Full Throttle? Polaris Expands E-Bike Line

[leadin]Motorsports giant Polaris announced it will show a line of electronic bicycles at the Outdoor Retailer convention next month.[/leadin]

Polaris, a well-known maker of snowmobiles and ATVs, introduced a large line of electric bikes aimed at a broad cross section of bike users in 2012. An upgraded line — produced in partnership with EVantage — became available this spring.

To help launch the line the company will exhibit for the first time next month at the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Utah.

The company is building bikes across five distinct categories — outdoors, commuter, RV, utility, and fleet (such as police and campus security).

Exhibiting at the Outdoor Retailer convention in August is a move that hints at the company — engrained in the fishing and hunting categories — is interested in the large market currently served by stores like REI.

E-Bike Expansion

Adam Rand, president of parent company EVantage USA, said “the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market gives us an opportunity to showcase our cutting edge eBike technology to outdoor enthusiasts.”

Specs point to heavy bikes that likely rely on electricity as a major component of travel.

The Sabre Fat Bike, for example, weighs in at a hefty 58 – 63 pounds depending on model. It has a range of up to 25 miles and top speed of 20 miles per hour using a 750-watt motor.

The component mix centers around a SRAM X5 rear derailleur and Suntour crank — and the bike rings in at $3,500.

The high-end NORDIC EV506 comes tricked out with a RockShox Bluto fork and better SRAM X7 for $4,800.

It looks like Polaris will be showing some competent electric bikes, but not show-stoppers such as the high-end Haibike Xduro.

It’s an interesting move from the motorsports giant. We look forward to putting a couple models to the test.

More information from the press release follows: 

The new Polaris electric bike models are capable of speeds up to 20-plus miles per hour, conserve fuel and quietly allow riders to expand their range, stay fresh and energetic throughout their entire eBike venture. Armed with trend-setting technology, Polaris eBikes are setting the pace for profitability in this dynamic, exciting new category.

EVantage designs motor systems using proprietary technology setting the standard for a new class in electric vehicles. EVantage specializes in engineering, design, manufacturing and software development of the complete motor system.  Polaris® electric bikes are manufactured using proprietary frame designs and use only premium bike components for urban, mountain and Fat Tire bikes.  Company headquarters are in Marblehead, MA. Please visitwww.polarisebikes.com

New EVantage-developed Polaris®eBikes Technology at-a-glance

Proprietary computer-processor based Gear Speed Technology™.  Electronic controlled bike gears bring the familiar feel of sports car shifting for ultimate responsiveness in acceleration and control.

Backpedal Regeneration™   transfers the rider’s physical backpedal action and electronic braking to battery regeneration for enhanced battery life and improved handling performance.

Active Trail Mode™ regenerates the bike’s battery during pedaling with automatic incline sensors to deliver power for uphill riding. Operation of this mode extends battery life to complete any duty shift.