The Schwinn Sting-Ray Has Gone Electric

MADISON, US (May 17) - How do you improve the fastest selling bicycle of all time? Schwinn's wildly popular 2004 Sting-Ray bicycle is getting a charge - literally - via an electric motor. The new Sting-Ray Electric(TM), already available at some Schwinn retailers, shares the original design characteristics of the Street Series Sting-Ray, but adds an electric motor and a battery pack in the form of a motorcycle engine casing. It will reach 14 mph and the battery will last up to two hours "Electric bicycles are at the beginning of a very hot trend right now," said Pacific Cycle Inc.'s Founder and CEO, Chris Hornung. Pacific Cycle, a Dorel Industries, Inc. company, owns the Schwinn Bicycle brand. "The Sting-Ray Electric takes this trend to a higher level by marrying power assist technology with the red-hot chopper design that Schwinn introduced to the market with the Sting-Ray." Special features of the electric model include: variable pedal, electric or dual power mode; an on-board computer to make best use of energy; LED throttle indicator of battery condition; removable rechargeable battery; and rear wheel motor mount eliminating chain or belt breaks. (MH)