Folding Cycle Goes Electric

Montague Paratrooper Folding Cycle Goes Electric
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 05.13.09

Most Powerful, Rugged, and Best All-around e-Bike Yet
The Montague Paratrooper Folding Cycle rates as one of the best full-size folding bikes on the market. The light and extremely compact design was developed with the support of the military; specifications required that the bike can be hung from a paratrooper's seat during a jump, so that transport is immediately at hand upon landing. Now we learn from Gizmag that a Limited Edition of 240 cycles will be available with 1000W TidalForce electric assist. Does the TidalForce M-750 x2.0 live up to the claim: "most powerful, rugged, and best all-around e-bike yet"?

The TidalForce M-750 owes its comeback to 240 original M-750 frames which were not used as originally foreseen for miitary and law enforcement applications. The frames have been updated with new components by Matra, the French LEV company. Components include Shimano Deore XT M771 Derailleur, Shimano XTR brakes, FSA Gossamer 30/38/52 tooth crank set, RockShox Tora 302 Forks, Cane Creek Thudbuster ST seat suspension and Alex DX32 Downhill Trail Rims.

Battery Charges in Three Modes
Electric Motion Systems, LLC (EMS), designer of the E+ Electric Bike, contributed their 1000W E+ Advanced Propulsion System. The E+ can be set into nine different resistance levels, one for every fitness condition. In resistance mode, the motor changes to generating electricity from the rider's pedal power. The second mode of charging is energy recovery during braking -- the same principle used in hybrid cars. Finally, the batteries can also be charged in a few hours from a wall outlet.

The motor and bike gearing are completely separate, so the rider can choose as much, or as little, assist as they like. In pure electric mode, the TidalForce M-750 x2.0 has a top speed of 30 mph and a range of 25 - 28 miles.

So what do you think? Is it the most powerful, rugged, and best all-around e-bike yet? (We can hear the chorus already: at $4495.00, it better be!)