The power assisted bicycle (PAS) weighs only a few kilograms more than a bicycle and, gives only power assistance. Some PASs are powered by small and dirty two stroke petrol engines; some have clean electric motors powered by on-board rechargable batteries. The most advanced electric PASs have electronically controlled power assistance via sensors in the cranks linked to a computer chip, with automatic speed control to enable them to be safely used on shared footways. Future models could be mass produced to run on renewable energy. There over 125 models of PASs sold throughout the world today and most are legally classified as bicycles; however, their sale and use in Australia is constrained by poor legislation. This paper describes the past, present and possible future development of the PAS as a practical substitute for most urban car trips of less than 10 km It is concluded that when "state of art" PASs are classified as bicycles in Australia a start can be made on realising their potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, petrol consumption and traffic congestion in cities. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E209537. This paper may also be accessed by Internet users at: http://www.btre.gov.au/docs/atrf_02/program.html
Samenvatting