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Aprilia motorcycle importer John Sample Automotive has introduced Australia’s first electric-assisted bicycle.

The Aprilia Enjoy is designed like a conventional bicycle, but has an electric motor as an auxiliary power source to pedal-power that automatically cuts in when required.

The system is unlike the traditional moped where pedals are fitted only for the rider to assist a two-stroke petrol engine when under load.

The Enjoy’s unique design follows international and local trends to develop affordable, environmentally friendly, practical transport technology.

Electronic sensors monitor the crank speed and the force exerted on the pedals by the rider, sending real time data to a microprocessor to activate the motor when taking off or negotiating a hill.

The Aprilia Enjoy’s 200-watt magneto electric motor is powered by a re-chargeable nickel metal hydrate battery, providing a range of approximately 40km.

The 24-volt, 20-cell battery can be fully recharged in just three hours.

The two Aprilia Enjoy models, City and Racing, do not require a licence to operate.

“The Enjoy has already created a huge amount of interest since we first displayed it six months ago to test market response,” said George Katrivesis, national manager, John Sample Automotive - Aprilia.

“From the reaction the Enjoy generated at the Sydney Motor Show, I believe that there is a market for a reliable, electric-powered bicycle produced and backed by a large international company like Aprilia.”

Enjoy riders have the choice of three micro-processor controlled riding programs selectable from the handlebar:

In economy mode the boost from the motor is limited to 23km/h with a contribution less than that provided by muscular force.

Normal mode increases the assistance available from the motor, particularly for take-off, up to 25km/h.

Maximum boost is provided by the Uphill mode which works with Shimano six-speed ‘Mega Range’ gears for climbing the steepest hills.

Both models are constructed from extruded aluminium to minimise mass.

The Enjoy Racing is available in black and weighs 29kg, while the Enjoy City is available only in silver and weighs 31kg.

Both are priced at $2530 including GST and are available at all Aprilia dealers.