At $3000+ for this  Tailwind model and $2000 for the least expensive Schwinn’s these electric bike may have some price point challenges before hitting the broad cycling market although this may prove a very appealing device to commuters or cyclists who want a sort of personal “hybrid” transport vehicle.

For do-it-yourself conversion kits and some lower cost electric bikes check out this Electric Bike website - they appear to have a very comprehensive selection and some electric bikes at $1000 which I’d suggest is a key price point as people upgrade their regular bikes and start considering regular, non-electric bikes in that range.

There is some good coverage and video of the Schwinn over at Treehugger

Schwinn’s company site is here

hybrid_scooter_vm300h1

Following is a press release from ELV Motors.  Generally we run our own reviews here at Technology Report but to keep up with the flood of CES information we’ll also be posting press releases for interesting products we may not have the time to review ourselves:

All Electric Motor Bike a2b

Las Vegas, NV - This year CES is highlighting Greener Gadgets in a special Tech Zone section in Central Hall. The Greener Gadgets TechZone features the pioneering technologies that benefit the environment and sustainability of global economy. ELV Motors, the first electric transportation company to exhibit at CES will be featured in this section  .

ELV Motors offers “Fleet Certified” electric bicycles and electric and hybrid scooters for companies, consumers and cities. Electric bikes and scooters are the perfect solution for companies, fleets, security patrol, police, commuters, students, vacationers, baby boomers, and anyone concerned about the enviroment and saving money.

Electric bicycles and scooters are used for:

• Indoor and outdoor security, police and EMT patrol
• Commuting up to 40 miles on a 10 cent charge
• Running errands and traveling on school and business campuses
• Employees and guests at resorts

• Reducing operating costs and adding alternative energy vehicles to fleets 

e1600-electric-scooter

  ”New hi-tech and stylish electric bicycles like the A2B, the fun to ride electric scooters like the E-1600, and the all new Verde Motors hybrid gas/electric scooters are great ways to save money while helping to save our enviroment,” said Douglas Schwartz, President & CEO of ELV Motors, Inc.

At booth 8733 in the Greener Gadgets Tech Zone, ELV Motors will be demonstrating the:

• 2009 A2B electric bicycle from Ultra Motor - (500 watt throttle driven electric bicycle that can travel 20 mph for 20 miles without pedaling)
• New A2B police, patrol and fleet electric bicycle – (500 watt throttle driven electric bicycle with police, security or EMT lights, pack and markings)
• 2009 Verde Motors  VM3000H - (3000 watt, 149cc hybrid scooter that can travel 45mph with 130mpg)
• Dual motor E-1600 all electric scooter - (1600 watt dual motor electric scooter that can travel 30mph for up to 40 miles per charge)
• UM24 electric foldable commuter bicycle - (250 watt pedal assisted electric bicycle that can travel 16 mph for 20 miles)
  

  motor_bike_um44l2

   

   

   

   

   

   

  For more information visit ELV Motors at www.elvmotors.com call 408 850-8191, or email doug@elvmotors.com

  For information on dealerships contact bobby@elvmotors.com

  ____________________________________________________________

  Video of KGO Interview: Click here: Additional video footage available

  Photos: Click here

  Source: Douglas Schwartz, ELV Motors.
  

Mid-size 35 mpg, for $27K.

Ford will soon be introducing a 2010 model a full year early, in order to capitalize on the continuing interest in Hybrid cars. At 35 miles per gallon, it should beat the SUV Hybrids, and many testers report that they have done better than the 35 mpg sticker. The $27,000 asking price is a bit pricey, but many folks really don’t want to cram the whole family into a Civic anyway. 

The Prius, however, may be closer than you think in interior room, however, and it is worth looking into. The Prius is, technically, still shown as a mid-size, because of it’s interior space. I saw a Prius parked next to my Civic Hybrid the other day and the size difference was substantial.

However, for gadget geeks, Ford was one of the first to have a decent electronics set up, with a built in MP3 cord, Blue Tooth and good navigation.

honda-insight 2010

UPDATE: Honda is now saying that the vehicle will now be available early, starting 4/22/2009, at a MSRP of only $18500. If so, it will underprice all other hybrids by $4000 or more.  Given the super cool styling of the vehicle (same as honda’s hydrogen car) this is quite  a deal. 

More updates on pricing and availability from the sleuths at Technology-Report as it becomes available.  1/2/2009.

By John R. Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

Hybrid vehicles are the ultimate gadgets.  They represent efficiency and technology coming together in a tiny carbon footprint. 

Cost has kept many away from these wondrous machines. Most reviewers have for years insisted that the additional dollars needed for a hybrid never could make for a reasonable ROI. Even when gas prices soared, dealer mark-ups ruined any hope recovering the “hybrid premium” in cost.  Fortunately, just as the model cycle for the ever-popular Toyota Prius draws to a close, Honda is introducing a powerful new player into the hybrid market under the old name-plate of the previously phased out Insight. 

With an MSRP of just $19,000, the new four door Insight will be among the low price leaders, under pricing even Honda’s Civic Hybrid as well as the Prius. And, unlike many other larger car and SUV players, the Honda should deliver mileage and performance representative of a truly efficient Hybrid vehicle. 

Us hybrid owners are particular. In fact, we look with a bit of disdain on the dated tech of old, gas propulsion cars.  At least now we won’t have to pay as high a premium for the privilege of piloting a more efficient drive train. 

The new Honda Insight is expected for model year 2010.

John Ghysels, 12/20/2008