The Schwinn Sting-Ray Bike Has Gone Electric

May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- How do you improve the fastest selling bicycle of all time? Schwinn's wildly popular 2004 Sting-Ray bicycle is getting a charge -- literally -- via an electric motor. In May 2005, Schwinn will launch the first electric version of the Sting-Ray.

The new Sting-Ray Electric, already available at some Schwinn retailers, shares the original design characteristics of the Street Series Sting-Ray, but adds an electric motor and a battery pack in the form of a motorcycle engine casing. It will reach 14 mph and the battery will last up to two hours (MSRP $399) See www.SchwinnStingRay.com .

"Electric bicycles are at the beginning of a very hot trend right now," said Pacific Cycle Inc.'s Founder and CEO, Chris Hornung. Pacific Cycle, a Dorel Industries, Inc. company, owns the Schwinn Bicycles brand. "The Sting-Ray Electric takes this trend to a higher level by marrying superior power assist technology with the red-hot chopper design that Schwinn introduced to the market with the Sting-Ray."

Special features of the electric model include: variable pedal, electric or dual power mode; an on-board computer to make best use of energy; LED throttle indicator of battery condition; removable rechargeable battery; and rear wheel motor mount eliminating chain or belt breaks.

In February 2005, the 20" Street Series Sting-Ray was named the 2004 Outdoor Toy of the Year by the Toy Industry Association, Inc. That Sting-Ray model had sold nearly 600,000 units in less than a year's time, making it what Schwinn believes to be the fastest selling bicycle in history.

When Schwinn Bicycles launched the new Schwinn Sting-Ray "Street Series" juvenile chopper bike in April 2004, the company knew it was on to something special. The first retailer to receive the bicycles sold what was thought to be a three-month allocation in one weekend. Soon, every retailer selling the new Schwinn Sting-Ray was asking for more Sting-Rays to meet unprecedented consumer demand.

The new Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycles are modern chopper versions of the classic banana seat bike of the '60s and '70s, and have become the must-have bicycle for kids. The new Sting-Ray line has created an entirely new category for the bike market, which has been traditionally comprised of BMX, mountain and traditional sidewalk bikes.

Schwinn has introduced a variety of new models since the initial spring 2004 launch, including the smaller 16" and 12" models, multi-speed models, the Spoiler -- a larger, high spec model, limited edition models, and a scooter line that shares the styling of the chopper bicycles. Schwinn also re-issued highly collectable Classic Sting-Ray models, complete with banana seats and ape-hanger handlebars, including the Pea Picker and Grey Ghost models.