TH!NK Bike Fun and TH!NK Bike Traveler - Fun and Mobility At a Flick of the Wrist
11 January 2000
TH!NK Bike Fun and TH!NK Bike Traveler - Fun and Mobility At a Flick of the Wrist
DETROIT, Jan. 10 -- Fun, freewheeling transportation is just
a flick of the wrist away with two new electric bikes from TH!NK Mobility, an
enterprise of Ford Motor Company .
TH!NK bike fun and TH!NK bike traveler are electric bicycles that combine
the exercise and mobility offered by a standard bicycle with the option of
power-assisted commuting at the flick of a switch.
TH!NK bike fun has a rigid frame, while TH!NK bike traveler has a compact,
foldable frame featuring a simple, three-step folding procedure, making it
easy to store and transport. Both models will be available in June.
"Our TH!NK electric bikes are a simple solution for people who need the
agility and freedom offered by a traditional bicycle, but who would also like
the option of letting an electric motor do some of the work for them," said
Rob Stevens, president of TH!NK Mobility, LLC.
"They are ideal products for students, short-distance commuters, retirees,
vacationers -- anyone who wants to have the fun and convenience of a bicycle
with the added freedom of electric-assisted power," Stevens added.
TH!NK bike fun and TH!NK bike traveler riders can use their own leg power,
or with the flick of a switch on the right handle bar and a twist of the
rheostat throttle in the grip, motor down the road assisted by a powerful
electric motor.
Power to the 24-volt, 400-watt motor for the TH!NK bike fun and the 24-
volt, 250-watt motor for the TH!NK bike traveler is provided by an easy-to-
remove, lead acid battery pack stored under the seat. Charging is quick and
easy, requiring only up to four hours from a standard home outlet. A portable
direct-current charger is also available for recharging from a primary vehicle
or other 12-volt power source. This charging method takes about eight hours
for a fully discharged battery.
The standard drive system is a single-speed, direct-link transmission
located in the crankshaft area. An optional two-speed unit is available for
greater flexibility and efficiency. Range before recharging is about 30 miles
for TH!NK bike fun and about 18 to 20 miles for TH!NK bike traveler. Top
speed is 16 miles per hour (20 km/hour).
TH!NK bikes fun and traveler will be available at http://www.thinkmobility.com
for direct delivery to the customer. TH!NK bikes will also be sold and
serviced through a network of authorized retail outlets, including Ford
dealerships. The suggested retail price for TH!NK bike fun is approximately
$1,000.
For TH!NK bike traveler the suggested retail price is approximately
$1,200. The bike(s) will be delivered directly to the customer's address of
choice when they become available this June.
TH!NK bike Concept
Also displayed for the first time at the 2000 North American International
Auto Show was the TH!NK bike Concept, a design exercise that explores new
ideas in design, construction and materials. It is built with lightweight
metal alloys and composite materials that are strong, yet durable. TH!NK bike
Concept stretches the envelope of possibilities, and provides a vision of
bicycle design for the future.
TH!NK Group: Environmentally Responsible Solutions
In addition to its electric bicycles, the TH!NK Mobility portfolio of
zero-emission vehicles also includes TH!NK neighbor, a two or four seat,
battery-powered personal mobility low speed vehicle, and TH!NK city, a two-
seat electric urban car. TH!NK Mobility, LLC, is a limited liability
corporation that is wholly owned by Ford Motor Company.
TH!NK Group, an enterprise of Ford Motor Company, is comprised of TH!NK
Mobility (battery electric vehicles) and TH!NK Technologies (fuel cell
electric vehicles) and is dedicated to developing and marketing
environmentally friendly solutions for personal mobility.
Specifications TH!NK bikes
Fun
Dimensions
* Operating size: (L) - 71.8 inches
(W) - 27.6 inches
(H) - 32.3-38.6 inches
* Total weight: 72.7 lbs max
* 26 inch wheels
Performance
* 400 watt DC brush motor
* 24 volt energy source
* 30 mile average range
* 1-4 hour charging time
* Aluminum frame and components
* Dual "V" brakes
* Variable power control
Safety
* Built-in diagnostic system
* Brake disengages motor output
* Electric assist up to 20 mph
* Dual leg bike stand
* Built-in battery & front wheel locks
Comfort
* Large padded comfort saddle
* Front suspension fork - option
* Adjustable saddle & handlebar for
best riding position
* Sport fenders
Convenience
* On-board/off-board battery charger
* Energy level indicator
* Full charge indicator light
* Index twist-grip speed shifter
* Front & rear quick release wheel
Price
* Approximately $1,000
Traveler
Dimensions
* Operating size: (L) - 55.2 inches
(W) - 21.3 inches
(H) - 29.5-35.4 inches
* Folding size: (L) - 27.6 inches
(W) - 19.7 inches
(H) - 23.6 inches
* Frame weight: 39.9 lbs
* Battery weight: 13.3 lbs
* 20 inch wheels
Performance
* 250 watt motor
* 24 volt energy source
* 18-20 mile average range
* 2-4 hour charging time
* Aluminum frame and components
* Dual "V" brakes
* Variable power control
Safety
* Built-in diagnostic system
* Brake disengages motor output
* Electric assist up to 20 mph
* Dual leg bike stand
* Built-in battery & front wheel locks
Comfort
* Comfort saddle
* Adjustable saddle & handlebar for
best riding position
Convenience
* On-board/off-board battery charger
* Energy level indicator
* Full charge indicator light
* Index twist-grip speed shifter
Price
* Approximately $1,200