Eneloop bikes are not something new over at Sanyo, however, today’s hybrid bicycles sports a pretty impressive enhancement, with a world first in the industry, indeed while before your could only recharge your bicycle battery riding downhill, but today’s new Eneloop Bike generation sold under the CY-SPL226 and CY-SPL224 are now capable to be charged in whatever riding configuration you may be, a bit like on your average Prius for example.

The regenerative charging “Loop Charge*3” function, which enables the battery to be charged while riding, saves the energy created when the bicycle is traveling downhill or decelerating, and then uses it for power assistance when needed. This function has been well received for its ability to generate electricity to recharge the bicycle battery.
　SANYO’s “Loop Charge” function found in previous models was realized through two features: the “Brake Charge System,” which switches the motor to a dynamo when the brake lever is activated, and the “Auto Mode,” which automatically switches the motor to a dynamo on downhill stretches. With both the “Brake Charge System” and “Auto Mode,” the opportunities for charging the battery were limited to braking and downhill riding. Recharging while pedaling on flat ground was not possible.
　Now with a second-generation “Loop Charge” function, the new “Eco Charge Mode” controls the charging rate by ascertaining overall conditions such as foot pressure on the pedals and changes in dynamotor revolution speed. This enables effortless regenerative charging while riding, that is comfortable for the rider, by adjusting for the change in various conditions such as the amount of exertion, speed, and road conditions. Consequently, opportunities for generating energy while riding have been increased, making it possible to enjoy more energy saving for longer riding distances.
　Furthermore, in the “Eco Charge Mode” the motor assist automatically kicks in when the rider encounters an uphill stretch, for easy climbing. Then on downhill portions, the motor automatically switches to a dynamo to charge the battery. The charging effect is further increased when the brakes are applied, by means of high-efficiency regenerative charging.

*3 “Loop Charge” is the general term for the function where the electric motor switches to a dynamo during riding in order to charge the battery (secondary charging). Even when “Loop Charge” is used, the battery still needs to be regularly charged with the dedicated charger. Battery cannot receive supplemental charging when it is fully charged or when bicycle speed exceeds 24 km/h.