1. evening standard Wednesday 13 May 2009
News
Powering into London: the £2,000
electric bike with a ‘rocket boost’
Benedict Moore-Bridger
and daisy dumas ‘It’s sturdy and
fast, but costly’
IT costs almost £2,000 and travels at
15mph, but at least it won’t get stuck stephanie Forester, 2
in traffic. Law student from Chelsea. “I would
The world’s “fastest” electric bicycle not say it’s aesthetically pleasing but
is to go on sale in London next month, I guess it appeals more to guys than
with some hailing it the answer to lazy girls. I steered my bike into a canal
commuters’ dreams. when I was young so I don’t feel
The push bike with an electric motor particularly safe on bikes. It might
also has a “rocket boost” button for appeal to some but I would not buy
added speed during off-road riding. it.”
There are two versions, the A2B
Metro and the A2B Hybrid, which Jo-ann Compton, 4
means the rider can motor along or get Recruitment
an added boost as they pedal. consultant from
The batteries run for up to 20 miles Acton. “It’s difficult to
and can be charged using a mains plug, manoeuvre as it is
which costs from 7p and takes about heavy. The tyres are
five hours. robust, good for
As the motors cut out at the legal limit stopping punctures. It
of 15mph, manufacturers claim riders will catch on as there are people who
do not need a licence or pay road tax, don’t want to use push bikes but
insurance or the congestion charge. want to get to places quickly. It is a
With more torque and greater accel- lot of money, though. You can buy a
eration than any other electric bicycle, car for £2,000.”
its creators believe the machine can
convert London’s commuters to a antonio Correia, 52
“greener” mode of transport. Caterer from
Julie Farrington, from manufacturer Shepherd’s Bush. “It
Ultra Motor, said: “It is a product peo- feels very secure and
ple are really excited by because of its sturdy and when you
quality. In the past, electric bikes have pull the throttle it
been prototypes because the technol- accelerates quite fast.
ogy has not really been there — but now The brakes are very
the technology has progressed enough good. Price is the problem. I am still
to mean it is a more viable option.” quite fit and don’t need the boost,
The popularity of electric bicycles but maybe in a few years I will,
has been growing, with 21 million sold especially going up hills.”
in China last year. In Germany power-
assisted bicycles are the single largest Frey Palsson, 25
category of bikes sold. Student at Imperial
But Charlie Lloyd, cycling develop- College. “It is great.
ment officer from the London Cycling I’ve never ridden a
Campaign, was sceptical about whether scooter before but this
Londoners would follow the trend. gives you a real boost
He said: “The disadvantage is that you when you go up hill.
have to charge it and the battery tends The problem is it is a
not to last very long if you go fast and bit heavy and a bit funny when
push them hard. Plus they are much turning. I would definitely consider it
heavier than a bike and three or four if they brought the price down.”
times as expensive.”
The bikes will be available from The
Electric Transport Shop in Holloway,
north London, or Digital Toys in Brent- Easy wheely: The Driver and Vehicle and Licensing road, no law would be broken. A spokes- is subject to Vehicle Excise Duty and so have your
ford, Middlesex, and cost £1,999. Stephanie Agency said bikes over that speed man said: “An electric motor on a bicycle must display a tax disc. say
There was confusion over whether Forester tries out needed licences. must not be able to propel the machine “The rider will need an appropriate www.standard.
the new bicycle would comply with UK the electric bike However, the Department for Trans- when it is travelling at more than 15mph. driving licence and will have to wear co.uk
legislation because of the “boost” but- port said as long as the bicycle was not If it does not comply to this restriction it an approved motorc ycle safet y
ton — giving it a top speed of 20mph. ridden faster than 15mph on a public will need to be registered, insured and helmet.”
cycle in rhythm busker turns his wheels into a travelling drum kit
MOST cyclists try to steer clear shop tin bowls, children’s toys two wheels. My first trip was to Music on the
of bangs and crashes. and old drums, Puncture Kit Brick Lane, where I busked for move: David
But London busker David has an original sound. an hour on a weekday and Osborne has
Osborne, 38, has adapted his It can be fitted into two made enough money to cover a been invited to
road bike so it transforms into a panniers and a backpack, and week’s rent. I couldn’t believe play his
drum kit with five cymbals, the fixed-wheel bike takes 20 it.” electronica solo
three snare drums and a foot minutes to transform. Word spread and last month drum set at
pedal. Now based in Camden, Mr he was flown to play at the Glastonbury next
He has been invited to play Osborne makes enough from Milan Furniture Fair. month
Glastonbury next month after busking and festivals to pay his At the Brighton Fringe Festival
coming up with the idea when rent. two weeks ago, Mr Osborne
he came to London from He puts his success down to played a solo electronica show
Adelaide to try to break into the the vibrant London busking and was approached by one of
electronica band scene in and music scene. Glastonbury Festival’s dance
London. He said: “London is a great stage organisers and invited to
Mr Osborne was determined place for doing what I do. perform.
not to carry his drums on the “It’s so multicultural that The Glastonbury Festival will
Tube and, as a cabinet maker, people from all over the world be held from 24 to 28 June.
realised his bike frame could be get to see me play while being To watch him play go to www.
adapted into a working drum small enough for word to myspace.com/puncturekit
kit which would also transport spread — plus, I can get
them. Fashioned from charity everywhere I need to get on daisy dumas
H