The idea of a practical, affordable electric bike has been around for a long time.  Until recently, the barriers to its construction were insurmountable.  The e-bikes lacked power and range.  The batteries were too large and heavy.  The motors were not efficient and the bikes had a very short range.  Still, many prototypes were built and tested.  There isn’t a definitive source of the history of e-bikes, so we'll begin compiling information here.

Help!  We need any old photos of e-bikes and/or news articles to post here.  Send them as an e-mail attachment to Info@VoltRider.com.

 

 

Okay, so it’s not a guy... and it’s not an e-bike... but we really like this picture

And it’s our web site.

 

 

From Mechanix Illustrated. January, 1947.

I want one… even though it only goes a few yards… it’s still way cool.

 

 

Hint:  If you like the dark bike look (which we do)…

...don’t use batteries with bright green labels!

 

 

 

Apparently a very "thirsty" e-bike!

 

 

 The only thing they'll catch is a bad guy on a Segway!

 

 

Putting the batteries to the test. Almost a busload!

 

 

 

Stuff you needed to build an old e-bike.

 

 

 Now this gives new meaning to “hybrid” – part e-bike and part refrigerator! 

Great idea. Perhaps the VoltRider II?

 

 

  Definitely not an e-bike, but we don’t know what this is. 

Evidently, you plug it in, put one end in the surprised baby’s mouth and complete the circuit by pressing a button…

Did any babies from this generation survive?

 

 

 I bet this bike can do wheelies with the heavy battery that high over the rear tire.

 

 

Two side-by-side car batteries!!!!  Hate to pedal this sucker uphill.

 

 

Seems way too happy to be leaving his home….or is it his home?

 

 
And check out these nifty bike accessories...