FLEET USE

Why the MonVal Electra is ideal for individual, short commute travel for businesses and organisations:- 

( PLEASE SEE NEWS ARTICLE DATED 23/02/09 RE,  THE WINNING OF A PRESTIGIOUS CLIMATE CHANGE INNOVATION COMPETITION)

THE SUMMARY:

1) Ability to accommodate within a single bike, riders of varying girth and height from approximately 5ft 1 inch to approximately 6ft 7 inches tall, thereby, reducing the number of machines required in a fleet to accommodate the size range of staff. Also, with fewer bikes, there are less storage, maintenance and insurance costs and issues.

2) 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.                                   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) Very large rear end luggage capacity - approximately 240ltrs and up to 30kgs in weight- enabling you to comfortably carry large objects such as 17 inch laptop cases, post, tools, components or medical kits. The maximum rear end luggage capacity on a conventional bike is 120ltrs (2x60ltr panniers). 

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) 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) Still classed as a bicycle, anyone over the age of 14 can ride it without the need of a licence. With a 'chopper motor bike' style appearance, it has unisex appeal. The frame, is made out of T45 steel tubing for the durability required to withstand the rigours of daily, multiple person usage.                      _____________________________________________________________

Cost Effective Fleet Use

The MonVal Electra from a business prospective is extremely cost effective when you consider the above information and the following facts: -

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,
In fact, the only requirement from a business point of view, is that your employees are over 14 years of age.

For your employees, the benefits of the MonVal electric bicycle are:
o Cycling is easier, regardless of fitness level
o The rider can tackle hills and headwinds with minimal effort.
o The rider can whiz to their destination without needing a shower on arrival
o The rider can travel further due to easier pedalling
o The rider can easily average 14 mph, significantly faster than typical car and bus speeds in city traffic and can also take advantage of cycle lanes and pedestrian / cycle pathways to make journey times even quicker.

In addition to the above: -

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. 
    
The MonVal Electra, also utilises quality puncture resistant tyres. The one on the back wheel, being 4 ply, the same as used on 4x4s cars to resist punctures, as it will be carrying heavier loads than the front of the machine.

The bike is built out of T45 steel to withstand the daily rigours of heavy utility work and multiple rider usage (as this was part of its' design brief)