Abstract

An electrically assisted pedal cycle including pedals and a chain whereby the rider of the cycle can drive the rear wheel of the cycle. An electric motor and an associated electric storage battery are carried on the frame of the cycle and the motor can be energized by the battery under the control of the rider of the cycle so that the motor assists the rider in propelling the cycle. The front wheel of the cycle has a plurality of permanent magnets disposed around its rim and a stator assembly including stator windings is carried by the frame of the cycle adjacent the wheel rim. The stator assembly is capable of being connected to the battery by means of a manually operable normally open switch and between the battery and the stator windings there is additionally a rectifier. Upon closure of the normally open switch while the wheel rotates alternating current is generated in the stator windings and is supplied to the battery by way of the rectifier to charge the battery. In addition, there is a resultant regenerative braking effect on the wheel so that the cycle is braked while the battery is being charged.