Electric bicycles are almost looking like they might make it to everyday markets instead of just being science fair projects or proof of concept only. The Shadow eBike has solved a few of the nagging features that have made other varieties less than realistically usable. The eBike encloses all of its dynamo, battery and electronics within the closed shell front wheel. The only exposed components are the controls mounted on the handlebars. These simple levers control breaking and speed wirelessly, using 2.4GHz RF signals. No dangling wires and no easy to strip parts accessible for damage or stealing. A full battery charge takes only around 5 hours.

While you are riding along, within its 25 mile range, pedaling and regenerative braking can either slightly recharge the battery or run power to your cellphone or iPod via USB. The charge used would probably only provide a slight increase in range, so it might as well get your gear charged on your trip. Depending on your desire to pedal on an electric bike or the amount of braking you do, you could get enough power for your music to run most of the day. Your commute would have to be almost exclusively down hill to put a charge on an iPhone or iPad. So unless you live on a mountain and work in the valley you might want to bring along a wall charger (and figure out a way to get back home).