Shanghai Forever Co. Ltd. (Shanghai, China) now offers a steel electric bicycle with a basket. Model 975 runs on three 12V batteries with a charge voltage of 220V. It has a maximum speed of 20km/h and can run for about 40km. The unit, measuring 17 by 24 by 1.75 inches, is equipped with a 36V brushless motor.
Shanghai Forever, which is over 50 years old, has in recent years been experiencing financial problems. The company lost money several years in a row and watched helplessly as its stocks plummeted. For a while, the Chinese market for bicycles was seen as being “oversupplied", and both Shanghai Forever and its main rival, Shanghai Phoenix (China), endured economic difficulties as their profits took a nosedive. In February of this year, however, things began to look up. The company signed an agreement with Zapworld.Com (ZAP, Sebastopol, CA) to distribute ZAP Forever bikes in 1,400 outlets throughout China. It also agreed to develop electric vehicle products, including electric bicycles, tricycles, scooters, motorcycles and wheelchairs, with ZAP.
This, combined with the recent surge in gasoline prices, has brought better days to the company. Lately there has been an enormous increase in bicycle exports from China. The first 8 months of this year saw sales go up 88.9 percent in volume and 67.4 percent in value from last year's figures. Wenyuan Yin, a salesman for Shanghai Forever, comments that this is because bicycles are “ideal for short-distance travels" and adds that they are also “eco-friendly and health-promoting."
The Model 975 electric bike costs $286, FOB Shanghai, with a minimum order of one 20-ft container. Delivery is within 30 days of receipt of an L/C. OEM orders are accepted.
