Bicycles

[ETRPV]

Has Tesla considered applying their car, battery, and solar technology knowledge and expertise to evolve bicycling?


Brainstorming, a bit of rambling and mostly science fiction:

• Super light weight yet strong materials,
• The frame material is solar sensitive (will charge the battery when exposed to sunlight),
• Fully magnetic drive-train / gearing system (no chain or physical friction)
• Pedaling that charges batteries.
• Regenerative braking
• The batteries are unobstructive and embedded into the frame (tubes) and/or throughout the bicycle.
• Chargeable at supercharger stations.
• Mini charging stations that can also serve as stands to lock the bicycle securely via codes.
• Highly efficient front and rear electrical motors for hills and distant assist or temporary cruising modes.
• Operational Modes: If it were efficient enough -- it could be reasoned to have the pedaling charge the battery while the motors drive the bicycle the entire time -- or make it an option where the user can choose modes - cruising (yet still pedaling) for an all electric - battery feeding - slower speed (or a better work-out) vs. kinetic a distance mode for a high acceleration - faster speeds yet lower battery interaction (cannot charge as much or at all while pedaling).
• On-board computer to provide GPS coordinates of the bicycle's location, optional navigation, and to lock/unlock the bicycle system (electrical) - including remote functions (ex: wireless lock down), diagnostic functions and riding statistics.
• Would encourage bicycling commuting, exercising, going green, etc.

 

[jerry33]

The trick is to get them going fast enough to entice people to use them without triggering the government's "got to have a motorcycle license" mode.

 

[Auzie]

Interesting idea, Tesla might supply batteries for bikes as well.

Bike lovers usually do their own work on converting their prized vehicles.

There are conversion kits available, that can convert a bike into solar powered bike. According to owner's testimonies, the battery assisted bike can take all the pain out of the ride, flatten the hills or help with headwinds rides.

 

[bluenation]

op

almost all that you listed already exists, no need to wait for tesla.

they currently go from $2000 and up , for new.

and unlike cars, its much easier and cheaper to convert a regular bike to EV bike.

 

[Ataway]

This is an old post, but I was just wondering the same thing if Tesla would apply their engineering expertise to made a super E-bike that would really help make bike commuting more accessible to greater audience (greater range and reduced weight through superior battery and drivetrain tech).

Obviously it would be fantastic to have a Tesla bike to match the cars, but like mentioned above, there are already E-bikes available that are compelling...but with better batteries and drivetrain option, might help break the mold of the existing options.

Naturally, if done by Tesla, word will spread quickly and even reach those that don't fully understand that E-bikes exist!