Sanyo's sun-powered cycles set for Spring launch
The successful eneloop rechargeable battery is about to hit the road, literally
The SP-series eneloop bicycle: It's not pretty and it's not cheap, but it's the future of city cycling.From March, Japanese cyclists looking for eco-friendly comfort should consider Sanyo’s newest addition to the eneloop rechargeable battery family of products.
Fans of Sanyo's ultra-popular batteries will recognize the name as the new SP-series eneloop bikes are aimed at the same market: the green-conscious consumer.
Its chunky lines and 23kg-plus weight won’t endear the bikes to boy racers, but the SP-series eneloop bike can carry up to 22kg atop the rear wheel thanks to attachments for a basket or child seat. It's an easy ride too, with 70% of the power coming from the battery and 30% from the rider.
Throw in the ¥80,000 (US$890) price tag for the cheapest model and a range of up to 40km per 210-minute charge and it’s easy to see the eneloop making more than a few shuttle trips around the neighborhood.
Tokyo residents might want to check out Sanyo's prototype (read ‘headline grabbing’) solar bike park the company is set to unveil in the spring. Sakurajosui station on the Keio line in Setagaya Ward will be home to a 40-bike park Sanyo says will charge the eneloops via roof-top solar panels. At night the stored up solar power will be used to light the area with an LED lighting rig.
If you don't own or can't afford an Eneloop bike, don't worry, Sanyo will be renting a number of the electic steeds for the duration of the program.
Fans of Sanyo's ultra-popular batteries will recognize the name as the new SP-series eneloop bikes are aimed at the same market: the green-conscious consumer.
Its chunky lines and 23kg-plus weight won’t endear the bikes to boy racers, but the SP-series eneloop bike can carry up to 22kg atop the rear wheel thanks to attachments for a basket or child seat. It's an easy ride too, with 70% of the power coming from the battery and 30% from the rider.
Throw in the ¥80,000 (US$890) price tag for the cheapest model and a range of up to 40km per 210-minute charge and it’s easy to see the eneloop making more than a few shuttle trips around the neighborhood.
Tokyo residents might want to check out Sanyo's prototype (read ‘headline grabbing’) solar bike park the company is set to unveil in the spring. Sakurajosui station on the Keio line in Setagaya Ward will be home to a 40-bike park Sanyo says will charge the eneloops via roof-top solar panels. At night the stored up solar power will be used to light the area with an LED lighting rig.
If you don't own or can't afford an Eneloop bike, don't worry, Sanyo will be renting a number of the electic steeds for the duration of the program.
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