DIY battery charging: An electric bicycle and turbo trainer hybrid

Say goodbye to electricity bills for your electric bicycle. The Falco eCiti is a new type of rear wheel that transforms your bicycle into both a pedelec and an indoor turbo trainer so you can re-charge its batteries yourself.

DIY battery charging

Falco describes the eCiti as the world’s first indoor/outdoor pedelec system. Supplied with its own bike stand, once you can get back from from your cycle commute, the eDrive can be placed on its own stand and paired with any iOS, Android, Windows or Mac device and its associated cycle training app…or simply watch the television or listen to music. As you pedal, the battery is recharged ready for another day’s riding.

The Falco eCiti costs from $1,995 to $2,595 depending on specification. The price includes an electric wheel ready to drop into your frame, a 400Wh Lithium battery ready to mount to your favourite bike and an indoor trainer stand.

Falco describes the eCiti as a hybrid eBike and interactive indoor power trainer combining zero carbon high-speed commuting and advanced training. The electric wheel is available in three power specifications to suit local laws. In its American specification, the bike is capable of speeds of 28 mph. The other two models offer 20 mph and 15 mph respectively.

The company believes cycling has the power to bring about sweeping improvements to commuting, fitness, regeneration and saving our planet and that developed countries like the US and developing countries alike can benefit from recent advances in e-bike technology.

Cycle insurance for electric bicycles

Insurance for your electric bicycle, or pedelec, is available from the ETA, recently rated ethical by The Good Shopping Guide.

The policy covers electric bicycles as standard and includes a breakdown service for your bike and you that will take you up to 25 miles if you suffer a mechanical problem or puncture. Your battery is covered against theft as standard. ETA cycle insurance has a low standard excess of 5% (minimum £25) and prides itself on a genuine new-for-old policy. Unlike other providers who devalue bikes, however old your bicycle, if it’s stolen you get enough to buy a new model.

Every cycle insurance policy you buy helps support the work of the ETA Trust, our charity campaigning for a cleaner, safer transport future.