Electric Power Kit Fits Any Bike

Electric Power Kit Fits Any Bike ENERGY Miscellaneous 22-5-41 A California company says its new electric bike kit still provides the fun of biking but with a lot less sweat. Zap Power Systems, of Sebastopol, offers a kit to convert your existing bike to electric power. They also sell a variety of bikes with factory-installed electric power. The Zap power unit consists of a maintenance-free battery, battery case, quick charger, switches, wiring, and drive unit. A 2-speed switch controls the motor which doubles as a generator when you pedal or go downhill, feeding electricity back to the battery. The battery measures 7 by 7 by 3 in. and weighs about 12 1/2 lbs. It's held by a battery tray bolted to the seat tube and protected by a heavy nylon bag. The battery powers a friction drive wheel that runs against the rear wheel. The rider has to pedal to activate the switch that controls the motor. "It works great going into headwinds or up hills," says Alex Campbell. "The power system helps you pedal. The range of the bike if you don't pedal at all is 15 to 20 miles, depending on the terrain and user weight. If you're actively pedaling on flat ground, you can go all day. The charger plugs into any 110-volt socket. Maximum charging time is 3 hours." Options include a 25-watt headlight, speedometer, exercise stand, battery "fuel" gauge, quick-release seat, mobile charger, and solar panel that lets you use sunlight to charge the battery. The add-on kit sells for about $375 plus S&H. The Power Bike sells for $899 plus S&H. A "Shopper" version equipped with baskets on front and back sells for $749.99 plus S&H. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Zap Power Systems, 117 Morris St., Sebastopol, Cal. 95472 (ph 707 824-4150; fax 4159).

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