Polaris® Electric Bicycles to be Launched at Interbike 2012

Not Just Another E-Bike

Most electric bikes are either throttle controlled or pedal assist. However, Polaris e-bikes feature both power on demand (through the use of a throttle) and pedal assistance (the motor provides power assistance during the regular pedal motion). The throttle works just like a throttle on a scooter or motorcycle would and there is no need to pedal.

The pedal assist mode will match or exceed the rider’s pedal power to give them assistance in riding. A rider can choose the type of assistance needed based on the ride.

Vector, Strive and Meridian

With 3 different lines and a total of 7 models, Polaris bikes hit all niches. The Vector line includes all around rugged e-bikes designed to go from the trail to the street and every place in between. The Strive line features touring models, built for comfort and ease.

The Meridian line targets the urban commuter with its sleek European styling, fenders and front LED lighting. All models of e-bikes will be distributed throughout the Independent Bicycle Dealer network, as well as select Polaris dealerships nationwide.

The Meridian ST from Polaris Electric Bicycles.

Polaris is Serious about Electric Vehicles

Over the past couple of years, Polaris has been strategically working its way into the light electric vehicle (LEV) field. Polaris purchased GEM (Global Electric Motorcars), neighborhood electric vehicle company, and has recently relaunched the line.

Polaris additionally acquired Goupil Industrie SA, a commercial light electric vehicle manufacturer and has made a sizeable investment in Brammo electric motorcycles. The introduction of a Polaris branded electric bicycle is a natural extension in brand development.

About POLARIS

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2011 sales of $2.7 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.

Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian motorcycle brands.

Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) and Goupil Industrie SA, and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.

Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII”, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

About EVantage, LLC

EVantage is a developer of electric drive systems and high performance electric bicycles. Founded in 2009, with offices in Miami Beach, FL, Boston, MA, and Hong Kong, EVantage designs motor systems to include proprietary technology that meet the fast evolving demands of the electric vehicle category.

They specialize in providing the whole package: engineering, design and development. Their electric bicycles are designed as a complete system to include not only the electric components, but also the bike design bike itself. The result is a complete and unique electric bike experience, rather than an add-on, off the shelf product.

Proprietary technology is the benchmark for any EVantage system, currently driven by their DUODRIVE motor technology. With facilities in the USA and Hong Kong, EVantage is a developer of full line products as well as an OEM supplier of electric motor systems.