ERockIT: Motor-Bike with Muscle

We love to feature exclusive machines, and the eRockIT is certainly worthy of that distinction. What would you say to the chance to own an electric assist bike (as it is being called), capable of a top speed of 50 mph? This could be the start of something big in portable, inner-city transportation, but of course, that’s what they said about the Segway.

Only 10 of these bikes are planned in production for this year, at a cost of $44,000 each. In reality, it is more motorcycle than pedal bike, it would need to be registered as such, anyway; the human-powered machine is comparable in power to a motorcycle with a 250cc conventional motor. Even so, the machine does require continuous input from the rider, meaning the pedals act as an accelerator and a battery charger to keep the eRockIT humming along.

A lithium battery charges an electric motor in the rear wheel, and a single charge can last between 37 and 49 miles. The battery is advertised to last for 10 years. This brainchild of inventor Stephan Gulas may be a revolution in inner-city travel, but until the price tag approaches something more affordable, you may have to visit the land of milk and money to see one up close.