The Motor-Assisted Assista Series Now on Sale
The recent effects of the high cost of petroleum and an increased awareness of the environment and personal health have led to demand for motor-assisted bicycles to increase in leaps and bounds.
Amidst this popularity, the Traffic Enforcement Act was revised as of December 01, 2008, which entailed revisions to the ratio of motor assistance to a maximum of 1:2 under human propulsion at speeds of less than 10kph. This has reduced wobbling and fatigue when riding up hills and carry heavy loads, and it has resulted in widening the age-groups of motor-assisted bicycle users and led to a 5% growth over figures for 2010 (source of data: Bicycle Association statistics.)
The Assista Polku, which places the emphasis on design, was developed with commuting students and trendy housewives in mind as part of the Assista Series that is gaining an increasing number of users throughout all age groups, and it comes fitted with a wide range of practical functions.
In further detail, it is equipped with a new type of aluminum frame with gentle curves that makes it easier to pedal, a new digital main switch equipped with functions that display detailed information on remaining battery capacity and speed, the lamp, carrier, mud guards and chain case are the same color as the frame, and a newly-developed a long-life battery that boasts a life-span double that of conventional models and that can be recharged between 700 and 900 times, as opposed to the conventional 350 to 450 times. This additional recharge capacity provides the same wear as a conventional replacement battery, and the warranty on the frame, the battery and the unit have also been extended.
With the introduction of new models, including the Assista Lithium Deluxe, the Assista Lithium and the A.C.L., we intend to forge ahead with expanding the market for motor-assisted bicycles into the future.
Assista Polku
<Overview of Sales for Four Assista Series Models>
Sales Area: Nationwide
Annual Sales Target: 30,000 unites (total)
Standard Cash Retails Price: 100,800 yen to 106,800 yen
Date of Release
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Product Configuration
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[New Assista Series Features]
1. Long-life battery with approximately double the life of conventional models
The life-span of conventional batteries (replacement period) was between 350 and 4450 recharges, but the newly-developed battery has doubled this life-span to between 700 and 900* recharges. This means that the total distance that can be cycled with a single battery has been doubled, which provides an economical purchase from the point of view that the extra life represents a full replacement battery with conventional models. The shape of the battery has also been upgraded to enable it to be connected and disconnected with even greater simplicity.
* This figure is a yardstick. The conditions under which this yardstick were established involve an annual recharge count of 200 cycles when used in the standard pattern at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
(1 cycle = a full charge after the battery has been allowed to run out.)
Long-Life Batteries
2. Extended warranty on major parts.
The hereto one year warranty has been extended to two years for the battery and to three years for the frame, the front forks and the drive unit in order to provide peace of mind in the event of trouble.
3. A new digital main switch equipped with functions that display the remaining battery capacity and speed
* Used on the Assista Polku and the Assista Lithium DX.
Battery capacity is displayed in units of 10% down until 20% remains, and then in units of 1% for the remaining 20%. The switch alternates between this and the speed display to eradicate anxieties over remaining battery capacity and estimated time of arrival to provide an even higher sense of security.
New Digital Main Switch
4. Newly-designed frame incorporating improved functionality and design levels.
Three different types of frame have been developed with the emphasis placed on function and design.
(1) The new casual frame with gentle curves that is easy to pedal. Used on the Assista Polku.
New Casual Frame
(2) The new U-shape frame with a S-form step-though area to enable pedaling even when wearing tight skirts.
Used on the Assista Lithium DX.
New U-Shape Frame
(3) The many wires common to motor-assisted bicycles are smartly hidden from view inside the frame.
Used onthe A.C.L.
Wire-storage Staggered Frame
These three frames have been designed to prevent warping, and they are extremely durable with increased rigidity of approximately 30%
* over normal models.
5. Newly-developed lightweight aluminum housing driver unit.
* Used on the Assista Polku and Assista Lithium DX.
Approximately 10% lighter than conventional drive units with aluminum housings while maintaining normal levels of durability, power, and low-noise.
[Main Features of the Assista Series]
1. "S.P.E.C.3" providing finely-tuned assistance in alignment with the gear
Uses the "S.P.E.C.3" (Shift Position Electric Control) function to provide superior assistance power.
The speed sensor enables the drive unit to detect the gear and speed.
This controls the ultimate level of assistance power in alignment with each of the three gears. Simply change gears in accordance with road conditions, and this function will provide the ultimate cycling experience by providing the maximum amount of assistance power.
2. The assistance mode can be selected from the "Auto-Eco Mode Plus" in accordance with the cycling scenario.
Automatically detects the amount of pressure applied to the pedals in order to automatically control the assistance power. This provides the perfect support by applying power when needed and by saving battery power when not needed under all conditions, including when riding up steep gradients, when riding into head winds and when on extended journeys. In addition, it is also possible to select either the [Strong Mode] for increased power and the [Standard Mode] that makes the best use of both power and distance.
3. Complete with three-year theft compensation coverage
Motor-assisted bicycles come with a three-year theft compensation package.
In the event of the bicycle being stolen within three years of purchase, 70% of the standard cash retail price will be discounted off a new bicycle.
[Features of the Assista Polku]
A casual model incorporating practicality with a sense of fashion that can be used on a daily basis or for those special occasions aimed at commuting students and trendy housewives.
(1) 4.3Ah "Long-Life Battery" with approximately double the life-span of conventional batteries.
(2) New casual frame with gentle curves that is easy to pedal.
(3) New-developed lightweight aluminum housing drive unit. Assistance level
(*)(4) "S.P.E.C.3" providing finely-tuned assistance in alignment with the gear.
(5) New digital main switch equipped with functions that display the remaining battery capacity and speed.
(6) A stainless steel oval wire basket perfect for carrying large amounts of goods.
(7) The rear pipe carrier is the same color as the frame and can hold a maximum of 27kg for carrying heavy goods.
(8) White Flash Mini 1W LED Tentomushi lamp that is the same color as the frame.
(9) The solar-powered and automatically flashing Solar Tail Lamp II has two built-in LEDs for improved visibility.
(*) This represents the assistance level and the assistance output. Slight differences are apparent between models.
[Features of the Assista Lithium DX]
A 6.0Ah model that is perfect for an entire household and can be used by all members of the family.
(1) 6.0Ah "Long-Life Battery" with approximately double the life-span of conventional batteries.
(2) New U-shape frame with a low step-though area that can be pedaled even when wearing tight skirts.
(3) New-developed lightweight aluminum housing drive unit. Assistance level
(*)(4) "S.P.E.C.3" providing finely-tuned assistance in alignment with the gear.
(5) New digital main switch equipped with functions that display the remaining battery capacity and speed.
(6) New lightweight resin D-shape basket with the advantages of both rounded and square corners.
(7) The rear pipe carrier is the same color as the frame and can hold a maximum of 27kg for carrying heavy goods.
(8) Thick and durable E. Mighty Road 4.5 Tires with improved traveling distances owing to reductions in friction resistance.
(9) The solar-powered and automatically flashing "Solar Tail Lamp II" has two built-in LEDs for improved visibility.
(*) This represents the assistance level and the assistance output. Slight differences are apparent between models.
[Features of the Assista Lithium]
A 4.3Ah model that is perfect for an entire household and can be used by all members of the family.
(1) 4.3Ah "Long-Life Battery" with approximately double the life-span of conventional batteries.
(2) New U-shape frame with a low step-though area that can be easily pedaled even when wearing skirts.
(3) Resin housing drive unit. Assistance level
(*)(4) "S.P.E.C.3" providing finely-tuned assistance in alignment with the gear.
(5) New lightweight resin basket with a square shape to neatly hold all goods.
(6) A stainless-steel rear carrier that can hold a maximum of 27kg for carrying heavy goods and child seats.
(7) The solar-powered and automatically flashing "Solar Tail Lamp II" has two built-in LEDs for improved visibility.
(*) This represents the assistance level and the assistance output. Slight differences are apparent between models.
[Features of the A.C.L.]
A work and school commutation model that can be comfortably ridden around town.
(1) 4.3Ah "Long-Life Battery" with approximately double the life-span of conventional batteries.
(2) New staggered frame in which the wires that are commonly found on motor-assisted bicycles are stored to provide an enhanced sporty feel.
(3) Resin housing drive unit. Assistance level
(*)(4) "S.P.E.C.3" providing finely-tuned assistance in alignment with the gear.
(5) Super Comfort Grips II with increased shock absorption and that are comfortable to grip.
(6) The solar-powered and automatically flashing "Solar Tail Lamp II" has two built-in LEDs for improved visibility.
(*) This represents the assistance level and the assistance output. Slight differences are apparent between models.
[Main Specifications]
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