Yamaha E-Bikes Are Here

John Burns
by John Burns

Don’t know about you, but one of my favorite ways to attempt to keep my personal bore-to-stroke ratio reasonably undersquare is to pedal around on my bicycle, and I know I am not alone. Many motorcyclists are also big on bicycling, which makes Yamaha’s entry into the US e-bike industry kind of a big deal. Correct, they’re not motorcycles, but we think we like Yamaha’s new e-Bikes anyway. It announced four new models this morning at the big Interbike show:

UrbanRush, balance of power, stiffness, and speed in a sleek road bike chassis.

YDX-TORC, agile XC mountain bike with aggressive performance and fastest response.

CrossCore, fitness hybrid design for efficiency and ergonomic comfort.

CrossConnect, everyday recreation-utility for those that want to take their gear with them.

Here’s the Official Press Release:

CYPRESS, Calif. –September 20, 2017–

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, (YMUS) today unveiled its all-new power assist electric bicycle (e-Bike) prototype models. Yamaha’s power assist bicycle product line is scheduled to be available at U.S. dealers starting in 2018. Yamaha will enter the U.S. bicycle market with Power Assist Bicycles designed by Yamaha for new cyclists and cycling enthusiasts seeking alternative commuting options, a fun and casual weekend cycling adventure or a thrilling new off-road experience.

“Yamaha has been a pioneer, inventor, and innovator in electric bicycles for more than two decades,” said Terry Okawa, President, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. “And introducing Yamaha electric bicycles at this time will only add further to the depth and diversity of the Yamaha brand in the U.S.”

Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. (YMC) launched the world’s first electrically power assisted bicycle in1993 and has since produced more than 4 million drive units and sold over 2 million Yamaha power assist bicycles. YMC supplies class-leading e-Bike Systems to select OEM partners worldwide.

“Yamaha is excited to share our passion for power assist bicycles with riders seeking that next new adventure,” said Rob Trester, Division Manager, New Business Development Division, which is launching the Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles brand. The initial prototype models were unveiled this morning at Interbike, the largest bicycle trade event in North America. Yamaha is actively identifying and establishing new relationships with specific retailers currently servicing e-Bike consumers.

“e-Bikes have created a universal re-awakening of bicycling in the U.S. and people that might have otherwise dismissed the idea of riding a traditional bike are now finding an alternative solution. That is exciting news for bicycle retail stores and they are quickly embracing the opportunity to help new customers,” said Drew Engelmann, Sales and Marketing Manager, New Business Development Division, which is launching the Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles brand.

Yamaha Power Assist bicycles provide a natural assist feel powered by drive units that have undergone constant evolution through decades of engineering and innovation based on customer feedback. Yamaha’s Triple Sensor System found in PWseries and PW-X system incorporates frictionless sensors that measure the rider’s pedal-torque, bicycle speed and crank arm cadence in real-time with tremendous precision. This design results in a drive unit that provides one of the most refined and natural rides available. Interbike has awarded the PW-X motor with a “2017 Interbike Electric Product Innovation Award,” which will be on display for the duration of the tradeshow among winners in other categories.

yamahabicycles.com

John Burns
John Burns

More by John Burns

Comments
Join the conversation
7 of 9 comments
  • Mccalj Mccalj on Sep 21, 2017

    Looks cool, but doesn't this defeat the purpose of riding a bicycle?

    • See 4 previous
    • HazardtoMyself HazardtoMyself on Sep 22, 2017

      Guess it depends who you ask.

      Professional cyclists seen to like them. Only complaint I see from them on these is the motor is not hidden in the frame.

      Yamaha needs to shrink and hide this motor better. They can then be the official sponser of road racers worldwide.

  • Jon Jon on Sep 21, 2017

    If Yamaha is getting into ebikes in the US, I am sure they will do it up right. You can get a decent ebike now for around $1000. Range is increasing. They tend to keep the speeds down, as if you make them to run too fast you may find them not rated as a bicycle any more. They usually give a low range to high range span. You get the least range when riding it like a motorcycle using just the throttle (though they do not all have throttles), and the most range when using a pedal assist setting on the lowest setting (equals using the least amount of motor). You'll see ranges like 20-35 miles. Some are getting the higher number up to 60 to 80 miles. That's getting up there for a bike. Another way would be to carry an extra fully charged battery. That will double your range.

Next