Electric Bikes - ***The Official Electric Bike Thread***

So, I will make this thread the Official BikeForums Thread on Electric Bikes.

Some popular systems are kits made by Wilderness Energy, Crystalyte and BionX.

These kits are quite complete, but you supply the bike.

Electric bikes are good for assisting you along in case you run out of glycogen fuel and so you can switch over to electric fuel, no option for fermented dinobone fuel.

Post up your make model of electric bike, maybe some stories, how often you ride, why you chose electric, what has it done for you, how do you like it, would you go a different route if you could go back, etc...

I am currently in the market for a kit. Probably not too expensive, maybe something like $500 tops. BionX looks sweet, but is kinda expensive.

By the way, are disc brakes necessary for this application? And if so, what is a good brand/model?

So, I will make this thread the Official BikeForums Thread on Electric Bikes.
Because the five or six currently on the first page of this forum aren't enough :rolleyes:

What's worse is that you've created most of them...

I was going to open an official thread on bikes powered by gas, but then I realized that it would not be appropriate.
Perhaps www.bikerforums.org would like it...

So, I will make this thread the Official BikeForums Thread on Electric Bikes.

...and you are?

"Official" :rolleyes:

lol

What's it like to pedal an electric? Thing must weight a ton

What's it like to pedal an electric? Thing must weight a ton

Basically it feels like you have a strong tailwind.

If it weighs a ton, I guess I'm pretty strong to be able to lift it with one arm.

Basically it feels like you have a strong tailwind.

If it weighs a ton, I guess I'm pretty strong to be able to lift it with one arm.
Sounds like it's probably pretty hard on the knees if you're a person who does steady cadence.

it really depends on the make and model

[QUOTE=Elusor]
...
no option for fermented dinobone fuel.
...

But my favorite fuel is fermented. :D

http://www.blvdbeer.com/index.cfm

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Giant/XtraGiant.jpg (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=4263566#post4263566)
My XtraLite
Great range and astounding weight hauling capacity. The motor is inline to the chain, located right behind the front ring.

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Estelle/Estelle1.jpg (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=272110)
The Estelle, a Hinzmann front hub powered Biria. Less torque and range than the Giant. The torque difference is due to the placement of the motor, and the range is due to a lead acid battery vs. a NiMH.

Click the images for more info on each.

Why not just get a moped and be done with it?

^^^Get back in your car and drive, troll.

^^^Get back in your car and drive, troll.

Sorry, couldn't resist. I prefer powering my bikes myself, is all.

No Problem, I needed coffee, and get snippy defending my ride.

Why not just get a moped and be done with it?
Yes, like this!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r154/n4zou/motorbike.jpg

I've considered getting an electric bike, but I've come to the conclusion that the technology is just not there yet. Maybe in another 5 years.

Sorry the electric bike guys get so much flak from other cyclists. I don't have an e-bike, nor do I intend to have one; but as far as I'm concerned the more bikes - and the fewer cars - the better. So ignore the catcalls, folks, and keep riding.

AllenG, I'm curious about the Giant XtraLite. How much can that thing carry? That back rack configuration looks impressive...

Sounds like it's probably pretty hard on the knees if you're a person who does steady cadence.

Only if you insist on pushing yourself. I figure a 100lb difference on a bike is good for a few mph off the average speed, and the rider needs a wider range of gears or else they may top out too early downhill, or not be able to go up some hills, but I don't think it's any harder on the knees than adding a couple mph to the average speed of a bike.

Sorry the electric bike guys get so much flak from other cyclists. I don't have an e-bike, nor do I intend to have one; but as far as I'm concerned the more bikes - and the fewer cars - the better. So ignore the catcalls, folks, and keep riding.


Ditto!

That Stelle is a really nice looking bike!

Ditto here too


I've test rode a e-bike a couple times around my LBS parking lot and found that it was pretty cool. I commute for excercise so getting one now is not in my plans but, I would consider getting a e-bike when I'm old and have difficulty pedaling up some of the hills around here.

How many cycles do the batteries last? Can you get replacments at a resonable cost?

I prefer powering my bikes myself, is all.

If i were going to have a lightweight motor vehicle, I would prefer partially powering it myself.

As it is, I don't have a motor vehicle.

Sorry the electric bike guys get so much flak from other cyclists. I don't have an e-bike, nor do I intend to have one; but as far as I'm concerned the more bikes - and the fewer cars - the better. So ignore the catcalls, folks, and keep riding.

AllenG, I'm curious about the Giant XtraLite. How much can that thing carry? That back rack configuration looks impressive...
I just got back from my studio in town. I needed my tall ladder and shop broom to clean the windows and leftover debris from the recent windstorm. I can carry things on it that I can't in my car.....I guess I could have used the truck;)
Yesterday I brought $180 worth of groceries home, including a 50 lbs. bag of dog food slung over the snap deck.

Before I added the XC kit I used a flat bed trailer, and can lug 100 lbs. of firewood or many bags of potting soil, all with no problem. My range goes down with the added weight. Unloaded, upper 20's, 150+ pounds of cargo and it's closer to 15 miles. Still good enough for town and back.

You want to talk about traffic giving you the respect you deserve, try an eight foot ladder instead of an orange vest.

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/XtraLite/XL3.jpg

Thanks for the support. Luckily the flak doesn't bother me... with my upcoming setup, I really doubt that motorists are going to be as irrational with me since my bike will be capable of going 45 mph. I would also think my setup would be a lot more attractive and far more likely to get motorists to consider biking. Nonetheless, I had the misperception that us bikers would be more happy go lucky people - enjoying the outdoors, being more ethical, etc... obviously that's not always the case.

Ditto here too


I've test rode a e-bike a couple times around my LBS parking lot and found that it was pretty cool. I commute for excercise so getting one now is not in my plans but, I would consider getting a e-bike when I'm old and have difficulty pedaling up some of the hills around here.

How many cycles do the batteries last? Can you get replacments at a resonable cost?
The NiMH on my Giant is good for 500 cycles which is over 10,000 miles of use. New ones cost in the $300 range.

Im seriously thinking of getting this:

http://home.comcast.net/~besthobbyshop/Touring250-9.jpg

Mileage is 75 mpg and it travels up to 80mph. Best thing is that it's only 1500 bucks. hehehe...

Nice, looks like fun, it still can't carry this:
http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/XtraLite/XL3.jpg
And it can run off of peanut butter if need be.

But if you are really going to get a scooter, that one rocks. Italy is lousy with that kind. They are a great way to get around a busy city.

Im seriously thinking of getting this:

http://home.comcast.net/~besthobbyshop/Touring250-9.jpg

Mileage is 75 mpg and it travels up to 80mph. Best thing is that it's only 1500 bucks. hehehe...

And a driver's licence, and a licence plate and insurance.

anyone know what the weight difference is for the Bionx against the Crystalyte?

Just for the hub and rims ? what is it?

A google search I found the weights to the Bionx hubs Here (http://www.nycewheels.com/bionx-electric-bike-system.html), but came up short for the Crystalyte hubs. I just found their total weights, which vary depending on what system you want.

Still, it does not state whether it is the weight of the motor or motor plus rims plus spokes

i understand that the 7ah system for Crystalyte 4000 is 35 pounds

I just got back from my studio in town. I needed my tall ladder and shop broom to clean the windows and leftover debris from the recent windstorm. I can carry things on it that I can't in my car.....I guess I could have used the truck;)
Yesterday I brought $180 worth of groceries home, including a 50 lbs. bag of dog food slung over the snap deck.

Before I added the XC kit I used a flat bed trailer, and can lug 100 lbs. of firewood or many bags of potting soil, all with no problem. My range goes down with the added weight. Unloaded, upper 20's, 150+ pounds of cargo and it's closer to 15 miles. Still good enough for town and back.

You want to talk about traffic giving you the respect you deserve, try an eight foot ladder instead of an orange vest.

That's impressive. I was kind of daydreaming about setting up an Xtracycle with my beater, and it's getting more likely as I learn more about the setups. Thanks for the information!

what speeds you get and what type?

like model and make and mph for your commute and times?

what is the range of autonomy (no pedalling)?

what speeds you get and what type?

like model and make and mph for your commute and times?

what is the range of autonomy (no pedalling)?
Neither bike has an autonomous range, both have pedal throttles. The pedals have to be moving for the motor to kick in. The bikes use different pedelec (pedal sensor) systems (Hinzmann on the Estelle and Panasonic on the Giant) and the Estelle and the Giant have dramatically different feels. The Giant's system is pressure activated and is very intuitive to use, I prefer it's pedal sensors. The harder you pedal the more you get from the motor. The Estelle uses a motion sensor, so long as the pedal is moving the motor has full throttle. You can fake the Estelle out, once you get up to speed, all you have to do is slowly pedal and the motor will keep you going at full speed. The Giant's motor will slow down as you slow your pedaling, a more natural feeling ride, and it's also easier to pedal without assistance.

The Estelle's top speed, before you start to overtake the motor is about 20 mph. the Giant's motor starts to slack back at 16.5 mph and if you want to go faster than 18 mph you have to do it on your own. It's strength is it has higher torque and is a much better hill climber.

With either I cruise at ~18 mph when I ride into town. My commute to work is six miles, round trip to the grocery store is 14 miles, and I get about 28 miles per charge on the Giant and 16 miles per charge on the Estelle.

I use the Giant most often, the Estelle is my father's bike (we live 1/2 mile from one another) and I occasionally use it, even without the motor it's a great commuter bike.

That's impressive. I was kind of daydreaming about setting up an Xtracycle with my beater, and it's getting more likely as I learn more about the setups. Thanks for the information!
No problem, my pleasure.

This talk of mph befuddles me. I cannot grasp the idea of it well since I don't have a spedometer.

Can you enlighten me by analogy please? No cager examples please.

For instance, I am a normal healthy adult male, normal average body weight, walking at a normal rate, on average, like an average person, how fast is this in mph?

I am now on my bike, on a 14-speed bike, but I am riding at speed 7, going an average speed, I gues....ummm... it takes about 15 minutes to travel 1.7 miles, with stop lights that last about 20seconds? 6 of these lights...how many mph am I going?

Lastly, I am travelling down hilll, the hill is moderate to low...not super ultra fast, but I feel it is fast, but under control, ... how many mph is this?

I am running at top speed...for an average person...how fast is this? in mph?

anyone know what the weight difference is for the Bionx against the Crystalyte?

Just for the hub and rims ? what is it?

The Bionx NiHM 24 volt 250 watt weighs 17 pounds
The Bionx Lithium Ion 24 volt 250 watt weighs 14 pounds
This is for the whole rear wheel, not including freewheel, battery, and control unit.

One of the down sides to the Bionx is that you can only use a freewheel, it is not compatible with a cassette hub.

Not sure about the Crystalyte.

And a driver's licence, and a licence plate and insurance.

Oh you're one of those car-free folks huh...

Oh you're one of those car-free folks huh...

It's your loss, not his.

This talk of mph befuddles me. I cannot grasp the idea of it well since I don't have a spedometer.

Can you enlighten me by analogy please? No cager examples please.

For instance, I am a normal healthy adult male, normal average body weight, walking at a normal rate, on average, like an average person, how fast is this in mph?

I am now on my bike, on a 14-speed bike, but I am riding at speed 7, going an average speed, I gues....ummm... it takes about 15 minutes to travel 1.7 miles, with stop lights that last about 20seconds? 6 of these lights...how many mph am I going?

Lastly, I am travelling down hilll, the hill is moderate to low...not super ultra fast, but I feel it is fast, but under control, ... how many mph is this?

I am running at top speed...for an average person...how fast is this? in mph?

Mebbe you could invest in a speedometer? It usually costs under 20 bucks for a decent one. Like this for only about 12.95 + shipping at nashbar:

http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/medium/NB-DC.gif

It's your loss, not his.

Care to elaborate?

Maintenance, money, ethics, and depending on your definition - freedom as well.

Anyhow, it's amazing the us vs them mentality AMONG BICYCLISTS. The righties and lefties on other forums accept each other far better than cyclists... some of you have A LOT of growing up to do.

...some of you have A LOT of growing up to do.

I'm 23 so I agree...


Maintenance, money, ethics, and depending on your definition - freedom as well.

Motor bikes dont require as much maintenance than cars. Being licence free may or may not be a good idea as a licence can have some advantages. Having a car can be handy in the case of emergencies.

As for Money, well You dont have to be dependant on cars, so youll rarely need to spend much money. The Motorbike I showed is pretty fuel efficient as well.

You dont have to be carfree to be free. Its just nice having a car around in the case of an emergency.

P.S. I don't have a car, but both my brothers have cars. It's nice to have them around just incase I need to drive one when my bike is disabled etc...

Do yourselves a favor and take the MSF course.

www.msf-usa.org

And a driver's licence, and a licence plate and insurance.
Not in some states! A motorcycle, motor scooter, or bicycle with engine attached, has an engine displacement 150cc or less or a maximum of 5 HP, and the cycles weight is 200 LBS or less in Alabama is known as a motor driven cycle. A valid Alabama driver's license exempts you from registration and the motor driven cycle license. As your exempt from registration you exempt from insurance as well. Alabama is now littered with 50cc Chinese scooters without tags, titles, and insurance. You should here the politicians crying about the loss of tax money due to that motor driven cycle loophole. Its had a notable impact on fuel taxes collected as most of the 50cc scooters get in excess of 100 MPG.

I do have a car and i only use it when i can't use the bike. But why use a scooter when i can use a bike? Another licence to pay, another plate to pay, another insurance to pay... no thanks. A scooter, unlike a car, doesn't have enough advantages over a bike to justify its purchase.

just my oppinion.

Im seriously thinking of getting this:

http://home.comcast.net/~besthobbyshop/Touring250-9.jpg

Mileage is 75 mpg and it travels up to 80mph. Best thing is that it's only 1500 bucks. hehehe...
Google GY6. Most 125 and 150cc Chinese scooters use a Honda designed engine/transmission unit produced in the 1980's labeled as a GY6. It's an extremely reliable and efficient design and many aftermarket parts and performance upgrades are available for them.

But, it's really not bicycling, is it?

But, it's really not bicycling, is it? What? The scootering or the electric bike?

scoot scoot scoot

http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_apr2002/SeniorScooter.jpg

Yes, like this!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r154/n4zou/motorbike.jpg

You still didn't post a pic of the drive side, please do so...