ohm bikes: the lithium ion solution

i bicycle nine to ten months of the year through a smaller city (around seventy thousand people) along relatively safe, sometimes smooth, city streets. in the summertime i travel into the countryside on longer journeys but generally speaking my commutes constitute the bulk of my riding. as such, i ride around twenty kilometres a day. according to a carbon calculator i use, the commuting element of my cycling generates a saving of 3.58 kg/day or over the course of a typical working year - which for me is around two hundred days - i am saving 716 kg of co2 from entering the atmosphere.

the practicalities of the ride are numerous and include the safe transportation of not only myself, but my laptop, food, water, clothing, and student work (i’m a teacher) in all kinds of weather. the return journey at night includes a set of good climbs and so as i get older the challenge increases ever so slightly but perceptibly.

a canadian company must have heard my cry and those of thousands of other well-intentioned but gently aged adults as ohm cycles has released a really interesting series of motorized bicycles that come with very nice components and a lithium-ion powered drivetrain.

the ohm urban series features front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, a frame made from 70 series aluminum, shimano drivetrain components, front and rear 12v halogen lights, a rear carry rack, mudguards, and what looks to be a very comfy seat!

the ohm sport series has a larger battery and a more powerful motor for steep inclines, better range and overall performance.
top speed of ohm bikes is restricted in canada to 32 kph but can be adjusted. recharging time? around three hours.

so how does it work? if you love highly detailed techno info you’ll find it here. if you are comfortable with more general knowledge, then i can tell you that the ohm bike incorporates an electric wheel motor, a rechargeable battery and a digital display that automatically reads your pedaling effort and adds power to your pedaling, according to the selected mode. if you switch to generative mode then you can apply dynamic braking, recharge the battery while you ride and simulate slopes to function as a fitness machine! the long and short of it is, you’re going to be fit no matter what!

if you’re interested, then contact the company directly. dealers at this time seem to be restricted to alberta and b.c.