….was actually released way back in 1980 by Panasonic in Japan. It was known as the “Electric Cycle,” and was a power-assist bike with a 24 volt battery. This bike paved the way for what would become one of the most popular forms of transportation for Japanese housewives, with millions of such bikes sold.
Panasonic is still selling such bikes in Japan, and they are a common sight in front of markets, shopping centers, and playgrounds. And the overall theme of the new bikes hasn’t changed very much.
Similar bikes are now made by a variety of manufacturers for sale in Japan, but the Panasonic Electric Cycle was the first.