Andrew Walters

Introducing the latest design in electric bicycles - THE MONVAL ELECTRA

The MonVal Electra is the only electric bike available, that marries the rider comfort of a ‘low to the ground’ semi- recumbent bike with the height practicality of a conventional one, with double the rear end load carrying capacity of either.

It is also the only electric bike specifically designed for touring, load carrying, heavy utility and multiple rider usage. So, to ensure that it can withstand these rigors on a daily basis, it is the only electric bike in production with a frame made of T45 steel, a material stronger than the bike industry standard Cro- Moly. 
Further more:

1) It is the only upright electric- assist bicycle, to accommodate within a single frame, riders of varying girth and height from approximately 5ft 1 inch to approximately 6ft 7 inches tall. Making it  a machine that can be shared by all the adult members of the family. For business, it reduces the number of machines required in a fleet to accommodate the size range of staff, so with fewer bikes, there are less storage, maintenance and insurance costs and issues.

2) It has an ergonomic design that dramatically reduces the traditional aches and pains associated with the conventional bicycle riding position - back, neck and shoulder ache, wrist strain and groin discomfort, giving real meaning to the term 'comfort bike'.                                                                This is achieved by incorporating an upright semi-recumbent riding position, most people will find extremely comfortable with:                                                                                                        Adjustable handle bars for reach and rake.
Adjustable back support.                                                                                                                Adjustable seat height.
Ability to place both feet comfortably flat on the floor when stopped to aid stability, not possible with the correct riding position on a conventional bike. 
A low crossbar for easy mounting and dismounting.

3)  The MonVal, has approximately 240L of rear end load carrying capacity, compared with the 120L maximum of conventionally styled machines, making it more practical for everyday business, leisure and shopping uses – a cunningly disguised loadbike. With the ability to carry up to 30kgs in weight over the rear axle, you can comfortably carry large objects such as 17 inch laptop cases, post, tools, components or medical kits.   

4) Being electrically assisted, pedalling is easier regardless of fitness levels. Hills and headwinds can be tackled with substantially reduced effort, and the need to change clothes or shower on arrival at destination is no longer necessary.

5) The MonVal, can carry 2 x 36 Volt, full sized NIMH batteries at the same time, at the front of the bike. This ability ensures that the rider is not left stranded if one battery runs out of power, as they simply plug into the other one. Because of this ability to carry two batteries up front, the large rear end carrying capacity is unaffected. No other electric-assist bicycle on the market today, can do this.

6) Unparalleled, powered range - is achievable due to its' ability to carry up to 4 x full sized NIMH batteries (two up front as mentioned above and two in the rear, with only minimal intrusion into the luggage space). With each battery giving approximately 18 miles from a full charge, this gives a total motor power only range of 72 miles - with the rider pedalling to assist the motor, a total combined range of 100 miles is theoretically possible.

7) The long wheelbase, coupled with the large diameter wheels and fat tyres, gives unprecedented ride comfort for an upright bicycle, which is only surpassed by the ride comfort of a motorbike.    

8) Also, for your convenience - The MonVal Electra uses an internal hub gear, which enables the rider to not only change gears whilst on the move but also when stationary. This means that if they ever have to stop suddenly for whatever reason, the rider can move off in a gear to suit them rather than the one they happen to be in at the time, especially useful at traffic lights and whilst going up hills. 

9) Still classed as a bicycle, anyone over the age of 14 can ride it without the need of a licence and, with a 'chopper motor bike' style appearance, it has unisex appeal.                                           

In addition to all the above, The MonVal is equipped with quality, puncture resistant tyres. The one fitted to the back wheel being a 4 ply tyre - the same as used on 4x4s, as it will be carrying heavier loads than the front of the machine.

The advantages ‘electric – assist’ bikes have over conventional cycles.

  • An electric bike makes cycling easy, regardless of fitness level
  • An electric bike rider can easily average 14 mph, significantly faster than typical car and bus speeds in city traffic
  • An electric bike rider can whiz to work or their destination without needing a shower on arrival
  • An electric bike rider will travel further because of the ease of cycling
  • Some electric bikes, like the MonVal, enables their riders to tackle hills and headwinds with minimal effort 

'Electric-assist' bikes as cost effective motorized transport

The amount of energy used by an electric bike is very small compared to a moped, motorcycle or car. The only consumables are the batteries, and these can normally be recycled when life-expired.
As for energy use, In terms of fuel consumption, an electric bike achieves about 800-2,000mpg (280 - 700 km/litre). No other commercially available motorized vehicle can match figures of this kind.
With cars costing 50 - 80 pence per mile and electric bikes costing 5 - 8 pence per mile, an electric bike can save a great deal of money.
To make it easier for you to visualise, think of a 100 watt electric light bulb burning for an evening - that's enough energy to propel an electrically-assisted bike for 20 to 40 miles...

Please note: The above figures and stats, courtesy of ‘AtoB’ magazine – a publication specialising in folding and electric bicycles. http://www.atob.org.uk/electricbikeadvantages.htm

Consider this fact also: Over any distance, an electric bicycle will produce zero emissions and as they are still classed as bicycles there is no need for compulsory:-
o Road tax,
o MOT,
o Registration,
o Insurance,
o License plate.
o Driving License,
o Helmet wearing,
The only requirement for the UK, is that you are over 14 years of age before you can ride it.