Electric Bikes - Lightest, Cheapest, Easiest Electric Assist Add-on

Hi, Everyone:

Can one of you experts help me?

I have a Journey 7-speed Day 6 Bicycle (picture here: http://day6bicycles.com/journey.html). Mine is black it has the rear rack. I simply love it. Problem is it is a heavy bike because of the large seat and backrest and the extra long length for a semi-recumbent. I get around well enough on it, but for those little inclines and tiny uphill moments, I would love to turn on a burst of electric power assist. I don't think my needs would require more than 10-15 minutes of power for more than 2 miles.

What lightweight upgrade system could I add that would not add too much weight (not more than 10 pounds) or take too much trouble (self installed if not requiring too much mechanical skills) or expense?

Mind you I'm a beginner on all of this. I do not know much. I got a quote from a local Moped type store for $400 for adding on somekind of lead acid electric battery setup that would require changing out the front tire, and putting on that heavy battery adding on an additional total 40 pounds I think.

I need full details, links, etc. I'm in Los Angeles area, California, btw.

Thanks

John

I just installed the Currie conversion kit on my mountain bike. I was limited to a rear wheel kit because my fork is aluminum and I chose it because it was the most affordable ($299 gets this kit, which includes an SLA--Sealed Lead Acid--battery pack) and has a reputation for great torque. I have not been disappointed. I did have my LBS spin off the freewheel from my bike's original rear wheel and install the tire. I installed the rest of the kit.

I absolutely love having power assist and am now getting out on the bike daily, doing a minimum of 10 miles. This kit has very good torque. I mainly pedal but do use power assist for the steep roads (I live west of Glacier National Park). My knees couldn't take the steep hills here and I wasn't biking very much. However, I don't hesitate to get out now. I'm loving it. The other weekend I went 25 miles. I have never tried to cycle here in the winter, but am actually considering winterizing my bike so I can get out a bit. I am not looking forward to giving up cycling over the winter months.

If you don't plan on pedaling, you may be unhappy with the performance of many affordable e-bike systems. Battery life is usually the biggest issue. I've never completely discharged my battery while riding, but I always pedal, I enjoy it.

Once the SLA batteries in my Currie pack need replacing, I may consider replacing them with a LIFEPO4 pack made to fit the Currie case. In the meantime, I may add a second 24-volt Headway LIFEPO4 pack to the system next year.

Here's the Currie kit installation brochure if you want to see what the installation entails. Good luck.
http://www.ezipusa.com/img//pdf/10d1ec5de0ccecd8cf75104a483e1d7b.pdf

I've already done it to my day6
falconev.com

I've already done it to my day6
falconev.com

Hi, Everyone:

Since I posted initially here, I've done alot
of research on the Electric Bicycle Kits.
I've found out that most of the kits are
pretty expensive, complicated to install,
and don't easily adapt to my semi-recumbent
bicycle because of the extra long bike
length and special rack it uses.

As a last desperate attempt I typed the
following into a Google search:
EASY FAST ELECTRIC BICYCLE CONVERSION KIT

And voila! It brought up this as a first
result:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ6IFZwhwRk

I watched the 3-minute long video which is
how long it took to install the kit and I asked
myself: "Can it be this easy?"

I went to the videomaker/owner of the company's
website:
http://www.CleanRepublic.com

I found out that the $400 'Hill Topper' Electric
Bicycle Conversion Kit included:

1. Tube/tire/rim fully constructed 250-watt 24-volt brushless planetary hub motor wheel for either of these tire sizes - 26'', 24'' and 700C

2. Single-plug 8Ah SLA battery/controller system (only 11-lbs total) pre-installed in a sleek quick-attach seat bag (6x6x4.5'')

3. Quick-install velcro Power Grip handlebar motor controller

4. Battery charger (smart/auto shutoff) for U.S./International 110-240v, 50-60hz wall sockets or extension cords

And indeed the kits comes ready to install.
The battery takes only 2 1/2 hours to
charge and lasts a 160 pound rider 10 miles
at 10mph with no peddaling! Battery
should last anywhere from 1 1/2 - 3+ years.
Replacements are $70. They are also
coming out with a Lithium Battery option.

Apparently the installation is as easy as
the vid. You just connect 2 cables, replace
the front tire with the motor hub, and
hang the battery/controller pack case on
the back of your seat and you are good
to go. Naturally, you'd want to neatly
zip-tie all the cables as well.

The owner said he'd custom make
the extra length of battery/controller
cable for free. I need something like 8-9
feet to reach from the wheel back to the
handlebars for the battery and controller
cables.

Can you guys take a look at this kit and
tell me any problems or criticisms you
have of it? Remember, for my purposes
all I need is that extra power for those
few hills or inclines I tackle. I do ride
my bike everyday for an hour or so.
Since the battery is only 11 pounds I can
easily remove that if I want to cruise without
electric power. I'm not sure how much
extra weight the tire/hub will add on though.
Anyone have an idea based on other
tire hub motors?

Your help is appreciated. But it seems if
the claims of quality control, testing,
guarantees, are valid, this is the answer
I've been looking for.

Thanks,