Electric modes of transportation are becoming more common and it doesn’t only apply to passenger vehicles. There’s electric motorcycles and skateboards which we’ve written about in the past. And the electric bike is also becoming a pretty common sight although I kind of have mixed feelings about these gadgets. Besides getting to work, people usually ride as a way to get exercise. I see people working up a sweat while they make their way up a hill and then we have some “bicyclists” who zoom past them without a single pedaling motion. It’s convenient but can you call it a bike ride?
Well, if you don’t care then you have plenty of options including this “self-charging”Mando Footloose Electric Bike. It’s not exactly self-charging but when you’re out of juice, you can recharge by pedaling like you would a normal bicycle. The bicycle features a lithium-ion battery which can either be charged via an AC adapter or by using the device as a normal bicycle.
The electric bicycle is capable of getting up to speeds as high as 16mph and up to an 18 mile range on a full battery pack. But it can go as far as 28 miles when the bicycle is aided by pedaling. When you pedal, instead of the rotating the wheel (since there’s no chain), it turns the built-in alternator which converts the energy into electrical energy.
There is a 2.5-inch color LCD display on the handle bars allowing the riders to choose pedal resistance, acceleration, and the speed. The bicycle features a chain-less hybrid drive system with an automatic dual winding motor, an aluminum frame, 20-inch diameter tires, and disc brakes. Inside the frame, there is an electronic control unit which monitors the speed and slope of terrain which results in automatic gear shifts.
The battery recharges via an AC adapter in 5.5 hours. For storage purposes, the bike also folds to one-third its size and total weight of the unit is just under 48 pounds. The Mando Footloose Electric Bike is available for steep price of $3,800.
