The hybrid electric bicycle PiCycle with embedded WiFi technology

WorldWideTech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Combining an electric motor with a form factor that has remained largely unchanged for over a hundred years, hybrid electric bicycles make it easier to get around in an environmentally friendly way, while still providing some much needed exercise. One of the most distinctive electric bikes going around is the PiCycle (which began life as the Electrobike Pi).

 The latest model from Pi Mobility retains the instantly recognizable arch frame of its predecessor, but has been simplified even further and now offers the option of integrated Wi-Fi-based technology to remotely monitor the 2011 PiCycle’s performance and track the bike if it is stolen.

The seven-speed PiCycle ST packs its electronics and a 10 amp hour lithium-ion battery inside its aluminum heat-treated monocoque arch frame. This provides power to a front-mounted 750 watt/36 volt brushless DC motor.

With a 3.5 hour recharge time, a single charge can carry the rider for a range of up to 20 miles, depending on the weight of the rider, the terrain being covered and how much of their own pedal power the rider is willing to provide.

Unassisted, the PiCycle can reach speeds of 20 mph (32 km/h), while adding some pedal power can see the bike come close to 30 mph (48 km/h).

Pi Mobility also offers the option of adding a second motor that will increase the PiCycle’s acceleration, but won’t increase the bike’s top speed. However, adding a second motor will also result in the battery being drained twice as fast, resulting in the range being cut in half. So you’d want to weigh up just how important a quick jump off from the traffic lights is to you if you’re considering such an option.

PiFi

The most unique feature of the PiCycle is the option of a “PiFi,” an embedded Wi-Fi-based technology that wirelessly streams data, including speed, distance, range, charge level, efficiency, cadence, mapping, direction of travel, and ambient temperature, directly to the rider’s smartphone. Pi Mobility plans to release its Pi Q app for iPhone and Android smartphones later this year to make the link even simpler.

The Pi-Fi system also allows Pi Mobility to remotely monitor the PiCycle’s battery health, battery charging frequency, battery cycle life, motor and controller experience and more, so it can take preventative measures like shipping replacement parts if it detects a problem. Additionally, it allows the company to locate a PiCycle in the event of theft – assuming the bike is in the proximity of a Wi-Fi network.

The PiCycle ST will be available later this year for US$2,495, with reservations being taken now at Pi Mobility’s website.

•   For purchase at Best Buy Stores Spring 2011

•   Patented 6061 t6 Aluminum Heat-Treated Monocoque Frame

•   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

•   Lifetime Warranty Frame + Fork

•   Individual Warranty for Non-Pi Components Per Individual Manufacturer

 •   Options: WIFI-based "Pi-Q" Smart-Phone Interface with USB Key-less Ignition, Belt-drive, Front Fender, Racks, Panniers, 12V Integrated LED Lighting,Turn Signals, Fixed Digital Instrumentation, Dual Platform - Clip-less Pedals, 26" x 2.5" Continental Town + County Tires (optional - shown), 26" x 2.5 Schwalbe Big Apple Tires (effectviely 27" o.d.),WiFi Tracking + Remote Diagnostics, Pi Care Extended Warranty, Twin 750Watt Hub Motors, 30mph speed package (requires license)

Pi Cycle Sport Touring. The world’s first electric super moped...
The moment you throw a leg over a PiCycle ST you know you’re aboard something special. Every detail exudes quality and performance. A decade-long research and development initiative yields an unparalleled achievement in efficiency, speed, comfort and style. Whether you’re in the mood to generate an on-rush of endorphins, or simply run flat out on pure electric speed – or both - PiCycle ST instills confidence with the passing of every bend, every up and just as importantly, every down. With geometry more akin to a dual sport motorcycle than anything electric bicycle, PiCycle ST is ready to take on even the steepest San Francisco street (we know because SF is our proving ground). Offering an equivalent of 1,250 miles per gallon, unassisted range of 20 miles per charge and power sufficient to best 20% grades, PiCycle ST might well be your next automobile. Call today and arrange a test drive. And don’t forget to ask about Pi Q – a proprietary WiFi technology available via a smart phone app that takes personal electric mobility to a level never before experienced.