Dear Bridgestone, please bring your lovely mamachari ebikes to the US!

[ebikemom]

Nice blog post from the early days of ebiking ... of a SF woman's experience with a used Bridgestone mamachari ("Mom Bike") ebike she got off of craigslist. It's a nice post that shows the terrific benefits of ebiking.

AND, it makes me want to say, Hey Bridgestone!!! Please bring your ebiking experience to the US!!! Sell your bikes here!!

https://humofthecity.com/2012/06/25/bridgestone-assista-the-electric-mamachari/

 

[ebikemom]

Yup. The blogger's (who is an avid cyclist) first introduction to ebikes. I wish somebody had introduced me to ebikes in 2012!!!

 

[ebikemom]

Your eye-roll emoji reflects my sentiments exactly! I hope a Japanese maker would bring in hub drive mamacharis! I am not in the market for one at present, but maybe someday!

 

[Slow Rider]

The basic mamachari's by Bridgestone, Yamaha and Panasonic for $1000 are single speed or hub 3 speeds, 15 mph max assist, caliper brakes, no suspension. Practicality at it's finest, but probably almost impossible to sell here in the U.S.

Panasonic has a few beautifully made videos of their "Dendo Assist Jitensha" (electric assist bicycle) you can see on this site.

http://cycle.panasonic.jp/special/jcs/

 

[Yamanote]

I would be surprised.....best bet is Yamaha, but these monster mamachari bikes would be a tough sell too many Americans. Its really amazing how ebikeshave taken off in Japan. I guess over 50% of the bikes around are ebikes, many just simple bikes with electric motors. Tokyo Docomo bike share is 100% ebike.

 

[Yamanote]

I got a Tern Vektron in Tokyo, which I love. Expensive and they down graded the battery to 300 w!