Bluetooth electric bicycle goes on sale

The first electric bicycle to feature wireless throttle and brakes has this week gone on sale for £1250.

The Daymark Shadow bike’s wireless brakes are applied like a conventional system, but when the lever is squeezed, rather than a cable being pulled, a signal is sent to a controller to stop the motor.

The bike features wireless magnetic regenerative brakes and a wireless throttle. The average e-bike has 40 feet of exposed wire and many electric bicycle breakdowns are caused by wires being severed or coming loose contacts.

The bike can be charged from the mains via a port on its rim, which in turn can be used to power a mobile phone or other small electrical device.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The absence of conventional brakes is believed to be the reason why the Segway has not been approved for use by the Department for Transport and the lack of any physical connection between rider and brakes on the Shadow will certainly prove unsettling for some.”

The Shadow	...a wireless electric bicycle that does away with brake and throttle cables
Weight	26 kg
Motor	250W or 350W motor with a 36V lithium polymer battery
Range	35-40 km (pedal assist) / 20-25 km (motor)
Charger	36V – 110V/220V
Maximum incline	20° Single Battery / 30° Dual Battery
Top speed	Limited to 20mph
Price	£1250 ($1999 CAD)

Cycle insurance (it covers electric bicycles, too)

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, they will come out and recover you and your bike. Oh, and if it’s an electric bike they can cover that, too.