Sponsored by ELECTRIC BIKES JD: ‘US is next big e-bike market’ Firm creates more powerful electric drive system with a bigger ‘reach’ specifically for North America
JD’s more powerful system will be available to
manufacturers in 2013
By Jonathon Harker
JD GROUP – creator of the TranzX electric bike system – has praised the growth of the US e-bike market, developing a model specifically for the burgeoning sector. The US market – traditionally thought to be closer in sensibility to the UK market – has seen e-bike growth due to rising fuel costs (over four dollars per gallon) and a growing urban population. In response to the expansion, JD has created a more powerful electric drive
system which will be available to manufacturers in 2013. Equipped with a throttle, the powerful 500 watt TranzX motor has been created to meet loud expectations for more powerful systems. The stronger motor also hits different geographical demands in the US, broadening e-bike ‘reach’ for longer urban and suburban distances. JD will also unveil a 400 Watt version of the M05 motor for the TranzX Eagle. The drive system will be integrated into the frame for a smoother look to the bike.
“When we launched the TranzX PST
“We see the US market as the next horizon, with excellent growth potential.”
Johnson Cho, JD Group
electric drive system in Europe in 2007, the annual volume of e-bike sales was a mere fraction of what it is today,” said JD Group CEO Johnson Cho. “With economic and environmental considerations in North America in increasing alignment with Europe, we see the US market as the next horizon, with excellent growth potential. We are now ready to cross the ocean with a powerful entry product to captivate this vast and lucrative market.” www.tranzxpst.com
Olympia launches two new e-bikes
OLYMPIA HAS bolstered its range of electric bikes with new releases in its Energy line-up.
Using two lightweight Panasonic
‘System’ li-ion batteries that cover up to 62 miles, the brand’s e-bike range can be charged in just three hours and can be recharged around 600 times, according to Olympia. The 118-year old Italian brand’s four-strong ‘PAS’ Energy range kick in when the rider starts pedalling. The DB2 model is aimed at women,
retails at £1,499 and sports a Suntour CR8V suspension fork, as does the rest of the range. Featuring Shimano seven-speed gearing, the DB2 also includes telescopic forks with adjustable handlebars providing good absorption. The rest of the e-bike range includes the Energo’, which retails at £1,089, the Energy 2 (£1,399) and the Energy 3 (also £1,399). The range is available to UK dealers through Olympia Cicli UK. Olympia Cicli told BikeBiz: “Olympia has been extremely well received by all dealers we have mentioned it to, in
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fact every dealer we have contacted regarding Olympia has taken them on as a brand, with one in discussions to become a Scapin/Olympia concept store.” 2013 models will already be in stock by the time this magazine lands. Dealers can find out more by calling 01622 764440 or emailing info@olympiacicli.co.uk. The brand is set to get its own UK site soon as www.olympiacicli.co.uk, but in the meantime, more details are available at www.olympiacicli.it. 01622764440
The new DB2
(right) is pitched at ladies. Left is the Energy 3.
“Every dealer we have contacted has taken them on, with one in discussions to become a
Scapin/Olympia concept store.” Spokesperson for Olympia Cicli UK