May 22, 2008
Compact Motor-Assisted Bicycles Enjoying Continued Growth
The MARiPOSA E.A. MINI now on sale.
The Assista Lithium Compact now on sale.
--Expanding the Horizons of Active People in Their Thirties; Bicycles for Casual Lifestyles and People of Short Stature--
 
On June 02, Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. (president: Keiji Watanabe) released on nationwide sale the compact motor-assisted MARiPOSA E.A. MINI for active urbanites in their twenties and thirties who enjoy active lifestyles with bicycles, and the Assista Lithium Compact for people of short stature

Background behind the Development of the the MARiPOSA E.A. MINI and Assista Lithium Compact
Motor-assisted bicycles have been enjoying sales growth levels that exceed 10% annually for four consecutive years, and they are especially popular amongst people of 50 and upwards and housewives in their 30s. Although sales of motor-assisted bicycles have centered on their practicality, we began to release a series of models that exude a sense of fashion since last year in the hope that we can cultivate demand amongst a younger target group of people in their 20s and 30s.
These bicycles are compact, perfectly functional and highly-acclaimed by people in the younger age groups, and we intend to forge ahead with the development of motor-assisted bicycles targeting all age groups in order to expand the market even further.


Main Features s of the MARiPOSA E.A. MINI
1. Styling that is original, simple and extremely characteristic.
(1) The sporty form achieved through a combination of the original and simple "Cross Mixte Frame" and straight pipes is this bicycle's main feature. Although the emphasis has been placed on this extremely characteristic form, it is also of a design that can be easily ridden by the ladies.
(2) The brake wires have been imbedded in the frame for a simple finish, and the bicycle comes complete with flat-type fenders designed to resist mud as standard accessories, which is an indispensible element for riding in urban environments. Despite the fact that the emphasis has been placed on design with this bicycle, we have certainly not overlooked practicality.
(3) Equipped with the standard simple "White Flash Mini Battery Lamp" front carrier.
Fitted with "Anshin Battery Lights"(Safty Battery Lights) that can be turned on even when the assistance switched is turned off.

2.
Uses a drive unit that is equipped with the new-feel "Merihari Assist" and "Auto Eco Plus" functions.
(1) The "Merihari Assist" function that supports even greater levels of pedaling comfort.
The assistance control programs have evolved greatly up until now, and we are now able to provide extremely comfortable levels of assistance through smooth starts and powerful assistance when riding up inclines.
The amount of distance that can be traveled in the standard mode (normal assistance) has been increased, and the sense of power that can be felt when in the power mode (power assistance) has been improved even further.
(2) Also fitted with the "Auto Eco Plus" function that makes switching between assistance modes even smoother.
The "Auto Eco Plus" mode automatically senses whether you are riding up an incline or on a flat road to control the power level of the assistance.
The power level is automatically activated through three stages in accordance with road conditions to provide greater levels of cycling comfort without any waste.

3.
Uses the lithium ion battery with a maximum capacity of 4.0Ah.
(1) The capacity of the lithium ion battery is 4.0Ah, but it is a lightweight model weighing only 1.2kg.
(2) The distance that can be traveled on normal roads has been extended, and the life span of the battery has been increased by approximately 10%.
(3) It is possible to recharge only the amount of power that has been consumed to reduce recharging times.
(4) The use of the stand-type recharger means that it is less bothersome and only needs to be situated in place in the same way as a mobile telephone.

4.Assistance Functions and Tires that Enhance Enjoyment and the Sense of Sporty Cycling.
(1) Gear ratio settings that provide the same levels of comfort as 26-inch wheels.
A firm sense of comfort has been achieved by ensuring that a single rotation of the pedals does not produce a distance equivalent to 20-inch wheels, but the 4.25m distance common with 26-inch wheels.
(2) A traveling distance of 75km is available in the Auto Eco Mode to provide expanded distance ranges with a single charge.
(3) Despite being a motor-assisted bicycle, it is lightweight at 19.9kg.
(4) The 20 x 1-3/8 thin tires provide greater riding comfort.

5.Fitted with the BAA (Bicycle Association Authorization) Mark
This model conforms to the BAA (bicycle safety standards) enacted by the Bicycle Association.

6.
Equipped with Many Practical and Useful Functions
(1) The "Easy-Fit Saddle 2" that softens surface shocks.
(2) Silent, precise, high-performance "V Brakes (front)" and "Roller Brakes (rear)."
(3) Special baskets, rear carrier racks and other items are also available as options.


MR23L8 MARiPOSA E.A. MINI


Main Features s of the Assista Lithium Compact
1. An easy-to-handle design for people of short stature.
(1) The easy-to-mount low U-frame and the low saddle make it easy for elderly people and people of short stature to use.
(2) Compact 20-inch size for easy handling.
(3) Equipped with the standard simple "White Flash Mini Battery Lamp" front carrier.
Fitted with "Anshin Battery Lights" that can be turned on even when the assistance switched is turned off.

Items 2 to 5 are the same specifications as the MARiPOSA E.A. MINI listed above.

6. Practical rear baskets, cycle covers and other items are also available as options.


A203L8 Assista Lithium Compact


Overview of the MARiPOSA E.A. MINI and Assista Lithium Compact
1. Product Name: MARiPOSA E.A. MINI and Assista Lithium Compact
2. Product Configuration and Price
Type
Code
Wheels
Size
Transmission
Standard Cash
Retail Price
(including tax)
Frame Color
MARiPOSA E.A. MINI
MR23L8
20
Built-in
3-Shift
Gears
104,800 yen
(including
the 7,350 yen
recharger)
P. Aurora White
P. Blackberry
F. Active Red
E. Grass Green
Assista
Lithium Compact
A203L8
20
Built-in
3-Shift
Gears
104,800 yen
(including
the 7,350 yen
recharger)
M. Precious Aqua
M. Bran L Pink
105,800 yen
(including
the 7,350 yen
recharger)
P. Black Amethyst
F. Brilliant Red
3.Sales Area: Nationwide
4.Date of Release: June 02
5.Sales Target: MARiPOSA E.A. MINI 3,000 units (within one year of release)
  Assista Lithium Compact 3,000 units (within one year of release)