Urban commuters wanting to avoid further contributing to their city’s air pollution problems, concerned about working up a pre-work sweat, yet intent on maintaining their transportation independence may want to consider the OHM XU450 electric bike.

The XU450, which may be the ultimate in urban electric bikes, sports a lightweight aluminum frame and a plethora of high performance components:

• intelligent energy management system and console monitors
• programmable maximum speed – let’s be careful (and legal) out there
• Shimano gears (for passing slower moving bike messengers when pedalling)
• hard stopping front and rear hydraulic brakes (for avoiding cabs and tourists)
• erogonomic upright seating position and comfort suspension
• front and rear fenders for wet and soggy urban travel
• halogen headlight and tail-light to increase your chances of survival
• grip mounted shift control
• wider street tires and lockable storage compartment
• maintenance-free BionX 250W motor / with 450 Watt peak power and re-generative braking to charge the battery
• Li-ion 38V 9Ah battery with no memory issues – charges in 4 hrs and longer life

Perhaps a little pricey @ $2,875 (nycewheels.com) but not when it replaces a car, cab or other carbon producing mode of transport

more from the Vancouver based Ohm @ ohmcycles.com

Related: previously on AltCon – Schwinn Electric Bike, Bike in a Bag, Bamboo Bike by Calfee, Powablade, Electric Bike Dealers: UK & AU