Sanyo SPL Eneloop electric bicycle unveiled

I am all for electronically powered vehicles. From the Toyata Prius Hybrid to the Tesla supercar – which can outrun a Lotus Elise in a straight line (courtesy Top Gear). But what if you are not in the market for an electronic car or a hybrid, what if you want something which can get you from a to b and stow away nicley in your front porch?

Electronic bicycles have been around for a while, however most have been a somewhat miss. Take for example the Ultra Motor A2B – it charges to 80% in just less than an hour and has a detachable battery. It then, it seems, is the perfect way to get around from a to b and at the same time, where appropriate, to get you from a to b with next to little effort as the battery supplied will chug you along nicely.

The Sanyo SPL Eneloop though takes the electronic bicycle a little further. The Eneloop bike takes a a bite out of the hybrid car handbook – when you brake or go downhill, you charge the battery. Like all electric bikes, the electric motor only kicks in when necessary – it’ll give you a boost when going uphill or accelerating, but lets you use your own steam on the flat. Sadly, however, the Eneloop will be launching in China initially.

It’ll set you back in the region of 157,290 yen (round about £1,150), but with no international launch specified, this it seems is another one of ‘those’ inventions which takes a leap forward in terms of advancement, but not a leap forward in terms of markets. Which is a shame, because i’d have great fun riding it around the office.

Thanks to Energy Assessor Training for the heads up.