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EcoSpeed, an industry leader in the design and manufacture of electric bicycle motor systems, announced it is teaming up with Portland's B-line Urban Delivery to help them deliver cargo, from bread, to produce, to bike parts.
EcoSpeed's unique motor system drives the bike chain to leverage all the gears of the bike, unlike most electric bike motors. This makes hill climbing with 500 pounds of produce easier for B-line's riders as they get the equivalent of two more professional cyclists pumping up the hill with them.
Their EcoSpeed drive system uses dual lithium batteries for a range of about 40 miles. The motor is limited to just over one horse-power or 1000 watts so it is legally an "electrically assisted bicycle" under Oregon law and able to use the bike lanes and paths just like any bicycle or tricycle EcoSpeed's Downtube Mount Drive installed on B-line delivery trike.
B-line's chief mechanic, Bill Murdock, has been testing the system and put over 300 miles on it so far with plans to continue testing before putting it in full use.
Murdock explains,"B-Line uses electric-assist technology to maintain delivery time-to-market consistency. Using an electric motor to supplement rider effort allows us to keep our delivery times consistent regardless of the operator's fitness/skill level."
Franklin Jones, owner of B-line, agrees and adds,"We are excited to be involved with EcoSpeed and look forward to more miles of testing the system for commercial use."
Murdock describes why he chose EcoSpeed saying,"The EcoSpeed system allows for the use of a relatively small motor in conjunction with other weight saving measures. It is compatible with our wide-range gearing as well. With this combination we hope to achieve the maximum power-to-weight ratio possible with a freight trike. We are hopeful and will continue our durability testing."
EcoSpeed's director of Sales and Marketing, Tad Beckwith, describes the partnership as ideal,"We are thrilled to test how sturdy, and powerful our electric bike system is in this heavy hauling application with B-line. As commuters see this heavy trike heading up the hill they may get the confidence they need to go carlite with an electric bike, even if they need to haul kids or cargo. They can now see it being done on Portland streets every day."
For more information check out B-Line Urban Delivery or to test-ride EcoSpeed's electric bikes contact EcoSpeed or visit EcoSpeed.com/.
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