Optibike Introduces the OB1

Boulder, Colorado electric-hybrid bike maker Optibike has recently unveiled its OB1 model. The OB1 is a perfect solution for reducing your emissions, getting some good cardiovascular exercise and not arriving to work sweating like a pig.

The idea of electric-hybrid bikes is to add speed or power when you need it (running late or going up hills) but letting you pedal when you please. According to Optibike, "Pedaling an Optibike- you get the same amount of exercise you get on a traditional bicycle- you just go 3X as FAST. The seamless integration of the Optibike patented Motorized Bottom Bracket (MBB) means you can pedal as much, or as little as you desire. Don’t want to get sweaty on your way to work- fine, let the thumb throttle and the MBB do all the work. Want to get a great exhilarating workout on your way home passing traffic at 30+ mph, go for it."

The Optibike OB1 also features a 9 speed grip shift, two power modes - Fast and Economy - a 20ah Li-Ion, UltraBright Twin 10w Halogen lights, Fox 36 Talas RC2 Fork on the front and Fox Float RP23 Shock at the rear, a deluxe toolkit including Fox Shock Pump, quick charger and TAG Wheels made from a DuPont resin which require no truing. The Lithium Ion Battery guaranteed for 3 years or 30,000 miles.

The downside to the OB1, and it's a big one, is the price tag. Optibike will only make 24 OB1s this year and each will cost $12,995 USD. Optibike also makes several other less expensive models. On the bright side, with more companies getting involved with such technology, products will be produced more efficiently and the price will eventually come down, so more of us will be reducing our footprints.

[via gizmag and Optibike]