Is the New Ultra Motor A2B Electric Bike Right for You?

Yes, there are more electric bikes coming out this year than ever before, which means that you are going to get your pick of the litter, but it also means that the litter is going to get pretty confusing. You've got multiple designs, battery's, motors, features, and price tags.

The London based company, Ultra Motor, is getting ready to release their all new A2BTM on the world, so naturally we were curious about what makes this bike better than all the other choices available today. The A2B is essentially a glamorized moped (bike and a scooter), but we mean that with all due respect.

It has a nice torque filled proprietary motor that can tackle just about any terrain you will come up against, but unlike a scooter, you have the option to peddle, which is something we would highly recommend for your health. Bike riding is great exercise for just about anyone due to its relatively low impact on our bodies.

The bike features a high powered lithium-ion battery that is tucked up inside the frame, and it also has a full mountain bike suspension that will allow it to be just as comfortable off road as it is on. It has the capability of speeds up to 20 mph on the electric motor itself, or the rider can chip in with some leg power, to boost the speed beyond.

Since it is predominantly a bike (although you need to check with your local laws), this can be used on the sidewalks and bikeways and there is no need to get a license or even take any safety motorcycle classes. The battery is designed to travel up to 20 miles on a single charge, or 40 miles using a secondary battery.

But enough with the general description, we asked Amy Robinson, VP of Ultra Motor's Marketing, why consumers should be so interested in their new bike and this is what she had to say:

What makes the A2B a better choice than a lot of the other electric bikes being released this year?

Amy: Unlike other electric bicycles that attempt to integrate a motor and battery into a standard bicycle design, the A2B is built from the ground up to be a solid, safe, high performance electric bicycle for urban transport. The A2B includes wide tires (3") that are smaller (20") than most regular bicycles (26") which allows an A2B rider to have a lower, more maneuverable center of gravity. The construction features a high-performance, lithium-ion battery stored inside the aluminum frame. It's zippy and fun because the proprietary Ultra Motor has higher torque, created by a powerful, highly efficient motor. And the A2B delivers a smooth ride with its front and rear suspension, over-sized (leather) comfortable seat, and an upright cruiser position designed for short trips and commuting.

Who is the A2B designed for?

Amy: The A2B is designed for active, Eco-friendly urban consumers. No traffic jams, no gas pumps, no parking tickets, no sweat. Specifically, our consumer research has shown that young students, progressive commuters, and active seniors will benefit most.

What is the hauling capacity of the A2B? Could someone actually use it as main transportation?

Amy: The A2B is designed to be outfitted with any standard bicycle accessories including front and rear baskets, as well as side bags, for carrying goods such as groceries, laptop computer, gear, etc. The A2B provides a new kind of urban freedom and can easily be used as a primary vehicle for transportation.

What are some of the safety features of the A2B that will keep consumers safe on the road?

Amy: The A2B is a unique, industrial design focused on personal urban transportation; safety features include the A2B's high performance battery, motor, derailleur, disc brakes, and mountain bike-like tires for pot holes, train tracks, and rough roads. In addition, the A2B includes front and rear reflectors so riders can be more easily seen in traffic.

What safety gear would you recommend for electric bike riders?

Amy: We recommend that everyone wears a helmet and uses front and rear lights if they're riding their A2B at night.

Do you have any tips in general to the consumer on how to choose which electric bike is right for them?

Amy: Test, test, test. If you're thinking about buying an electric bike, take the time to go out and test ride. You'll know which one is best for you once you've had a chance to jump on the seat and twist the throttle. The riding experience tells all.

Feel the need for sustainable speed? See what eco-engineers are doing to create super-charged but low-impact cars, bikes, and planes on Planet Green TV's Mean Green Machines.