Electric bicycles share the road

April 22, 1996
Web posted at: 5:30 p.m. EDT

From Correspondent Miles O'Brien

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Malcolm Bricklin zips along the crowded streets of Atlanta, easily maneuvering his bicycle in and out of congested traffic.

Unlike most cyclists, Bricklin hardly breaks a sweat. And thanks to his latest creation, the EV Warrior, he's traveling faster than ever. His sleek electric bicycle cruises up to 20 mph.

"The pedaling makes it so you don't use much juice," Bricklin says. "It doesn't change the speed until you are going really fast."

He's not the only one experimenting with an electric bike.

The U.S. Park Police may soon be cruising tourist attractions in the nation's capital on the Police PowerBike, developed by ZAP Power Systems. It'll give the police a battery-powered boost.

"The idea here is energy conservation, but also clean streets," said Bob Jarcho, who works for the Interior Department's acquisition office. "It might even replace motor vehicles."

The electric bicycles, complete with siren and lights on the police model, can be pedaled like regular bikes or get a boost from a rechargeable battery that hangs on the crossbar below the seat.

The battery recharges itself as the bicycle coasts downhill or when the rider pedals.

EV Warrior a high-priced ride

Bricklin's EV Warrior resembles a moped on a mountain bike frame. It is powered by motors used in Ford Taurus' air conditioners, and it is equipped with a remote-controlled alarm system, a rear brake light and turn signals mounted in side mirrors.

Bricklin says the new bike is great for just about anyone, especially those who want an easy and fun commute to work.

For Bricklin, being a pioneer is nothing new. When he was just 32, he designed and manufactured a futuristic gull-winged sports car called the Bricklin. The DeLorean, which was made after the Bricklin, actually resembled the earlier car.

But these days, Bricklin is satisfied with his low-tech bike.

"It is just something I can get into and get and see things immediately," he says. "We can develop things on a bicycle and months later we can be driving it, instead of years later."

If you're looking to buy an EV Warrior, don't go to the local bike shop, however. Visit an auto dealership. The Warrior sells for $1,400, which has discouraged some potential buyers, said salesman Brian Dunne.

"We have quite a few customers who commute every day to and from work," Dunne says. "I could see a few of them using it but who, personally, would have a few reservations about the price."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related site:

• The Bricklin Home Page

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