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Old 07-25-14, 05:41 AM
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DrkAngel
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Upstate NY
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Bikes: Various "modded" eZips and multiple econversions

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Cool eaBikes

Originally Posted by DrkAngel
There are differing expectations and uses of eBikes.
I tend to group them into 3 major classifications - based on degree of pedal assist.
I, personally, would like to sub-categorize "eBikes", into 3 categorizes.

1. eaBikes - electric assist bikes
<750 watt output motor ?
Healthy man is capable of sustaining 20%, or more, of the eBikes propulsion
Electric assist bike.
Self-explanatory!
A bicycle with additional power when wanted or needed.

The most common and popular. Pedal use is a major motivation factor.

Electric motor assist is applied to:
Help make it up hills
Maintain a higher sustainable speed
Commute at a reasonable speed ... without getting tired and sweaty

Motor watt output limitations, in much of the world, make this the most common and popular(?) type.

To prevent motor drag, during pedal only, a motor with freewheel is recommended.
Sadly, this excludes most of the typical hub motors.
Most hub motors produce a noticeable drag when not powered ... like pedaling a normal bicycle with the brakes dragging.
(Probably more similar to running with dangerously low tire pressure)

Ideal assist motor might be a front geared hub motor.
Your favorite bike, expensive drivetrain intact, with additional assist up front for the hills, extra acceleration or a bit more sustainable top speed - without drag when idle.
or
The inexpensive external drive motor.
Advantages are that it produces no drag, (with freewheel), and is regearable and revoltable to provide substantial assist at low speed or some assist at top speed.

For the eaBike ...
The cyclist is the primary force and the motor is an enhancement.

Last edited by DrkAngel; 07-25-14 at 07:31 AM.
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