New e-bike eliminates need for expensive charging infrastructure

HOPR, an e-bike designed for bike-share with electric drive capabilities powered by a portable rechargeable battery pack, has been introduced by CycleHop.

The smart bike-sharing operator in North America has added the HOPR pedal-assist e-bike as the second offering under its HOPR advanced mobility brand.

Designed for bike-sharing programs, the HOPR e-bike combines durability with energy from a portable power pack. The power pack is charged via an A/C outlet at the user’s home or office and then clicks into a port located in the front basket on the bike. A full charge supplies a range of 10 miles with the pedal-assist motor helping to reach speeds of 15mph.

The power pack simply clicks into the basket on the front of the bike

Approximately the size of a large smartphone and weighing only a couple pounds, the power packs are collected from the local bike-share program when a user signs up. When not in use with a HOPR e-bike, the power pack can be used as a portable charging device.

CycleHop’s Founder and CEO, Josh Squire, commented: “The HOPR e-bike and its portable personal power source represent our vision for sustainable mobility: adding value for riders on and off the bike while eliminating expensive charging infrastructure.”

Where available, HOPR e-bikes will work with the HOPR app to provide easy-to-access bike transportation alongside public and private transit including ride-sharing options.

The e-bikes will be rolled out during summer 2018 in several cities and campuses in the U.S. and Canada.

“E-bikes fill a gap in our urban transportation infrastructure. They enable cheaper and quicker trips at distances too close for a car but too far for a standard bike. They’re perfect for commuters with tight schedules who need to arrive at work or meetings on time without sweating through their clothes. E-bikes offer a no-carbon transit option for people who may otherwise avoid cycling because of the physical effort or distance of travel,” continued Squire.