Peugeut Gives An Electic Boost To Cycling

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - At the EVER Ecologic Vehicles and Renewable Energies Show (March 25-28, 2010) held in Monaco, Peugeut demonstrated their new VAE pedal assist electric bicycle (VAE: Velo a Assistance Electrique). The Peugeut VAE electric bicycle has a TIG welded 6061 aluminium frame and has pedal assist power provided by a 36 volt 9.4 Amp-Hr lithium-ion battery. The front fork shock is a Suntour SF9 type, and the brakes front and rear are AR Avid BB5 disc type.

Peugeut says that the VAE electric bicycle is capable of an electric pedal assisted top speed of 25 km/h (15.53 mph), though the bicycle can go faster than this under rider power. The VAE is powered by a brushless 250 watt motor and there are three levels of power that can be selected depending upon the type of terrain and road steepness encountered. The Peugeut VAE electric bicycle can travel a distance of up to 70 km (43.5 miles) off of a full battery charge, and is excellent for those who commute and also have a need to climb hills along their journey.

Gear changes on the Peugeut VAE are made using an SRAM 3.0 type 7-speed rear derailleur and the cycle's rims are 26 inch with 26x2 Maxxis Overdrive Excel tires. The bicycle comes in a standard in an anodised blue paint colour. Peugeut says the lithium-ion battery on the VAE electric bicycle has an expected life of between 700-800 charging cycles or about 40,000 km (24,900 miles) before needing replacement. The suggested list price of the Peugeut VAE bicycle is 2290.00 Euros (inclusive of tax).