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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg The seven-model Emotion range is described as "a fast, easy, ecological, healthy, cheap way to move about the city". (http://www.bikeradar.com/beginners/news/article/pedal-assist-range-launched-by-bh-22705)

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2009/08/06/1249552850162-xhq76z4shoi8-280-75.jpgBikeRadar - BIKERADAR (http://www.bikeradar.com) - August 26, 2009

This may get more people to bike to work --Ed.

Spanish company BH are best known for their road bikes, used by the likes of ProTour team AG2R, but now they've brought out a range of pedal-assist hybrids.

The seven-model Emotion range is described as "a fast, easy, ecological, healthy, cheap way to move about the city".

All the bikes feature IBS (Integrated Bottom bracket System) technology developed jointly with Panasonic, which integrates the motor, control unit and torque sensor in a compact unit at the bottom of the seat tube. This keeps the centre of gravity low for improved handling.

When engaged, the 250w Panasonic motor (powered by a lithium-ion battery) has three modes – eco, normal and sport. The torque sensor instantly activates the assistance when force is applied to the pedals. You can also pedal the bike without electric assistance; the motor is “brushless”, meaning that friction is not produced when pedalling when the assistance is turned off.
... http://www.bikeradar.com/beginners/news/article/pedal-assist-range-launched-by-bh-22705

I wonder how they modified the gear mechanism to handle reverse torque from regenerative braking. It looks like a solenoid locks the shifter gears during regen. (But does that mean it will briefly interrupt regen to downshift?) The availability of multiple gears means it should work like a manual Insight IMA system.

250w is a bit weak, though. Maybe the multiple gears will increase the perceived power, but I think they should offer performance models with, for instance, a 1kW motor. (Which is still nothing compared to the world's fastest hybrid bicycle with only one gear and some 15kW of power! But then the range would be only usable for a short race.)

Well, 250W is like having a second reasonably hardy person on
board who doesn't get tired, with less weight penalty.
.
_H*

According to my calculations, with a 150lb rider, the bike should have about 900w in order to have the same power to weight ratio as an original Insight. To match the 2010 Prius for power to weight, it would have to be 3.5kW!