BionX electric assist wheel systems
Last year, we introduced our customers to the BionX electric assist wheel system and had some good success helping commuters get out of their cars and onto their bikes. Besides their immediate savings on fuel, these early adopters gained all of the extra benefits that go hand-in-hand with fresh air and regular exercise and all of it came in a low maintenance package.
What does the BionX electric assist wheel do for the average rider?
The official word from BionX describes its wheel system as an “energy management system that provides power-assist that is proportional to the rider’s effort”. In plain english, BionX wheels transform your bike from a relatively simple machine into one that allows you to determine how hard you pedal, how fast you go, and how far you travel.
They’re perfect for dedicated commuters, recreational riders who enjoy the out of doors, seniors, or people who want to keep up with their faster friends. In short, the BionX system allows you to travel farther and with less effort than you would on a conventional bicycle.
How does the BionX wheel system work?
The BionX wheel system is made up of three separate components: the control console, the battery, and the motor-wheel / generator.
Control console. The control console is the brain that manages the system. It allows you to monitor the state of the battery, your current speed and distance travelled, the level of electric assist, and whether the wheel generator is on or off.
Battery. There are four different battery types, each with different capactities, weights, range, and price, and they can be fitted onto almost any type of bicycle using existing water bottle mounts or an a rack mounted on the back of your current bike (that’s right, you can use your current bike!). Batteries are either Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium Ion (LI) cells, generating enough power to move you between a maximum of 70 and 100 kilometers, depending on terrain and the desired level of assistance requested from the rider.
The batteries charge in about 3 hours and the charger is included with the rest of the system.
Motor wheel / generator. The sealed motor wheel system replaces the existing rear wheel on your chosen bicycle and provides a quiet, maintenance-free ride. Whenever you grab your brakes, the wheel charges your battery. You can start the generator manually by using the control console.
How does it ride?
BionX-equipped bikes ride like nothing you’ve ever tried. You can ride them like ‘normal’ bikes or start up the system and fly along with reduced effort.
Try our in-store demo unit! We have a fully-functional BionX demo wheel installed on a Norco Citadel comfort bike. Feel free to stop in for a test ride and we guarantee you’ll walk away from the experience with a smile on your face.
Reviews of the BionX system
Note the different styles of bikes using the BionX systems!
Product availability
We have a a number of BionX wheels in stock and we’re more than willing to work with you, should you need a new bike along with your new electric-assist wheel.
Special points for anybody who can pick out all of the electrical puns in this post.