Quote:
Originally Posted by blueflame
LCD screens and high tech componentry will make a cheap reliable form of transport into a rich mans toy, and rob the direct applicability of such a design. Sort of like fitting a FM radio in your underwear
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Electronics are surprisingly cheap nowadays. The Propeller CPU is only about $12 or so even in small quantities. A text-only LCD costs as little as $8, a small video LCD maybe $25. The power electronics and motors should cost about as much as those in a regular electric bicycle. The batteries should be much cheaper as it is a hybrid so they can be smaller.
You can use the same argument as for why buy a really feature-rich cell phone when the most basic ones work just as well for making calls. Or why buy a Prius when a used Civic is much cheaper and can get just as good a MPG. Or why buy a 67" 240Hz 1080p TV when a no-frills 32" will work just fine for watching the news. Some are willing to pay for some extra features.
And of course, a hybrid bicycle is the most affordable hybrid vehicle.