, leaving the rack free for other stuff on top. It is good to keep the weight low to the ground. It has a rear derailleur only, with 7 sprockets, with a fairly wide range of gears. Enough for an electric bike. Specs: E-Zip 2008 Trailz Hybrid Electric Bike, Men's: Easy comfort design PAS/TAG technology: use with motor only or with motor assist power Rack-mounted SLA battery for easy swapping Top speed: 18 mph/29km/h Range: 15 miles 7-speed geared system with Shimano Acera rear derailleur Rear rack: Carry groceries, other goods Add a second battery (sold separately) for added range Motor: 450W of power DC Earth magnet motor . . . Shipping weight 81 lbs My Lafree electric bicycle is on the fritz again. It might be cheaper to buy one of these than to replace it. This looks a little lighter than the Lafree, which is no longer made. The motor on this new bike is slightly more powerful than the Lafree (450 versus 400 W). The battery is lighter and the range shorter. This looks practical for people who don't have much money and have to commute 5 or 10 miles. I think the one I saw belongs to one of the cashiers at the grocery store, who has been commuting on a regular, beat-up bicycle. - Jed
