"Wheezy" is a conversion kit that transforms your car into an electrically power assisted bicycle. It is a trailer type model that pushes the bicycle from behind.
Many conversion kits that modify bicycles with electric assist are sold mainly in Europe, but "Wheezy" is characterized by being easier to install than those. If you attach a dedicated adapter to the rear wheel axle, a sensor to the crank, and a power switch to the steering wheel, the installation work is completed.
Another feature is that it is a trailer type. Not only can you assist your bicycle, but you can also carry your luggage. The highest-end model "TOURING 7" is equipped with a dedicated carrier and can carry luggage up to 25 kg. I think this is a fairly novel feature.
According to the developer, My Wheezy, "Wheezy" was developed to eliminate traffic jams in London. Car commuting in London takes a long time, even if the distance traveled is very short. Bicycles allow you to commute in a short amount of time, but because you sweat, you may be disliked by your colleagues because of the smell of sweat. As a result of thinking about a system that does not get caught in traffic and sweat, the answer was "Wheezy".
The "Wheezy" developed in this way is equipped with convenient functions for commuting. For example, "Wheezy" can be removed from a bicycle with a single touch and carried like a carry bag. Therefore, even if the bicycle is parked in an outdoor bicycle parking lot, only "Wheezy" can be removed and charged in the office.
It's easy to replace the "Wheezy" with another bike because it can be removed / installed with a single touch. For example, if you commute on a city cycle on weekdays and enjoy off-road riding on a mountain bike on Saturdays and Sundays, you can use one "Wheezy" on both vehicles. Some conversion kits transmit power directly to the tire surface and rim, but they are vulnerable to mud and rain. But "Wheezy" can go powerful even off-road.
The maximum speed is 24 km / h. The time required for a full charge is 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, and the distance that can be traveled on a single charge is 28 km for the cheapest "Basic" grade and 38 km for the intermediate grade "CITY 5". The highest grade "Touring 7" weighs 46 kg.
The price is £ 499 for the "Basic" grade, £ 579 for the "CITY 5" and £ 799 for the "Touring 7". Shipment is scheduled to start around May 2016.
You probably won't be able to ride a "Wheezy" bike on public roads in Japan. But driving in a controlled and safe area, such as an MTB park, may be interesting.