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Gardner Martin, renowned for his pursuit of human-powered speed, turned his prize-winning designs into a respected line of recumbent bicycles more than 30 years ago.
The current owner of Watsonville-based Easy Racers is rolling down a different path, aiming to energize sales and riders with battery power.
"Electrifying them seemed to me to be an obvious evolution," said Denton Coetzee, who bought Easy Racers after Martin's death in 2004.
Given Martin's accomplishments - his human-powered Gold Rush earned a spot in the Smithsonian after hitting a record-setting 65.48 mph in 1986 - the founder would not likely approve of his innovation, Coetzee said. But the aerodynamic and ergonomic design of Easy Racers makes then an "ideal platform" for a new generation of electric bicycles designed to appeal to commuters facing increasing prices at the pump and aging customers needing a little assist now and then to continue riding.
Advances in lithium ion battery technology made it possible to motorize the bicycles, Coetzee said. The battery pack, which sits on a rack behind the seat, weighs 10 pounds and powers a 10-pound 1,000-watt motor attached to the frame.
The electric bike has a top speed of 40 mph and a range of about 40 miles on a one-hour charge, he said.
The electric components are available as a kit to retrofit older bikes.
Easy Electric: Recumbent bicycle maker in Watsonville gooses pedal power with battery pack - San Jose Mercury News
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