Go Green And Stay Connected By Wi-Fi With The Eco-Friendly "PiCycle"

US based company Pi Mobility has recently launched a hybrid electric bike called the “PiCycle”. This zero carbon emitting transporter looks very old-school but offers lot many options to the driver ranging from three operating modes to wi-fi connection while driving! The PiCycle can be either peddled or driven by electric motors on a battery, or can be run on a hybrid mode i.e. motors assisted by pedaling. Thus it helps you a little in exercising a little and reducing those extra pounds. The PiCycle has an arch shaped red colored frame in which the entire electronics is compactly fitted. This circuit and the Lithium-Ion battery inside the aluminum frame performs the task of powering the brush-less DC motor connected at the front end.

The Lithium-ion battery fitted in the bike is capable of providing service for 20 miles in a single charge (the average charge time is of 3 and half hours). This range depends to some extent on the slope of the path, power contributed by the user’s pedaling and also on the weight of the rider. The maximum speed of the cycle is 32kmph when running only on motor but can touch a max speed of 48kmph when helped a little by the rider.

A second DC motor can also be added to the PiCycle. Though this will increase the acceleration, the maximum speed will not be enhanced by it. Also, the battery consumption will double, thus reducing the range.

Pi-Fi:

The latest feature to be added in the PiCycle is the Pi-Fi. It is a Wi-Fi technology that is capable of providing wireless data transfer given that the bike is in proximity of a Wi-Fi network. The “Pi-Fi” sends the bike’s essential parameters such as speed, distance, range, charge level, efficiency, cadence, mapping, direction of travel, and ambient temperature to your smart phone. The Pi Fi system is very useful in remotely keeping an eye on bike’s battery health, location, etc. so that one can take preventive measures to avoid any major repairing in PiCycle. One more advantage of this Wi-Fi facility will be that the vehicle can be tracked in case of a theft. Pi Mobility is planning to launch an app called the Pi Q which will make the interfacing between the bike and the android/iOS operated phones even simpler.

The PiCycle ST will be available in 2011 around the spring for US$2,495 and the bookings have already started. Let’s hope that the PiCycle will be a commercial success so that other innovative and Eco friendly options arrive in the market at affordable prices.

PiCycle Specifications:

•   Pi Red Licorice Powder Coat with Satin Black Accents

•   Internal 10 Amp hour Li-ION Battery with 1-Year Warranty

•   Front-drive 750 Watt / 36 volt Brushless DC Motor

•   Chain Drive with Eccentric Bottom Bracket Tensioning

•   Seven-Speed Rear Derailleur with Index Shifting

•   Fully Adjustable Front Elastomeric Front Suspension

•   Cable Disk Brakes with Stainless Rotors (203mm front / 160mm rear)

•   Recharge Time = 3.5 hours - External 5 Amp hour Li-ION Battery Optional

•   Frame + seat configuration conforms to heights ranging from 5'4" to 6'2" - optional alternatives available

•   Gel Saddle + Gel Grips

•   24" x 2.5" Maxxis Tires + Double-Wall Aluminum Rims

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