It's a Motor(ized)cycle..... cool either way

[PPWTF]

http://www.thelocal.de/lifestyle/20090623-20149.html

Berlin motorcycle inventor puts the human in hybrids

Who says green vehicles can?t be cool? A Berlin-based
inventor has created a ?human-hybrid? cycle combing a zippy electric
motor with pedal power. Andrew Mach takes the eRockit out for a spin.



?The idea was to build a machine like a motorcycle, which can
out-accelerate cars,? Gulas told The Local during recent test ride in
Berlin. ?It?s our own system. It?s a new technology not implemented
anywhere.?



Formed in late 2004, his now 12-man company builds a variety of bikes,
mixing the asthetics of a motorcycle with a battery motor and adding
bicycle pedals to come up with a totally unique two-wheeled vehicle.
Powered by electricity, the ?human-hybrid? still relies on pedalling to
propel it forward at speeds of up to 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour.



?We?ve tried to keep the character of a bike,? said Gulas. ?Something
that?s electric, that?s cool and sexy that people want to ride ? that
was the driving force.?



Despite its powerhouse performance, the eRockit otherwise behaves
exactly like a regular bicycle. The rider must pedal to accelerate and
brakes are located on both handlebars. But the 12-horsepower electric
motor situated between the rider?s legs offers a ?superhuman?
sensation, according to Gulas.



?It feels like you?re riding a bike, so you always compare it to the
speed you could go on a bicycle,? he explained, adding that easily
passing cars ?just keeps you smiling.?