Ep 80. Vintage Electric Bicycles

Jay Leno's Garage is a television show that explores all things related to automobiles. Hosted by Jay Leno, the show delves into the history, design, and mechanics of classic cars, cutting-edge machines, and everything in between. In the season 9 episode 80, titled "Vintage Electric Bicycles," Leno turns his attention towards bikes that are powered by pure electricity, showcasing some of the most intriguing and fascinating models out there.

The episode starts with a brief introduction by Leno who explains what led him to focus on electric bicycles, and what makes them unique. He makes it clear that these aren't run-of-the-mill electronic bikes that you can buy from any store; instead, these are vintage electric bicycles that have been carefully restored and transformed into something truly special. Leno promises that the episode will be a treat for anyone who loves bicycles, electric vehicles, or both.

The first vintage electric bicycle that Leno examines is a 1953 Motoconfort. The bike was originally designed to be powered by a gasoline engine, but it has been retrofitted with an electric motor. Leno is impressed by how seamlessly the electric motor has been integrated into the bike, preserving the bike's vintage look while adding modern technology. He takes the bike for a spin and notes how quiet and smooth the ride is, thanks to the electric motor.

The next bike on the show is a 1953 Solex. This electric bike was originally designed to be powered by a gas-powered engine with a tiny gas tank mounted above the rear fender. However, the new electric motor has replaced the fossil fuel engine and the gas tank with a sleek battery pack. Leno notes that, although it's not the most powerful electric bike around, the Solex is an excellent example of how old bikes can be transformed into new, eco-friendly machines.

After the Solex, the show takes a look at a couple of vintage electric bicycles from England. The first is a 1936 Raleigh Lectric. This is another bike that was originally designed to be powered by a gas engine, but has since been converted into a fully electric machine. Leno notes how well-preserved the bike is, considering its age. He marvels at how far electric bike technology has come since the 1930s.

The second bike from England is a 1950 Phillips electric bike. This bike is unique because it features a "two-speed electric motor." This means that the bike can travel at two different speeds, depending on the rider's preference. Leno seems intrigued by this feature and notes that it's something he hasn't seen before in an electric bike.

The episode then takes a jarring turn when Leno takes a look at a couple of electric bikes that are the complete opposite of vintage. He examines a couple of sleek, high-performance electric bikes that can go from zero to sixty miles per hour in a matter of seconds. Leno talks to the creator of these bikes, who explains that they're designed for commuters who want a fast, eco-friendly way to get to work. Leno seems impressed by the bikes' speed and performance, but notes that they're a far cry from the vintage electric bikes he's been examining up until this point.

The episode wraps up with Leno reflecting on what he's learned about vintage electric bicycles. He notes that, although electric bikes have been around for decades, they're still undergoing rapid evolution. Leno discusses how the vintage electric bikes he's examined on the show have been transformed into eco-friendly machines that not only preserve history but also offer an alternative to environmentally harmful gas-powered engines. Leno ends the episode by noting that he hopes to see more electric bikes out on the road in the years to come.

Overall Season 9 episode 80 of Jay Leno's Garage, "Vintage Electric Bicycles," is a fascinating exploration of the evolution of electric bicycles. The episode showcases some of the most unique and innovative electric bikes from around the world, highlighting the creativity and ingenuity of the people who have transformed these vintage bikes into eco-friendly machines. Leno's enthusiasm for electric bikes is infectious, and he does an excellent job of explaining the history, design, and mechanics of each bike he examines. Whether you're a bike enthusiast or simply curious about the future of transportation, this episode is definitely worth checking out.