One of the nicest things about being able to test and evaluate a brand
new electric bicycle is that you get to see and hear the initial first
responses and reactions from people you meet on your travels. Polling
punsters in this way is valuable information for any company wanting to
get things right and who are genuinely concerned with being successful
in the marketplace with a new product. Tres Terra is definitely a
company who are trying to do just that, and in our report we will
explain why.

Invariably, most people we met wanted to ask pointed questions about
the Callisto's range, performance, recharging requirements, cost, etc. -
this often led to lively conversations about America's current 'energy
crisis', and what part the humble bicycle might play in helping
commuters beat the high costs of fueling their automobiles.

Californians, like many Americans these days, are still in a state of
shock over the high prices they're now paying for gasoline, and with no
end in sight of how much more the prices will continue to go up,
bicycles do offer a cheaper *(and healthier) alternative to driving a
car. The question is, will an electric bike that can go long distances
at speed offer any solutions to a growing dilemma, or should they be
regarded as purely recreational in nature?!?

Riding an E-Bike Makes You Feel Younger

Can you recall riding a bike when you were a kid? Remember how good
the wind felt on your face as you cruised effortlessly around your
neighborhood; no worries about traffic, shifting gears, the burn in your
legs, or a sore butt? Well, with an electric bike, you can feel that way
again; electric bikes can make you feel, 20, 30, even 50 years younger!

Callisto
is the name of the electric bike we've had on trial from the American
Electric Cycle and Fitness Company (AECF), and is one of two models that
have recently become commercially available from this budding newcomer
to the lite electric vehicle industry. Like its celestial namesake,
Callisto captures the attention of many admirers through its strikingly
unique appearance and overall good looks.

We were recently able in close succession to bring our Callisto to
two separate popular southland events, and starting with the San Diego
Earth Day Fair held each year at Balboa Park, we soon discovered that
the distinctive appearance and remarkable qualities of the Callisto was
proving to be a winner with most people we met.

"Is that the gas tank?" was a common remark we heard most often from
people asking about the Callisto's teardrop shaped battery case, mounted
prominently on the bike's beach cruiser frame.

Callisto's rechargeable Phylion Lithium-ion battery became an
interesting topic of discussion on its own; most likely because some
people we talked with, (more than others), already understood that any
bold departure from gas-guzzling and 'going electric' would very much be
determined by how efficient the battery technology was on the vehicle in
question. We were able to emphasize this point on more than one occasion
when further discussing electric drive trains for cars and other
vehicles.

"That's so cool!" was another remark we frequently heard while
walking with our ebike through the crowds attending the 'largest one day
street fair in the country' at the Carlsbad California Street Faire, and
where world-changing new ideas are known to be seen baking in the
California sun.

We're happy to report that the general consensus of opinion on the
bike's appearance, performance capabilities, and special design has been
very good everywhere we've taken the bike!

Performance

Everyone should know that riding a Tres Terra Callisto at it's top
speed of 20 mph is entirely possible, and is totally exhilarating beyond
description. But really, you've just gotta try it out for yourself!

Quick off the mark

Twist the throttle and off you GO! You can set off at a very
leisurely pace, pedaling your bike and perhaps adding a little
'throttle' as you go, or for the 'gotta-do-this-again-often' thrill of
instant torque from the bike's 36V electric drive system, you will be
amazed at how fun it is to ride this way. Just make sure you've got your
helmet on, so you comply with the legal requirements of riding a
motorized vehicle in traffic.

You'll soon discover that beating cars and motorcycles off the line
from a dead stop is both exciting and a surprising delight, but be
careful! Some motorists feel they are being 'shown up' and must prove to
themselves (and everyone else) that their car can keep up (and overtake
you), but so what?! You'll have the last laugh when you think about how
much 'doe-ray-me' you're saving compared to what it costs to punch that
gas pedal down! HA!

The build quality on the Callisto is good (but not excellent)! Its
lightweight aluminum frame and super light li-ion battery pack means you
can ride it just like a normal bike, and it's never a hassle. The cycle
components are first-class, and the upright sitting position felt
comfortable in all riding situations. Climbing the steepest of hills
should never be a problem, provided you are prepared to add some leg
power to the equation.

Whatever the human/hybrid combination you use, the 400 Watt Heinzmann
motor seems to cope admirably with whatever mode you may choose to use.
Incidently, this bike has 'cruise control', so when you get up to the
speed you want, just push the cruise control button, and you don't need
the throttle any longer.

Footnote: We did have an issue with a seized internal freewheel,
however, the good folks at Tres Terra quickly sent a replacement hub
motor and we've not encountered any further problems. There are bound to
be 'teething problems' with any new products.

We are pleased to share that Tres Terra's service policy provides a
full 2 year warranty on the entire bike, (including the li-ion battery),
which should inspire confidence with anyone thinking of becoming an
early adopter.

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