Electric Bikes - new full-suspension electric bike?!?!

Hey im a noob here, but i heard about this new company that has a new full-suspension bike out. www.synergycycle.com

I was able to recently ride this bike at their store and let me tell you, this bike is AWESOME. it is a dual-shock full suspension design and it just cruises over ANY bump like its nothing. and it easily pulled me (220 lbs) up any hill. What was even better was that I could pedal whenever i wanted to go even faster than what the motor could do.

just thought this might help a few ppl who were looking into purchasing a new electric bike that would be perfect as a commuter. i bought one and i just love it. it is absolutely perfect for my 2 mile commute to work everyday. :D

I might own an electric bicycle one day. It might be great for those times I come home from work after having put in a 30 mile commute day plus 8 hours work and I need to go back out for a couple items at the store. Just hop on and go. Then it would be even harder to have an excuse to drive.

LBM, you may have to wait tho. the website says the range of the bike is only 20 miles...wonder if you can still pedal like a normal bike once the battery dies, and how heavy that would be...

Don't hate me for saying this butttt... I'd love to pass people on those things on my non-motorized bike! :D

Would be a cool idea for those who want to get onto a bike but don't want (or can't) excert alot of energy. Hopefully we'll see more people on these rather than in their cars.

LBM, you may have to wait tho. the website says the range of the bike is only 20 miles...wonder if you can still pedal like a normal bike once the battery dies, and how heavy that would be...
In all honesty, it's do-able, but the battery probably weighs as much as the bike.

Those lead-acid batteries lose a lot of energy in cold weather. People will get a good workout pedaling those monsters home on a winter night.

Paul

It looks like a Walmart bike with a 50 pound battery attached. I bet the thing dies once it starts raining. You better have Lance Armstrong's legs when that thing runs out of juice.

A much better version is done by
http://www.apriliaenjoy.com/

It uses an extruded Al shell, not hi-ten steel pipes. They are working on a fuel cell version with a range of 75km.

They are working on a fuel cell version with a range of 75km.
One of the really neat things, if I understand correctly, is that the fuel cell ("battery") can be refilled quickly, instead of having to wait for a standard battery to recharge for hours.

Kiingfunny-Yeah you can easily pedal when the battery dies. You can pedal with the motor as well. Thats what makes this bike so awesome. You would be a complete idiot to just sit there with your thumb on the throttle and waste all the battery like in 20 miles. What makes it so utilatarian is the fact that you only need to use the motor when you need it...like powering through an dangerous intersection...or up a steep hill.

Kris A-yeah but you have to understand the concept of this bike. Is it designed for fit, athletic person who demands high end componentry? of course not. its designed for a person (like myself) who wants to commute to work in somethin other than my car and not have to get sweaty and stinky by the time i get there. PLUS, its perfect for an older person who maybe isnt as fit and healthy as he/she were 20 years ago. This gives them the chance to go out and get a nice bike ride and enjoy the world without killing them and making them bed ridden for the next 3 days.

And i dont really understand all the negative remarks towards it. Have any of you with bad things to say ever ridden it? i think not. The whole motor/battery system weighs about 60lbs. Thats not bad...considering what you get out of it. I have ridden mine in the rain and cold....NEVER had a problem.
As for the Walmart remark....again....i bet you have never seen this bike in person. This is FAR from a walmart bike. It is very well-built in Taiwan...not some Thailand knockoff. It comes from a reputable factory.

As for the Aprilia bike....i bet the thing cant be had for under $2000. For that price you might as well by a small car. I mean...thats what makes the Synergy so perfect...its an awesome commuter that will not leave you stranded if the battery runs out...and its nice on the wallet. PLUS....look how ugly the Aprilia looks. Why do you want to stand out while riding or commuting? I just love when I zip past people and they stare because they cant figure it out. Thats whats great about the synergy, it is just plain good looking...without all the extraneous plastic and fiberglass shell. The battery is easy to remove (in about 5 seconds) and it turns into a regular pedal bike.

FUGLY!!! :rolleyes:

FUGLY!!! :rolleyes:

is that remark directed to the synergy or the aprilia?

The Synergy looks like a city bike, the Enjoy reminds me of the mopeds sold back in the 70s.
If either unit could reduce by 10% the cars on the road not to mention force cagers to get used to 2 wheelers on the road. How bout putting all the lawyers on electropeds! Think the underwear nazi will have proablems with their briefs?

exactly!! thats what needs to happen. We need to get all the people who DONT ride bikes right now to get on these.

Keith down at Electric Sierra Cycles told me that he has put almost 2.5% of the population of Santa Cruz on electric bikes.

Now look at these numbers: Santa Cruz has those huge alternative energy busses for public transportation. Each one costs the county nearly $1,000,000. Multiply that by 5 (the amount they have and use) and you have $5,000,000. Now here is the kicker.....the Santa Cruz public transportation ONLY transport approx 1% of the population.

Look at the numbers. For the fraction of the cost electric bikes put DOUBLE the amount of ppl out of their cars and onto bikes. If we could get say $1,000,000 grants from biking communities/cities across the country to give as rebates on these bikes (even more buyer incentive than just an awesome product) imagine what we could do to the ever growing problem of global pollution. We would be helping more than 1 problem. The United States has the number 1 obesity rate of all countries. Why? Because we consume too much and do not exercise. With these bikes....we can get larger ppl out riding, burning calories but not burning them out mentally on exercising.
Now of course, I did not expect ppl on this site to "love" these bikes due mainly to the fact that you are all avid bike riders who enjoy the sport naturally if you will. But I know all of you have older friends/parents or people who dont exercise or ride as much as you because of the fact that its: A. too much stress on weakening bodies or B.the mental factor of extreme exercise turns people away. This product is for those people not too mention the people who want to commute to work and not be sweaty or stinky by the time they get there.
We all know how much of a problem congestion and pollution from cars is causing. Why not promote a product such as this that will get EVERYBODY out of their cars and onto alternative transportation. But not onto a product that is gawky, outlandish; rather one that is sleek, subtle and utilatarian.
So, if all of you can help out Keith down at Electric Sierra Cycles, it would be awesome. This is a new world movement and the Synergy should be at the top.
So...I hate to sound like a tree-hugger...but do your part by getting more ppl onto bikes and out of their cars. By promoting this product...you are not just gaining sells/profit for a company, but you are contributing to the failing earth, planet and ultimately your home. Sounds very wishy-washy and deep....but if you dont think its the truth...go pick up a science book or scientific magazine. You've seen it on the TV, heard it on the radio....its all too real and the Synergy is striving to stop...and turn the cycle around.
Enough of my diatribe.
I love this site....ive ben looking for a site of fellow bicyclists like myself. :D

is that remark directed to the synergy or the aprilia?
Both, I wouldn't be caught dead anywhere near either of those bikes. I figure if you don't want to pedal a bike, buy a moped or motorbike.

CHEERS.

Mark

If I designed an electric bike, I would prolly use smaller tires/wheels, why use 26" tires/wheels?

I'd like to see an electric bent. :D

Both, I wouldn't be caught dead anywhere near either of those bikes. I figure if you don't want to pedal a bike, buy a moped or motorbike.

CHEERS.

Mark

hehe....we can all tell you know little in consumer demands for the United States. :rolleyes:

hehe....we can all tell you know little in consumer demands for the United States. :rolleyes:

try riding up hill for 20 min, I wouldnt want to show up at work all hot and sweaty! The electric bike solves this problem.

try riding up hill for 20 min, I wouldnt want to show up at work all hot and sweaty!
I already do that, actually it is more like an hour uphill before work ~25km. I just jump in the shower, problem solved.

CHEERS.

Mark

If you're going to ride an electric bike, ride one that looks good (IMO) and costs less than all the ones mentioned so far...
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/igadget/te4371.html

well, don't buy that Rietti that BlastRadius mentioned if you want suspension, though.

Good point, road are pretty smooth where I commute.

Last summer I saw a couple of these bike ridden by non athletic people who had an athletic partner. A great way of being able to enjoy cycling together, when your abilities dont match.

A big part of the US obesity problem is due to the Sugar lobby, which is blocking World Health Organization initiatives to reduce sugar consumption. It is not only the oil and insurance industries that are funding GWBush

Kiingfunny-Yeah you can easily pedal when the battery dies. You can pedal with the motor as well. Thats what makes this bike so awesome. You would be a complete idiot to just sit there with your thumb on the throttle and waste all the battery like in 20 miles. What makes it so utilatarian is the fact that you only need to use the motor when you need it...like powering through an dangerous intersection...or up a steep hill.

Kris A-yeah but you have to understand the concept of this bike. Is it designed for fit, athletic person who demands high end componentry? of course not. its designed for a person (like myself) who wants to commute to work in somethin other than my car and not have to get sweaty and stinky by the time i get there. PLUS, its perfect for an older person who maybe isnt as fit and healthy as he/she were 20 years ago. This gives them the chance to go out and get a nice bike ride and enjoy the world without killing them and making them bed ridden for the next 3 days.

And i dont really understand all the negative remarks towards it. Have any of you with bad things to say ever ridden it? i think not. The whole motor/battery system weighs about 60lbs. Thats not bad...considering what you get out of it. I have ridden mine in the rain and cold....NEVER had a problem.
As for the Walmart remark....again....i bet you have never seen this bike in person. This is FAR from a walmart bike. It is very well-built in Taiwan...not some Thailand knockoff. It comes from a reputable factory.

As for the Aprilia bike....i bet the thing cant be had for under $2000. For that price you might as well by a small car. I mean...thats what makes the Synergy so perfect...its an awesome commuter that will not leave you stranded if the battery runs out...and its nice on the wallet. PLUS....look how ugly the Aprilia looks. Why do you want to stand out while riding or commuting? I just love when I zip past people and they stare because they cant figure it out. Thats whats great about the synergy, it is just plain good looking...without all the extraneous plastic and fiberglass shell. The battery is easy to remove (in about 5 seconds) and it turns into a regular pedal bike.

CSVT-

How long have you worked for this company?

If you're going to ride an electric bike, ride one that looks good (IMO) and costs less than all the ones mentioned so far...
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/igadget/te4371.html

Anybody notice the similarity between this and the 1964 Bowden Spacelander?

If you're going to ride an electric bike, ride one that looks good (IMO) and costs less than all the ones mentioned so far...
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/igadget/te4371.html

A real beauty - and those cast iron wheels must really hum along the pavement ;)

CSVT-

How long have you worked for this company?

BINGO! I was waiting for someone to mention this. It certainly looks like SPAM to me. Hence my comment about it being #UGLY.

CSVT has made 14 posts in only 4 discussions, and you guessed it, all are posts about this electric bike, with one thread on the shameless promotions board. One post even has the phone number and name of a guy to call at the company. All since the 15th of Jan. One dead giveaway is the lack of location and other personal info. Also, even the most glowing reviews, ALWAYS have one thing they don't like about the bike.

SPAM or not the bike is crap, either ride a real bike or buy a moped.

CHEERS.

Mark

Now, without being a smart-ass :D

(Disclosure: My shop is now selling this kit, and we are very impressed by it, but I have no financial stake in the manufacturing company)

EPS Smart-E System (http://www.eps-system.com)

A few neat things about this system:
It uses a NiMH battery that slides easily on an off a bracket attached to the botle mounts. The motor is integrated into the rear hub, and while it does add a few pounds, there isn't any significant drag when the bike is not under power. The final component is a computer that provides speedo, odo, trip, power remaining, and also provides a visual of power used (or generated) and works as the control module. The EPS provides 4 levels of assist and 4 levels of geration, so you can recharge your batteries going down hill or coming to a stop.

Anyway, this is a pretty neat system for the commuter as it is easy to put on the bike on Monday and take it back off on Friday to have your bike back to (almost) stock on the weekend.

BINGO! I was waiting for someone to mention this. It certainly looks like SPAM to me. Hence my comment about it being #UGLY.


... and why I've responded with a less expensive better looking alternative.

Actually, this online store bags on it's weak 180w motor.
http://store.nycewheels.com/rietti-gtx-electric-bike.html

I thought those wheels looked small! I thought maybe 24", but I just found the spot on the Rietti advert. that mentions that the wheels are 22"

Assuming somebody here was gonna buy that Rietti...

Anybody know where one gets 22" tires?

That's the problem with a lot of inexpensive ebikes - they use non-standard bike parts.

I have seen 22" tubes in a acouple opf catalogs, but your bike shop would definitely have to order them. Bringing the bike in to show them your cast iron wheels would defintiely give them a good laugh too ;)

I thought those wheels looked small! I thought maybe 24", but I just found the spot on the Rietti advert. that mentions that the wheels are 22"

Assuming somebody here was gonna buy that Rietti...

Anybody know where one gets 22" tires?

It's more cool looking than practical. With cast iron wheels, I wouldn't be surprised if the tires were solid tires :D.

"It's more cool looking than practical. With cast iron wheels, I wouldn't be surprised if the tires were solid tires"

on a bike with no suspension?

i'll pass! :rolleyes:

think what you will Dutchy. You really have no clue about how majority of the US society is. Ill be honest. Im a fat ass. I havent exercised for a long time. But, I came to my senses and realized that I needed to get in shape again. However I knew that I couldnt just jump on a mountain bike and ride "uphill for an hour" like you :rolleyes:. But, i found a perfect alternative that gets me out riding my bike, burning calories, getting in shape without killing me and burning me out on exercise. Now I know that with this bike, as I start to get back into shape and can ride much easier, I just take the battery out, switch the back wheel out to just a basic rear mountain bike wheel and Ive got a nice, full suspension cruising bike that I can ride anywhere.

My posts are only here to show the ppl who read the forums who might be like me and want to get out and get back into shape that there is an easier way that will allow them to slowly build their stamina back up and make exercise enjoyable. Now please, instead of making slanderous comments about a product that you have no clue about, let it speak for itself. give other ppl who have let their "wants" get out of hand get a chance to make their lives better. alright?

think what you will Dutchy. You really have no clue about how majority of the US society is. Ill be honest. Im a fat ass. I havent exercised for a long time. But, I came to my senses and realized that I needed to get in shape again. However I knew that I couldnt just jump on a mountain bike and ride "uphill for an hour" like you :rolleyes:. But, i found a perfect alternative that gets me out riding my bike, burning calories, getting in shape without killing me and burning me out on exercise. Now I know that with this bike, as I start to get back into shape and can ride much easier, I just take the battery out, switch the back wheel out to just a basic rear mountain bike wheel and Ive got a nice, full suspension cruising bike that I can ride anywhere.

My posts are only here to show the ppl who read the forums who might be like me and want to get out and get back into shape that there is an easier way that will allow them to slowly build their stamina back up and make exercise enjoyable. Now please, instead of making slanderous comments about a product that you have no clue about, let it speak for itself. give other ppl who have let their "wants" get out of hand get a chance to make their lives better. alright?

So, do you work for this company? If you do, come out and say it. I don't think this approach is winning you many fans. You may want to search for the posts by the guy that works for Electra who posed as a consumer giving rave reviews of the Townie a couple months back.

**EDIT**

I am no longer going to post/argue about this. I do not wish to give this company a bad name because of a few flamers who misconstrue the whole concept of the thread.

the point is this: if you are in the market for an electric bike because you need a commuter, or you cannot ride a regular bike, you should check out this bike. it is a decent bike and it is sold by a guy/store who has the best customer service that I have ever experienced. nuff said.

How does the law stand on these Machines.

Are they classified as a "Aid to pedestriasation" or a motorised transportation, thus needing insurance.taxes etc.

I mention this because there have been several incidents lately here in the Uk with the surge in popularity of the Batterie powered "Scouters", Police (sofftly-sofftly approach)have been stopping them on the public highways and usually warning the ridres that it is unlawfull unless they can show the appropriate certification.

**EDIT**

I am no longer going to post/argue about this. I do not wish to give this company a bad name because of a few flamers who misconstrue the whole concept of the thread.

the point is this: if you are in the market for an electric bike because you need a commuter, or you cannot ride a regular bike, you should check out this bike. it is a decent bike and it is sold by a guy/store who has the best customer service that I have ever experienced. nuff said.

My posts were not meant as flames. Twice I have asked you a question that I think a consumer would want to know. Namely, is the person [csvt] making the claims affiliated with the company? If so, there may be bias and that is something that we should know.

So far you have refused to answer the question. So I will ask again: Do you work for the company producing these bikes?

Thanks.

-Schiek

Shiek, no I do not. Like I said before, I am just one completely satisfied customer. thats all. and how can your posts not be flames? I am only standing by a product that I love and you are trying to attack my credibility? sounds like a flame to me bud.

Willic- here in the states, Im pretty sure that the law is the bike cannot travel faster than 20mph on its own power. If it is below that speed, it is still considered a bicycle. If it is faster than that, then I believe they classify it as a moped.

Shiek, no I do not. Like I said before, I am just one completely satisfied customer. thats all. and how can your posts not be flames? I am only standing by a product that I love and you are trying to attack my credibility? sounds like a flame to me bud.

Willic- here in the states, Im pretty sure that the law is the bike cannot travel faster than 20mph on its own power. If it is below that speed, it is still considered a bicycle. If it is faster than that, then I believe they classify it as a moped.

Bud-

Fair enough, you don't work for the company. I was asking if you did. It was not a flame. Thicker skin my boy, thicker skin.

-Schiek, with a "c"

well, like i said before, I am not worried about what you think of ME, rather worried about what other ppl might think of electric sierra cycles if they come and read this thread and see the flames. thats all. i would hate to give them a bad name because of some issues such as these. :)

Now, without being a smart-ass :D

(Disclosure: My shop is now selling this kit, and we are very impressed by it, but I have no financial stake in the manufacturing company)

EPS Smart-E System (http://www.eps-system.com)

A few neat things about this system:
It uses a NiMH battery that slides easily on an off a bracket attached to the botle mounts. The motor is integrated into the rear hub, and while it does add a few pounds, there isn't any significant drag when the bike is not under power. The final component is a computer that provides speedo, odo, trip, power remaining, and also provides a visual of power used (or generated) and works as the control module. The EPS provides 4 levels of assist and 4 levels of geration, so you can recharge your batteries going down hill or coming to a stop.

Anyway, this is a pretty neat system for the commuter as it is easy to put on the bike on Monday and take it back off on Friday to have your bike back to (almost) stock on the weekend.

Mekki

EPS looks like an impressive system.

Any specs on weight?

This is mentioned as a rear hub with 7 gears-is that cassette or freewheel?

Do they make a front hub model?

Any prices on the kits or complete bike?

Is EPS the motor manufacturer or have they integrated someone else like Heinzmann, Crystallite or Sanyo’s hub motor into there system?

That's the problem with a lot of inexpensive ebikes - they use non-standard bike parts.

I have seen 22" tubes in a acouple opf catalogs, but your bike shop would definitely have to order them. Bringing the bike in to show them your cast iron wheels would defintiely give them a good laugh too ;)

22" is a common French size, so they can be had on special order. Just hope you get your flats when you can afford a few weeks downtime while waiting on the special order.

I assume that is a single speed on pedals since they don't hype any multi speed.

How does the law stand on these Machines.

Are they classified as a "Aid to pedestriasation" or a motorised transportation, thus needing insurance.taxes etc.

I mention this because there have been several incidents lately here in the Uk with the surge in popularity of the Batterie powered "Scouters", Police (sofftly-sofftly approach)have been stopping them on the public highways and usually warning the ridres that it is unlawfull unless they can show the appropriate certification.

EU wide as of 5/9/03, 250W pedelecs (motor doesn't operate unless pedals are in operations) with a top speed of 25kph (16mph) don't need licensing or insurance. The scooters don't have the pedelec feature. Pre 5/9/03 British limit was 200W.

Japan - 20 kph (13mph) pedelec.

In US, old federal definition was 400W 20mph per CFR. New statutory litmus test is 75 lbs, 20 mph.

About half the states have promolgates electric bike definitions and laws.
Most have a 20 mph threshold, a few at 25 or 30 mph (I believe Illinois was the lone 30 mph state). Sometimes there is a power limit, Washington State has a whoping 1000W 20mph limit.

**EDIT**

I am no longer going to post/argue about this. I do not wish to give this company a bad name because of a few flamers who misconstrue the whole concept of the thread.

the point is this: if you are in the market for an electric bike because you need a commuter, or you cannot ride a regular bike, you should check out this bike. it is a decent bike and it is sold by a guy/store who has the best customer service that I have ever experienced. nuff said.
Csvt,

I appreciate your posting here. As far as I'm concerned, electric bikes have great potential, and I'm not some newbie who just got on a bike. I ride moderately, about 4,000 miles annually. I'm definitely interested in a high-quality electric bike for backup trips to the store, and I'll tell you why.

Since I'm already used to using my bike for transportation, it's a small step to see myself riding an electric bike at about the same average speed as I ride my human-powered bike, on the same roads. Would an electric bike substitute for my current bike? Of course not. It would substitute for the car, bus and train.

I have calculated that a good electric bike will pay for itself in less than two years due to fewer car or bus trips. Simple math. The only problem now is finding the money to pay for one up front. I'm seriously interested in one of those conversion kits with a hub motor driving the front wheel.

Mekki

EPS looks like an impressive system.

Any specs on weight?

This is mentioned as a rear hub with 7 gears-is that cassette or freewheel?

Do they make a front hub model?

Any prices on the kits or complete bike?

Is EPS the motor manufacturer or have they integrated someone else like Heinzmann, Crystallite or Sanyo’s hub motor into there system?

Hi Meb,

The EPS motor weighs about 8 or 9 lbs, and the battery about 12 or 13 lbs. This is a bit of a guess as I don't have the specs in front of me.

The 7 speed is a freewheel, but EPS is talking of a switch to cassette.

Nope, no front wheel model. The controller is integrated into the hub, as is the pedal sensing mechanism that engages the motor. As I recall, EPS is looking to Europe as their largest market, so pedelec is the only way to go. As well, the cycle culture in Quebec is huge and pedelecs are likely to be more popular there.

We are selling the kit mailorder for $1495 CDN (about $1157 US) and installed for $1595 CDN ($1234 US) Pricey, to be sure, but NiMH and all the bells and whistles do come at a price. We're not carrying the complete bikes, but they are around $2K CDN ($1548 US)

The motors are hand-wound in Quebec by EPS!

The coolest thing about the EPS is that it is very nearly silent. It is really a big change from all the other electric bikes I'm used to (Merida, Heinzmann, Charger, Currie) in that there is almost no sensory feedback that the motor is engaged - the thing zips up to 32 km/h (20 mph) with very little effort on the flats, and it isn't until you dial down the assist that you can tell it is working - pretty neat!

Christian

Hi Meb,

The EPS motor weighs about 8 or 9 lbs, and the battery about 12 or 13 lbs. This is a bit of a guess as I don't have the specs in front of me.

The 7 speed is a freewheel, but EPS is talking of a switch to cassette.

Nope, no front wheel model. The controller is integrated into the hub, as is the pedal sensing mechanism that engages the motor. As I recall, EPS is looking to Europe as their largest market, so pedelec is the only way to go. As well, the cycle culture in Quebec is huge and pedelecs are likely to be more popular there.

We are selling the kit mailorder for $1495 CDN (about $1157 US) and installed for $1595 CDN ($1234 US) Pricey, to be sure, but NiMH and all the bells and whistles do come at a price. We're not carrying the complete bikes, but they are around $2K CDN ($1548 US)

The motors are hand-wound in Quebec by EPS!

The coolest thing about the EPS is that it is very nearly silent. It is really a big change from all the other electric bikes I'm used to (Merida, Heinzmann, Charger, Currie) in that there is almost no sensory feedback that the motor is engaged - the thing zips up to 32 km/h (20 mph) with very little effort on the flats, and it isn't until you dial down the assist that you can tell it is working - pretty neat!

Christian

I found some specs online from a Vancover bike shop (maybe its yours) listing 17 lbs for the kit.

Since that is a freewheel hub rather than a cassette hub, it is narrower than cassette hub.
Any idea how wide the hub is without freewheel? (If narrow enough, it could be mounted on the front sans freewheel)

One of the really neat things, if I understand correctly, is that the fuel cell ("battery") can be refilled quickly, instead of having to wait for a standard battery to recharge for hours.

I think you are thinking of the similar technology methanol fuel cells, the fuel is a liquid. That technology is now on the market for notebook computers.

Aprilia appears to be pursuing a hydrogen fuel cell. The fuel is hydrogen gas stored in presurized canisters-not easy to pour into your fuel tank. It's not technically infeasable to refill, but most hydrogen fuel cells are recharged. Some of the lower priced applications now on the market are being used in operating display signs powered by solar cells to recharge the hydrogen fuel cells.

I found some specs online from a Vancover bike shop (maybe its yours) listing 17 lbs for the kit.

Since that is a freewheel hub rather than a cassette hub, it is narrower than cassette hub.
Any idea how wide the hub is without freewheel? (If narrow enough, it could be mounted on the front sans freewheel)

Nope, not us (competition :eek: ). Sure, 17lbs sounds OK, though maybe a tad optimistic.

I don't have a motor handy to measure it (all are mounted on bikes), but maybe you could email EPS and ask.

Christian