21 Impressive Electric Bikes

MIA: IF Reach DC Folding Electric Bike
by Larry Lagarde

Yesterday, GreenDiary.com posted a story about a variety of electric bicycles that are coming onto the market. Some of the bikes are actual models in production while others are basic design concepts not likely to ever be produced (example: Grasshoper folding electric bike pictured at right). To my surprise, the new IF Reach DC folding electric bike wasn't even mentioned.

Shown about a month ago both at Eurobike and Interbike, the IF Reach electric incorporates a virtually silent motor into the bottom bracket housing and a light, lithium ion battery at the base of the seat post. As a result, the electric assist feature does not affect the ride handling of the bike (and catches cyclists on road bikes by surprise).

The IF Reach electric is a pedal assist style folding electric bike. Using torque sensing software, the motor works hardest when it is most needed. The bike weighs in at @ 43 lbs incl. motor & battery and cruises at an average 18 mph for a minimum of 30 miles.

One of the best features of the IF Reach is that it folds compactly in seconds and rolls easily when folded. The result is a practical commuter that will cover most commutes round trip without need for charging and can be stored just about anywhere.

I've been riding a prototype IF Reach electric all summer and am very impressed with this folding electric bike. The bike has a proven and successful race history with tri-athletes as the Reach model (non-motorized version) and incorporates the superior folding system created by noted designer Mark Sanders (creator of the Strida & IF Mode folding bikes).

Based on my experience, no other electric bike comes close to the experience offered by the IF Reach DC folding electric bike.

To learn more, check out the data collected by my Garmin GPS while riding the IF Reach DC. Alternately, this page includes various posts I've done regarding the IF Reach electric folder.