Bluetooth electric bicycle does away with brake cables

The Shadow e-bike is the first electric bicycle to feature wireless throttle and brakes.

The wireless brakes are applied like any other system, but when the brake lever is squeezed, a signal is sent to a controller to stop the motor.

In common with a Segway, the Shadow is slowed using its motor – a process that provides a charge to the battery at the same time.

Electric bike breakdowns

According to the company behind the Shadow, Daymak, the average e-bike has 40 feet of exposed wire and many electric bicycle breakdowns are caused by wires being severed or coming loose contacts.

The bike can be charged from the mains via a port on its rim, which in turn can be used to power a mobile phone or other small electrical device.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The lack of any physical connection between rider and brakes will certainly prove unsettling for some.”

The Shadow is available from June 2010.

The Shadow	…a wireless electric bicycle that does away with brake and throttle cables
Weight	26 kg
Motor	500W or 1000W
Range	50km Single Battery / 100km Dual Battery
Charger	36V – 110V/220V
Maximum incline	20° Single Battery / 30° Dual Battery
Top speed	Limited to 20mph
Price	£975 ($1499 CAD)

Cycle insurance (it covers electric bicycles, too)

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, they will come out and recover you and your bike. Oh, and if it’s an electric bike they can cover that, too.