Bicycles

HP Velotechnik introduces dual-battery system for increased e-trike range

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Double the battery, double the range
HP Velotechnik trikes fold for easy transport
Dual batteries mounted underneath the Scorpion S-Pedelec's seat
The dual-propulsion system is mounted on the lower back of the Gecko's seat
The dual-battery system is mounted on the lower back of the Gecko's seat
The Gecko fx electric version uses a 250-watt motor system for up to 25 km/h of speed
The double-battery option will be available beginning in November
HP Velotechnik introduced the dual-propulsion system at Eurobike 2013
Double the battery, double the range
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In addition to a new off-road model, German trike manufacturer HP Velotechnik plans to launch a new dual-battery option on its entire e-trike line next month. Double the battery will mean double the range.

The new dual-battery option adds a second battery pack to the frame of compatible trikes. Because the batteries are mounted low on the frame, one on the left and one on the right, HP Velotechnik claims that the extra battery actually adds stability and rear wheel traction. Mounting position varies by model but includes behind and under the seat.

"In innumerable conversations with our end customers, we heard the same desire over and over again: the desire for greater range," says HP Velotechnik CEO Paul Hollants. "So as not to get caught out with an empty battery on route, many people use stopgap solutions such as carrying a second battery in their touring luggage. There is now no longer any need for this: we offer a comprehensive, system-integrated solution."

HP Velotechnik introduced the dual-propulsion system at Eurobike 2013

HP Velotechnik offers electric motor systems on all its recumbent trike models, and the dual-battery option will be extended to this entire range, including the Gekko and Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec e-trikes. The 250-watt motor of the Gekko fx electric model powers the trike to speeds up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h). The dual-battery option increases the motor's assistive range to 130 mi (210 km). The Scorpion S-Pedelec has a larger battery and 500-watt motor that power it to speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h), and its double battery ups its range to 130 high-speed kilometers (81 miles).

HP Velotechnik showed its dual-propulsion add-on at the recent Eurobike Show and will offer it to customers beginning in November. The second battery raises the price of the Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec from US$7,495 to $8,540. The smaller auxiliary battery for the 250-watt system used on the Gekko is listed at $949.

Source: HP Velotechnik

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6 comments
duh3000
Great tech ! Horrible price !
BigGoofyGuy
I agree with duh3000, it is a really cool bike but with an uncool price.
I think a fuel cell could also extend the range. Some are very compact. Intelligent Energy has some that are small. http://www.intelligent-energy.com/ I have seen others that are even smaller.
It seems one can build one that is similar at a fraction of the cost. http://www.gizmag.com/sub-600-dollar-pv-electric-trike/19432/
GeorgiaMountainHiker
WOW, great idea, insane cost. Clearly they do not design and build for the mass market or one even close. If you want to make real money in business, you have to go for volume, not massive profit on a small number of products.
duh3000
> georgia uhm... yes & no. HP V is certainly going up-market here (and leaving me out !) But Ferrari seems to be doing O.K.
Also, if you really think about selling recumbent trikes -- not even the smaller niche of motorised recumbent trikes -- where exactly is that "mass market" of ready consumers anyway ? I've been told by the designers at Flevobikes and NL Velomobile (who designed and built the Quest/Mango) that depending on where you are on the planet, recumbents are somewhere between 0 to 3% of the cycles sold. The high figure is The Netherlands. So what about trikes ?
I don't like to say it but, all things considered, maybe the Ferrari approach is their only option? just saying -
joeblake
If the motor is running in "assistive" mode then presumably it will not be in constant use, only say for getting away from traffic lights and/or climbing steep hills, the simplest (and probably cheapest solution) is to fit photovoltaic panels behind the pilot's head. This way the sole battery can be recharged as the rider pedals.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/saxeharp/trike/P2190002_zps1a0aa0a0.jpg
This machine can travel 50+ km on the flat and still have sufficient power to climb a 5 km hill (5-7% gradient) without pedaling AND without flattening the battery.
Bill Babcock
It's not cheap to build a capable recumbent trike, but I've done more for less. Start with a Cattrike 700, add an ecoDrive 1200 watt mid drive so you can take advantage of the rear wheel ratios, two 48V 40 amp LiFe batteries and suitable controller and you've got more for less, though you have to include the cost of a bit of labor.
People who think PVs or regenerative braking are going to be useful on a practical street bicycle clearly have zero experience or technical knowledge.