Sanyo Eneloop Bicycle: Ride Up Hills Without Peddling

Technology is slowly changing the entire concept of the tradition bicycle. The sleek design of bicycles is about the only thing that has really changed on them over the past couple of decades. Sure there has been some changes to the mechanical aspects of the bike, but the changes have been minor. This is why the introduction of the spokeless bicycle was big news. However, it is soon going to be overshadowed by Sanyo's Eneloop bicycle. The following is my review of this bicycle and how new technology makes it truly unique.

Sanyo has been working towards using their technology to make riding a bicycle more attractive to recreational riders. They are trying to not appeal to those who ride all the time, but to those who ride sometimes or do not ride at all. Sanyo has come out with bicycles in the past that are similar to this new model. The original versions allowed riders to charge their bicycles while riding downhill. This charge then would be stored until the rider is going up a hill. The charge would then kick in and pull the rider up the hill. You no longer have to peddle up the hill and become exhausted in the process.

The Sanyo Eneloop incorporates this idea and technology but makes technological advances to it as well. This latest design by Sanyo will allow the bicycle rider to generate energy for their bike while riding on flat surfaces. Since there are generally more flat surfaces than hills, this is an ingenious idea by the company. How it works is also quite simple sounding, but complex as heck. Whenever you are pedaling along flat surfaces of riding terrain, your bicycle will capture energy and store it into a battery. You will be able to turn the store power on whenever you hit a hill. However, this power lasts for a short time and will need to be recaptured soon after.

Perhaps the best thing about the Sanyo Eneloop is that the company has found a way for you to capture energy by simply peddling on flat surfaces. The issue before was that you would be able to capture the energy by only going down hills. There are not enough hills in some areas and this makes it incredibly hard to keep charging the battery attached to the bicycle. By making it easier to capture the energy, it makes the bike much more appealing to the public and will allow Sanyo to sell a lot more of this bicycle than the other ones they have recently sold.

Sanyo will be able to do amazing things with this product. Those individuals who are unable to ride for long periods of time will now be able to own a product that will work with them. This type of product can help someone along with their rehab, allow others to get back in shape without hurting themselves in the process, and simply allow other individuals the opportunity to hop on a bike and get away from the television and get some exercise.

My overall impression of this product is that it is a great enhancement to the other bicycles that Sanyo has released with similar technology. Some may argue that this is hurtful to are already lazy society. I argue that this is good for our society because of all the opportunities that it is bound to offer to those who never though about riding before. This could very well be the future of bicycle riding and is worth keeping your eye on.

Currently the price runs a bit high for a basic mountain bike. Sanyo is planning to sell the Eneloop for around $2000. Many consumers will scoff at such a price. This is why the company is currently working on making a much less expensive version. When this version will reach the market is currently unknown. Keep yourself coming back here to find out the latest information on the Sanyo Eneloop.

Sources:

Steven Mottor, Personal Review

Sanyo, www.eneloop.info, 2010