Giant stopped manufacturing and shipping the Lite during the summer of 2006. We were very sad to see the end of the Lite. It was a marvelous bike.
Here is what we had to say about the Lite:
The 2005 Giant Lite
is about the lightest, most nimble electric bike on the market. Designed
and manufactured by Giant Bicycles, one of the world’s leading bike
companies, the Lite incorporates technology from Panasonic to produce
a bike that is lightweight, straightforward, and fun. Probably the best
value available today for a pedal activated, power assisted electric bicycle.
A to B Magazine, the internationally distributed electric bike magazine, did extensive road testing. Here is what they had to say:
“Possibly the best electric bike on the market. The Panasonic system is the quietest we've tried, producing a gentle sewing machine rustle …delightfully fast, quiet, comfortable and easy to use…. This is a true all purpose bicycle perfect for shopping trips, light enough for rail commuting (even where steps are involved) and quiet, relaxed and user-friendly… Stand aside all previous contenders. We think this is the best on the market.”
full specifications |
| type |
pedal activated, power assisted |
| Weight |
48 pounds with battery, 39 pounds without battery |
| Frame size |
18” in top-tube and step-through frames, 20” in top-tube frame |
| Range |
28 miles max |
| Top Assisted Speed |
17 mph |
| Colors available |
top-tube frame ("men's") is Charcoal, step-through frame ("women's") is Champagne (a nice tan) |
| Frame Variations |
straight tube ("men's'") model, sloped tube ("women's") model, also large (20") straight tube version available |
| price |
|
| Motor |
250W continuous, 450W peak |
| Battery Pack |
24 volt, 6.5 ah, Nickel Metal Hydride |
| Battery weight |
nine pounds |
| Recharge time |
4 hours |
| Cost per charge |
2 cents |
| Number of charges before replacement |
500 cycles or less |
| Battery replacement cost |
$550 |
| Removable batteries (for off-bike charging) |
yes |
| Charger type |
external charger |
| Gearing, shifter, derailleur |
five speed, twist shift, internal five speed hub |
| Gearing upgrades available |
sprocket change for supersteep hill climbing, various derailleur options |
| Tire size |
26" |
| Accessories Included |
suspension seat tube |
| Warranty |
frame: five years, batteries: six months, all other components: 1 year |
| Wet riding |
The electrical system is designed for all-weather riding. As with a non-electric bicycle, exercise extra caution in adverse riding conditions. If you are careful and use good judgement, you should have wonderful riding whether dry or wet. |
| Power-off riding |
ridable except on steep hills |
| Insurance requirements |
Insurance is not required by the State of California.
Your insurance policies may not provide coverage for accidents involving
the use of this bicycle. To determine if coverage is provided you
should contact your insurance company or agent. |
| Accessories available |
rack, fenders, baby seat, lights, etc. (Most standard bike accessories will fit this bike.) |
| Fine Print |
All specifications are estimates and approximate. Range and battery lifetime are manufacturer estimates based upon optimum conditions; actual performance may be less. All specifications may vary from those listed here and can change at any time. |
Ride safely and obey all traffic
laws and rules of operation.
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The Lite: Step-through frame
Sadly, we have no more Giant Lites. A great bike, gone forever.
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