User:MaggieFullbright/sandbox



History Pedego Electric Bikes, LLC, was co-founded by CEO Don DiCostanzo and CFO Terry Sherry in 2008 to produce a line of "beach cruiser" style electric bicycles. The company was founded in Irvine, California. In the four years that the company has been in business, its product line has increased to include an "Interceptor" model, a tandem design, a cargo design, a tricycle, a trail (off-road) design, as well as a commuter model.

Original Product Specifications The original Pedego cruiser, named the "Comfort Cruiser," comes equipped with a brushless, gearless, quiet hub motor on the rear wheel. It has a power rating of 500 watts and 10 Ah Standard (with an optional 15 Ah). Each bicycle uses 6-speed Shimano gears and a Shimano chain, as well as a Shimano SIS Index Shifter. The twist throttle has a variable speed control with quick-connect fittings. Top speed is 20 miles per hour using motor power only. Without pedaling, the range is generally 15 to 30 miles per battery charge, depending on the battery voltage, rider’s weight, speed and terrain. With pedaling, the range is generally 30 to 50 miles per charge, also depending on the battery voltage, rider’s weight, speed and terrain. All Pedego cruisers come standard with Kenda 26” x 2.30” K-RAD urban tires. Upgrades to balloon tires are available. The frame type is 6061 light weight aluminum, and the braking system is an Avid BB-7 front disc brakes and dia-compe locking rear band brake. A lighted battery indicator sits on the handlebar adjacent to the twist throttle. Without the battery, the bicycle weighs 51 pounds. The battery adds 8 additional pounds.

Battery Pedego electric bikes are powered by Lithium-ion manganese ([|LiMh] ) batteries. As opposed to these batteries' precursor, sealed lead acid batteries, LiMh batteries offer a safer and more modern approach to powering electric vehicles. As a result, they are the fastest-growing battery system presently available to electric bicycle manufacturers. Lithium-ion manganese (LiMh) batteries offer high-energy density and lower weight than electric vehicle batteries did in the past. Applications include notebook computers, cell phones, cars and electric bicycles. High current versions are available for power tools and medical devices. LiMh batteries can be recycled and reused. Protection circuits are required to limit voltage and current. Also, caution is advised with other types of lithium for use in the batteries, as some types are untested and may present a fire risk. Though both the 24-volt and 35-volt batteries provide enough power to support most riders on typical bicycle rides with mild terrain, the 36-volt systems provide faster acceleration, greater range and stronger hill-climbing capability than 24 volt systems.

Company Development Pedego Electric Bikes has secured distribution partners throughout the United States, as well as Europe, Canada, New Zealand and Columbia.