I bought this TidalForce in 2004...$2300 then, and out of production now.

I love it. Absolutly silent, gets right up to 20 mph, then limited. Very frustrating to feel the power fall off just as you're starting to boogie. 8,000 miles and still going strong, second NiMH battery, 10 mile range.

A guy that worked at Optibike (Richard?) wanted to ride my TidalForce when it first came in, as it was probably one of the first 5 west of the Rockies back then, and they were just starting the Optibike, so we switched bikes and rode around my neighborhood.

I liked the Optibike a lot, especially that it powered through the gearset, so could gear up to some good speed, but it made quite a whine back then, sure it's much quieter now. He seemed to realy like the smooth quite power of the TidalForce.

I now build my own bikes with Chrystalite Racers and 4840 controllers and A123 battery packs...so fast and powerful.

I like what I see of the Whisper, would have to check it out if I was to consider pre-built again.