In 2005 11 million electric power assisted bicycles (PABs) were produced, mostly in Asia: 10 million in China and 210,000 in Japan. 150,000 were sold in Europe and 100,000 in the US. This is the fastest growing powered vehicle industry in the world. It is arguably the most innovative, ecologically sustainable transport development in the world today. Today the use of PABs is reducing air pollution, enhancing the mobility of the elderly and lame and, when PABs are used by the able bodied, they are proving a practical substitute for many car trips of less than 10 km. This paper describes new innovations in the design of electrically powered PABs and their future potential as frugal users of DC electricity generated by roof mounted solar cells. Australian legislation discourages PAB use and the 35-year-old power output limit of 200 watts denies Australian consumers the right to buy the most innovative and safest Japanese electric bicycles. This paper advocates the need to change that legislation and describes the innovative trends in electric bicycle technology that have evolved in Japan and China. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214666.
Samenvatting