Giant Lite Electric Bike
This highly accomplished NiMH, reliable-beyond-belief model has been discontinued. We expect to be able to support our own customers with service, repairs and parts for years to come.
If you mourn the passing of this outstanding model the good news is that Lite now has a worthy successor (with higher end bicycle components and Li-Ion battery): The $1,500 Giant Express.
Giant Lite
+ Click images to enlarge.
Lite
This model is no longer in production.
As we expect to continue supporting the Lite for years to come we stock spares such as battery, charger, chain ring and motor sprocket and the 5-speed SRAM wheel.
The Lite incorporates a pedal-activated drive system by Panasonic, the #1 electric bike manufacturer on the huge, sophisticated Japanese market. The system is highly intuitive, offers strong torque for take-off and hills and assists upto 19 mph (depending on rear sprocket choice). The nominally 240-390 Watt motor is placed in the bottom bracket. The bike weighs 39 lb + 9 lbs for the quick-release, lockable NiMH battery = 48 lbs total. The Lite is highly conducive to pedalling (including in 'power-off' mode on modest terrain) with handling and feel approximating that of a quality, regular comfort bicycle.
+ Click image to enlarge.
Power is added automatically by a sophisticated sensor system as you
step ever-so-lightly on the pedal. (There is thus no need to fuss with a
power twist grip). The Lite is no more complicated to operate than a
regular bicycle, except for turning a switch.
Real world range is typical twice that of bikes with lead acid batteries. When tested by Extra Energy the Twist (the European model of the Lite) was found to be have a range of 21 miles in regular and 26 miles in eco mode. This compares to e.g. 16 miles for a Heinzmann Estelle with NiCad batteries and 15 miles for the European model of the LAfree Sport with lead-acid batteries. Several of our Lite customers routinely ride 30 miles recreationally.
Extra Energy also found the 48 lbs Twist to weigh 10 lbs less than the previously reigning European lightweight champion. The Lite is the lightest integrated electric bike on the U.S. market.
The champagne step-thru comes in an 18" frame and typically suits riders from about 5' to about 6' tall. The 20" charcoal slope frame model typically suits riders from about 5'9" to about 6'3" tall. The Lite incorporates a handle bar stem that also adjusts forward-aft contributing to a comfortable optinal upright riding position. A low pressure point seat is mounted on a suspension seat post.
We routinely accessorize the Lite with a rear rack (panniers, buckets), fenders, lights, mirror, and occasionally a front basket.
Lite Specifications
| Type | e-hybrid (pedal-activated) |
|---|---|
| Weight | bike 39 lbs + battery 8 lbs = 47 lbs |
| Motor | Brushless dc motor, 24V/240-380W |
| Battery | 6.5 AH quick-release NiMH pack (8 lbs) |
| Charger | 1.9 A, upto 3.4 hours charging time |
| Transmission | The motor drives on the common chain through a 4-speed Shimano or a 5-speed SRAM internal hub (operated with handle bar twist grip shifter). |
| Gradability (hill climbing) | 15% with moderate pedalling. |
| Max Speed | 17 mph |
4- and 5-speed models
Gear inches (in lowest through highest gears):
4-speed Shimano
standard 20T (tooth) rear sprocket: 48 / 59 / 72 / 88
optional e.g. 24T sprocket: 40 / 49 / 60 / 74
5-speed SRAM
standard 17T (tooth) rear sprocket: 38 / 44 / 56 / 72 / 85
optional e.g. 20T: 32 / 38 / 48 / 61 / 72
+ Click image to enlarge. Photo by Phil H. Webber.
Introducing the new LAfree Lite by Giant Bicycle at the Seattle Bike Show March 1-3, 2002.
Copyright © 2006 Folding Bikes West
