Panasonic BE-EHE432, BE-EHE632

Japan, Inc., Sept, 2004

These new bicycles, equipped with lithium ion batteries to help bikers ride uphill with weighty items, can keep on running for as far as 76 km. They weigh a mere 23.7kg--among the lightest of the electric hybrid bicycles with long-distance lithium batteries. The models have a mini hip-up saddle (whose design was modeled on a study in ergonomics) to help hold and position the rider's hip. Separately, Panasonic sells a recharging device for 10,500 yen. Panasonic says on its Web site that electric hybrid bicycles can replace not only regular bicycles, but also CO2-emitting motorcycles.

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More Info: http://matsushita.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/jn040602-1/jn040602-1.html