John Parker, president of Ford Lio Ho Motor Company, recently introduced the THINK electric bikes to the Taiwan media. Anthony Lo, president of Giant Mfg., and government officials were also present at the meeting.

The THINK electric bikes are the first result of a cooperation between Ford Motor Co. and Giant Mfg., Taiwan's largest bike maker. Both the "fun" and "traveler" models of the bike offer riders the exercise and mobility that a standard bicycle provides, as well as the availability of power-assisted transport with the flick of a switch.

The range before recharging is approximately 30 kilometers for the THINK bike "fun" and 25 kilometers for the THINK bike "traveler", with the latter model having the added benefit of a compact, foldable frame for convenient storage and transport. Aimed at short-distance commuters, students and vacationers, the bikes represent an effort to provide environmentally-friendly personal transportation.

The retail price of the THINK bike "fun" is approximately US$1,000, while the THINK bike "traveler" will retail for approximately US$1,200. Sales of both bikes are expected to begin later this summer on the Internet, and through various authorized retail outlets such as Ford dealerships.

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