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| © Brad Chaney Harley-Davidson Inc. has prepared prototypes of electric bicycles but is saying little about any plans for the vehicles. |
By Rick Romell, USA TODAY
Harley-Davidson has developed a few new bikes — as in bicycles.
The Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer, which has been on a quest to
grow ridership of its big and pricey machines, appears to be thinking of
venturing into the rapidly growing electric bicycle niche.
The company unveiled prototypes at a recent dealers meeting in
Milwaukee. Harley is keeping mum about its plans but has released a
photo of three electric bikes.
"Is it going to be the core of our
business?" said Todd Berlin, who is general manager at Suburban Motors
Harley-Davidson in Thiensville and was at the dealers meeting.
"Absolutely not. Internal combustion engines are still what we do.
"But
is it going to be a great addition? It's going to be a wonderful
addition to what (the) Harley brand is all about, which is building new
riders for the future.”
Harley didn't provide dealers with
information on possible pricing or dates when the electric bikes might
be available, Berlin said.
"But they are coming," he said.
Electric bicycles, which have small, battery-powered motors that
provide an assist to riders as they pedal, have become popular in such
European countries as the Netherlands and Germany. They still represent
only a small share of the U.S. bicycle market, but sales have nearly
tripled in the last two years, to $176 million for the 12 months ended
in June, according to market research firm NPD Group.
Harley recently introduced small, electric bicycles for children after acquiring California-based StayCyc Inc.
