:) Hi, I recently (5/15/08) bought a Santa Barbara Electric folding bicycle (Riviera Model) through eBay. Prior to bidding on it I did my homework & checked out the companies website. I found that they manufactured the bikes in Santa Barbara & that they had several models to choose from. They even offered tech support. I eventually won the bike & I was very happy with my purchase until I tried to contact the company & ask them a few operating & maintenance questions. They evidently went out of business because their website is down & their phones just keep ringing. I live in Clearwater, Fl & none of the local bike shops know anything about this particular bike & they don't seem too anxious to even touch it. Luckily, everything is fine with the bike right now but I'm wondering what I can do in the future if something develops. My first thought is that the battery (3-12 volts lead acid) will eventually have to be replaced. I'm wondering if the batteries can be removed from the case which is held together with 4 screws & possibly be replaced with some generic batteries? The case appears to be made for this specific bike & is designed to slide in under the seat. I'm hoping that someone out there has some suggestions on what I can do in this situation?

These folks are shown as a dealer of those bikes and many more:

http://www.greenspeed.us/electric_cyclery.htm

Interesting they are located in Laguna Beach, about 100+ miles South of Santa Barbara.

You may try a cross post to the elecric bikes section of the BF. Also, do a google search for "V is for Voltage" they also have a bikes section. Good luck.

I expect the lead acid batteries are perfectly standard types and if the case is screwed together, it will come apart ok.

The electric bike section is well worth a look. They will be able to help you if any of the more esoteric parts fail, such as the speed control, or the motor.

Is it a hub motor or one driving through the chain?

Hi,
yes, it does have a rear hub motor...
Thanks for asking.
Thank you for recommending the various websites that can possibly assist me. I will give them a try.

Thanks for your reply but the website that you suggested does not carry this line of bikes. Perhaps they did prior to Santa Barbara's going out of business?

Thanks for your reply but the website that you suggested does not carry this line of bikes. Perhaps they did prior to Santa Barbara's going out of business?

That is likely the case - see this page:
http://www.greenspeed.us/santa_barbara_electric_bicycle.htm

They are listed as now "Out of Stock", however, they may be a source of information for you.