The regenerative charging “Loop Charge^*3” function, which enables the battery to be charged while riding, saves the energy created when the bicycle is traveling downhill or decelerating, and then uses it for power assistance when needed. This function has been well received for its ability to generate electricity to recharge the bicycle battery.
　SANYO’s “Loop Charge” function found in previous models was realized through two features: the “Brake Charge System,” which switches the motor to a dynamo when the brake lever is activated, and the “Auto Mode,” which automatically switches the motor to a dynamo on downhill stretches. With both the “Brake Charge System” and “Auto Mode,” the opportunities for charging the battery were limited to braking and downhill riding. Recharging while pedaling on flat ground was not possible.
　Now with a second-generation “Loop Charge” function, the new “Eco Charge Mode” controls the charging rate by ascertaining overall conditions such as foot pressure on the pedals and changes in dynamotor revolution speed. This enables effortless regenerative charging while riding, that is comfortable for the rider, by adjusting for the change in various conditions such as the amount of exertion, speed, and road conditions. Consequently, opportunities for generating energy while riding have been increased, making it possible to enjoy more energy saving for longer riding distances.
　Furthermore, in the “Eco Charge Mode” the motor assist automatically kicks in when the rider encounters an uphill stretch, for easy climbing. Then on downhill portions, the motor automatically switches to a dynamo to charge the battery. The charging effect is further increased when the brakes are applied, by means of high-efficiency regenerative charging.

*3

“Loop Charge” is the general term for the function where the electric motor switches to a dynamo during riding in order to charge the battery (secondary charging). Even when “Loop Charge” is used, the battery still needs to be regularly charged with the dedicated charger. Battery cannot receive supplemental charging when it is fully charged or when bicycle speed exceeds 24 km/h.

Comparison of First and Second-Generation Loop Charge Technologies

Riding with first-generation "Loop Charge" in "Auto Mode"

Second-generation "Loop Charge" in "Eco Charge Mode"

　As shown above, “Eco Charge Mode” enables efficient battery charging on both flat ground and downhill slopes. It is also a superior riding mode for reducing strain on the rider on uphill sections. Compared to the “Power Mode,” which uses the most battery power, “Eco Charge Mode” increases the riding distance on one charge by about 53%, based on the new industry standard riding pattern. In terms of battery capacity comparison, the new models can travel about 55 km on one charge, the furthest-class distance specification in the industry, offering energy-saving electric bike riding.
　The “Eco Charge Mode” also helps reduce the rider’s environmental footprint. Someone riding 1,000 km a year in “Eco Charge Mode” will only emit 2.35 kg^*4 of CO₂ emissions. Compared with the “Power Mode,” which uses the most battery power, “Eco Charge” is an environmentally friendly riding mode that reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 35% (1.24 kg).

*4

CO₂ equivalent amount based on the amount of household electricity used for charging, and the distance traveled on a single charge.

(No CO₂ is emitted during riding)

Reference: If a rider travels 1,000 km per year using an SPL series ‘eneloop bike’ in “Eco Charge Mode,” an annual savings of approximately 20 kg in CO₂ emissions can be achieved, compared to the average CO₂ emissions value for the type 1 motor vehicles of Japan’s main three manufacturers (SANYO calculation).

“Eco Charge Mode”: Example of charge efficiency on flat ground

　By traveling 1 km in “Eco Charge Mode” over flat ground, enough electricity is generated and stored to travel about 300 m in “Power Mode.”

　Some customers have told SANYO that they worry about running out of battery power before their trips are complete when using their ‘eneloop bikes.’ In order to address this kind of concern, SANYO created a “Power Reserve” function, which supplies additional power for motor assist after the charge indicator reaches the “battery depleted” level.
　Previous ‘eneloop bike’ model (CY-SPA226) had an LED-light battery level indicator that only warned the rider to charge the battery with a flashing light. This allowed some riders to run out of power before their journey was complete.

　Using SANYO’s advanced rechargeable battery technology, the new “Power Reserve” function alerts the rider to recharge the battery and discontinues the motor assist function, when about 1 Ah^*6 of power is remaining in the battery. At this point the rider can hold down the power button for two seconds, and the charge indicator will return to the “one light” level, and the motor assist will resume with about 1 Ah of battery power remaining.
　Using the “Power Reserve” function, the rider can resume motor-assist cycling, and return home in order to recharge the bike with the dedicated charger. If the rider is far from home at the time that the motor assist stops, the person can also still select the “Eco Charge Mode,” in order to maximize the remaining battery power while riding.

*5

For power-assisted bicycles for women, as of the release date (April 21, 2010).

*6

A level of 1 Ah is about 1/8 the capacity of a new bicycle battery (standard equipment).

　With a conventional bicycle, human pedal power is applied to the back wheel, while the front wheel just rolls freely. With an ‘eneloop bike’ however, pedal power is still applied to the back wheel, but the front wheel also has an electric motor, creating a “Two Wheel Drive” system. As a result, both the front and back tires securely grip the road, increasing the feeling of stability while riding, and providing a very smooth ride and stable straight-line traction.

*7

Two Wheel Drive” indicates that motive force is applied to both tires, using human pedal power for the rear wheel, and an electric motor for the front wheel.

• “Class 25^*8” rear luggage carrier holds up to 22 kg of parcels
  With a “Class 25” rear luggage carrier that can handle up to 22 kg of parcels, the new ‘eneloop bike’ models will meet the needs of consumers to carry slightly heavier loads.
• “Power Up Mode” provides a human-to-motor assist ratio of 1:2.
• “Taillight with Braking Indicator” for increased safety.
• “Low Frame and Low Saddle Design” for easier riding and dismounting.
• “Kurupita^*9 Handle Lock” for parking convenience.
• “Aluminum Frame” that contains the cables for a clean design.
• “Three Speed” for easy climbing of hills based on better gear ratios
• “Dimple Key” (back wheel circle lock) for superior theft prevention.
• “Comfortable Saddle” for good support on long rides.
• “Easy Kickstand” can be effortlessly deployed based on the lever principle.

*8

“Class 25” means that it can support up to 22 kg of cargo, based on the JIS D 9453 standard for bicycle rear luggage carriers

*9

“Kurupita” is a registered trademark of Shimano Inc.

4 patents pending (17 claims)

　Amid the global move towards creating low-carbon societies, power-assisted bicycles are gaining attention as an economical and ecological mode of transportation, which offers a comfortable ride without producing any CO₂ emissions. With the revision of the Road Traffic Law Enforcement Regulations in Japan in 2008, the permissible ratio of human power to motor power for bicycles (assist ratio) was changed to 1:2, further expanding the applications for power-assisted bicycles. In fiscal 2010 (April 2009 – March 2010), the number of power-assisted bicycles shipped in Japan increased at a higher rate than in the previous year, and the market for these environmentally friendly bicycles is expected to expand even more in the future.

　The labeling of “riding distance on one charge” for power-assisted bicycles is based on the Bicycle Association (Japan)’s regulation on the measurement of “riding distance on one charge” for power-assisted bicycles, and other applicable regulations. Starting in April 2010, a new standard riding pattern will take effect to replace the “general road riding pattern” that has been used as the standard until now by the industry. SANYO will also adopt the new standard in labeling of its new products, and as a result, the labeled riding distance per charge will appear to be shorter than before. Therefore, the riding distance based on the old standard will also be labeled for a period of time, as a reference.

　The following two points represent the main changes from the old to the new regulation standard.
1) The hill gradient has been changed from the previous 2 degrees to 4 degrees
2) The total distance of the course has been shortened from 5 km to 4 km (with increased hill portions)

Unified measurement standard logo for riding distance in power-assisted bicycles
This symbol indicates that the participating manufacturers measure riding distance using the same conditions.

Global Communications Department
Corporate Communications Headquarters
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
TEL: +81-(0)3-6364-3611
FAX: +81-(0)3-3837-6271
E-mail: i_press@sanyo.com