Toshiba Demonstrates Quick-Charging Electric Bike

This past week, Toshiba exhibited a snazzy power-assisted bicycle manufactured by Cannondale Sports Group that uses a quick-charging lithium ion battery. The SCiB battery uses lithium titanate for enhanced safety and is made up of ten battery cells connected in series.

According to Toshiba, the bike can go 20-30 miles before needing a new charge — perfect for short trips around town.

The bike will be launched in North American and Europe in early 2009. While details aren’t available yet, it is expected to be priced at a cool $3,000.

Interestingly, Cannondale and Toshiba can’t release the bike in Japan due to the current Japanese Road Traffic Law, which states that the assisting force from the motor must be within half of the rider’s pedaling force. The ratio of the force generated by the rider to the motor’s force in the Cannondale bike is 1:1.

Photo Credit: Tech-On!