The strangely named Lithium Vivi RX-10S is the latest in the line of electric bicycles from Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd) designed to help those folks that are looking to cycling, but could use some help along the way.  The bike assists riders, depending on the riding conditions, using a torque sensor that determines the amount of assistance that is required.

When the sensor determines that the bicycle is “starting,” “riding uphill,” etc, the system increases the assistance force, whereas no force is generated when the sensor determines that the bicycle is on a downward slope.

Panasonic’s latest feature to their electric bicycle will extend the range of the Li-ion batteries by recharging the secondary battery while braking.  Panasonic states that the system will work particularly well in hilly areas, as the downhill breaking will do the most recharging.

When slightly applying the brake on one side, the motor generates half the amount of the maximum regenerative power. By squeezing both brake levers at the same time, the maximum power can be generated. When squeezing the lever firmly, it works as a mechanical brake.

Surprisingly, the retail price isn’t terribly high at $1,395, and could be low enough to get a few more people out of their big gas-hungry vehicles for short commutes.

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