Few people have heard of it, yet many consider John Blankenbaker's KENBAK-1 to be the first commercial personal computer.
Schwinn rolls out electric bikes
By James Grahame
Schwinn has taken the wraps off their 2007 lineup, including 8 slick bikes with an integrated Plug 'n Drive electric system that offers a 40 mile (64 km) range and recharges in just 4 hours. All models feature lithium polymer batteries, internal cable routing and rear-hub motors. The electric drivetrain is effectively hidden in the frame, making these machines less appealing to would-be thieves.
UK-based Pedelecs recently pointed out the similarities between the unreleased Danish Diavelo electric bike line and Schwinn's new Continental model. At first glance, it seems that Schwinn might have leveraged the Diavelo design to produce their new bikes.
I'm glad to see a mainstream manufacturer tackling the electric bike market because the product will benefit from large production volumes. It should also ensure that electric bikes make it out of specialist shops and into department stores and local bike retailers around the planet.
