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Mercedes Hybrid-Electric Bike to Be Sold in US through American Electric Power

December 28, 2000 by Jeff Shepard

Mercedes (Germany) electric bikes will be sold in the US for the first time through select dealers and direct from Total EV, a business unit of American Electric Power (Columbus, OH). Mercedes' Hybrid Bike is designed to cast new cycle technology into a German Mercedes design.

The bike features an electric Sanyo motor, which is integrated into the rear hub and activated when the rider moves the pedals. As pedaling becomes more difficult on inclines, the motor delivers more power. The bike has a NiCd battery that is removable for charging. A display keeps the owner informed of battery-charge levels. Mercedes claims that the bike's hydraulic brakes are completely maintenance-free. As a safety precaution, the bike has front and rear lights designed to help make riders more easily visible at night.

"The Mercedes is beautiful and absolutely top-of-the-line," said Tonya Shadduck, managing partner with Total EV. "We are pleased to include this luxury model among the other excellent products that we carry."

Total EV estimates that the Mercedes Hybrid Bike will retail somewhere between $2,000 and $2,500.