Giant Lite: A Great Electric Bike
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 10.11.07
The Giant Light is a durable electric bike that has garnered a good track record since it was introduced in 2002. Most electric bikes are on the heavy side, but this bike weighs only 48 pounds total, including the battery pack. Tucked behind the seat is a quick-release NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) battery pack, which powers a motor built by Panasonic. Interestingly, the motor automatically responds to the amount of pressure you put on the pedals.
So if you're pedaling hard to get up a hill, the motor will give you maximum assistance. Likewise, if you're going downhill and not pedaling at all, the motor will shut off. This means the bike has no throttle, just an on-off switch. The Giant Lite costs about $1300, you can find it for sale at NYCEWheels. Apparently though, the manufacturer, Giant, has stopped production of all its electric bikes.
See some positive review for the Giant Lite over at Green Car Congress.
:: NYCEWheels
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These Giant bikes are really great. I can't believe they have stopped [production]. If anyone is in the market for an electric bike, check one of these out while you still can.
Justin,
I have looked for this bike all over the country and the UK. It is only rarely for sale by individual owners, who usually do not want to go through the hassle of shipping 22kgs (47 lbs). The few for sale are a testiment. Reviews are excellent everywhere I looked.
NYCEWHEELS sold out the last of this 2005 year model pictured above.
~~~However, GIANT still makes an electric bike, called the Suede E. It is 4kgs (8 lbs) heavier than the Lite model. To me it looks more like "grandma's bike".
I have experienced the earlier version of this discontinued bike, called the Lafree (2001). It was good and functional but ugly and heavy.
If anyone knows where to find a good to new condition 2005 Giant Lite bike, then please let me know.
Better yet how does one get a company to bring a discontinued model back?