Sanyo has developed an electric hybrid bicycle which helps the human-power out with an electric motor on the front wheel, allowing the bike to travel 1.8 times the distance of normal peddling alone. It permits the rider to triple the pedal power for short distances, and doubles the pedal power for uphill rides. When the bike goes downhill, energy is harnessed and stored in batteries, until it is used for powering the motor on more demanding uphill rides. The bike is scheduled to be available in Japan in February 2009 for around $US 1500.
