Commuting with Pedal Assist
#1
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Commuting with Pedal Assist
Hey all,
I'm a student at San Jose State University, and I have a project that involves bike commuting, and I was wondering if some of you guys and gals could chime in their thoughts on commuting with some sort of pedal assist?
There are tons of option out there yet I rarely see anyone using them.
What are your reasons for not using them?
Or if you do use them what was the greatest factor in getting one?
Thanks all,
Bryan D.
I'm a student at San Jose State University, and I have a project that involves bike commuting, and I was wondering if some of you guys and gals could chime in their thoughts on commuting with some sort of pedal assist?
There are tons of option out there yet I rarely see anyone using them.
What are your reasons for not using them?
Or if you do use them what was the greatest factor in getting one?
Thanks all,
Bryan D.
#2
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You mean like electric assist?
#3
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You mean like electric assist?
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In Ashland, OR they are a constant sight. However, Ashland is very steep and a lot of the people riding would not be cycle commuting without the assist.
As far as not seeing them, you may just not be noticing them. The electrics are quiet, they are generally being ridden at normal cycle speeds, and, based on what I have seen, most users are pedaling them along with the assist; they are not motorcycles. You may have to watch a bit closer.
As far as not seeing them, you may just not be noticing them. The electrics are quiet, they are generally being ridden at normal cycle speeds, and, based on what I have seen, most users are pedaling them along with the assist; they are not motorcycles. You may have to watch a bit closer.
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E-bikes are heavier and cost more, and also prohibited on some mass transit systems. More parts that could fail, aren't user serviceable by some, and extra money to replace. Components of the system may or may not be available even 5 years from now, depending on the technology...
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E-bikes are heavier and cost more, and also prohibited on some mass transit systems. More parts that could fail, aren't user serviceable by some, and extra money to replace. Components of the system may or may not be available even 5 years from now, depending on the technology...
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E-bikes are heavier and cost more, and also prohibited on some mass transit systems. More parts that could fail, aren't user serviceable by some, and extra money to replace. Components of the system may or may not be available even 5 years from now, depending on the technology...
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A bicycle is a human powered vehicle - as far as I'm concerned, an electric bike isn't a bicycle...but it's closer to a moped or motorcycle.
It might be a good option for people who are trying to get in shape, and have a very long commute to work which they would be unable to complete without some assistance. In a sense, I feel it could be a stepping stone to unassisted biking. There's one guy in my office - he's lost a ton of weight biking to work on his e-bike, and he tells me he eventually plans to take the motor off, because he feels he's fit enough now to ride without it.
For most of us though, human power is just fine.
It might be a good option for people who are trying to get in shape, and have a very long commute to work which they would be unable to complete without some assistance. In a sense, I feel it could be a stepping stone to unassisted biking. There's one guy in my office - he's lost a ton of weight biking to work on his e-bike, and he tells me he eventually plans to take the motor off, because he feels he's fit enough now to ride without it.
For most of us though, human power is just fine.
#10
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E-bikes are heavier and cost more, and also prohibited on some mass transit systems. More parts that could fail, aren't user serviceable by some, and extra money to replace. Components of the system may or may not be available even 5 years from now, depending on the technology...
A bicycle is a human powered vehicle - as far as I'm concerned, an electric bike isn't a bicycle...but it's closer to a moped or motorcycle.
It might be a good option for people who are trying to get in shape, and have a very long commute to work which they would be unable to complete without some assistance. In a sense, I feel it could be a stepping stone to unassisted biking. There's one guy in my office - he's lost a ton of weight biking to work on his e-bike, and he tells me he eventually plans to take the motor off, because he feels he's fit enough now to ride without it.
For most of us though, human power is just fine.
It might be a good option for people who are trying to get in shape, and have a very long commute to work which they would be unable to complete without some assistance. In a sense, I feel it could be a stepping stone to unassisted biking. There's one guy in my office - he's lost a ton of weight biking to work on his e-bike, and he tells me he eventually plans to take the motor off, because he feels he's fit enough now to ride without it.
For most of us though, human power is just fine.
Thank you all for the responses and if there was anything else you would like to add please do not hesitate. The more the merrier!
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I don't use one because I don't really feel the need for it and I would get lazy and fat-ter.
On the other hand, I think E-bikes are the future of commuter vehicules, especially velomobiles for those who want protection from the elements. Right now though, they aren't well-known, some look like pieces thrown together, and are associated with old people. In other words, they're "not cool".
On the other hand, I think E-bikes are the future of commuter vehicules, especially velomobiles for those who want protection from the elements. Right now though, they aren't well-known, some look like pieces thrown together, and are associated with old people. In other words, they're "not cool".
#12
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I don't use one because I don't really feel the need for it and I would get lazy and fat-ter.
On the other hand, I think E-bikes are the future of commuter vehicules, especially velomobiles for those who want protection from the elements. Right now though, they aren't well-known, some look like pieces thrown together, and are associated with old people. In other words, they're "not cool".
On the other hand, I think E-bikes are the future of commuter vehicules, especially velomobiles for those who want protection from the elements. Right now though, they aren't well-known, some look like pieces thrown together, and are associated with old people. In other words, they're "not cool".
Thanks all!
#13
always rides with luggage
I see a couple of guys going in the opposite direction on E-bikes a day... always the same two guys. One of them switches to a regular bike in inclement weather, which I found interesting. When he's on the e-bike, he always has the worst smug expression on his face, so I was pretty shocked to see him on a regular bike on a chance-of-rain day. The other is an older, larger gentleman whom I saw yelling at a roadie passing him the other day:
"What are you doing, you can't pass me! You don't have electricity!"
(As far as I could tell, the roadie smoked him anyway. But as a regular reader of children's books, I found the rhyme hilarious. )
"What are you doing, you can't pass me! You don't have electricity!"
(As far as I could tell, the roadie smoked him anyway. But as a regular reader of children's books, I found the rhyme hilarious. )
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--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
#14
Banned
#1 you're in San Jose California, the Petroleum fueled Car is King in America.
Know they sell well in NL, and manufacturers all offer PedalElec bikes .
I have experienced, those winds off the North Sea, can blow hard,
over the Low Country.
LBS, here, sells several a month..
Know they sell well in NL, and manufacturers all offer PedalElec bikes .
I have experienced, those winds off the North Sea, can blow hard,
over the Low Country.
LBS, here, sells several a month..
Last edited by fietsbob; 03-08-12 at 11:50 AM.
#15
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My reason for not using one is called a cassette. One can get a phenomenal spectrum of gear choices that would allow one to climb a wall if necessary. Cogs as big as 36t and chainrings as small as 22t. And if that's still not a low enough gear to traverse a given hill one can always resort to 'switchbacks'. They involve wheeling back and forth across the road to cut down the angle of the hill. Wouldn't recommend trying the technique in traffic, though.
#16
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I see a couple of guys going in the opposite direction on E-bikes a day... always the same two guys. One of them switches to a regular bike in inclement weather, which I found interesting. When he's on the e-bike, he always has the worst smug expression on his face, so I was pretty shocked to see him on a regular bike on a chance-of-rain day. The other is an older, larger gentleman whom I saw yelling at a roadie passing him the other day:
"What are you doing, you can't pass me! You don't have electricity!"
(As far as I could tell, the roadie smoked him anyway. But as a regular reader of children's books, I found the rhyme hilarious. )
"What are you doing, you can't pass me! You don't have electricity!"
(As far as I could tell, the roadie smoked him anyway. But as a regular reader of children's books, I found the rhyme hilarious. )
Thanks.
#17
always rides with luggage
But back to pedal-assist systems, I did once test-ride a recumbent trike that had such a system (back when the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford were my neighbors). It only worked when it was switched on AND when you were pedalling. Holy cow, I felt like Superman whipping around the courtyard on that thing.
I have no trouble wearing just a helmet at a 15-17mph pace. But with the assist, I'd have no trouble breaking 25, where extra safety apparatus might be required, which might in turn interfere with pedalling.
I have no trouble wearing just a helmet at a 15-17mph pace. But with the assist, I'd have no trouble breaking 25, where extra safety apparatus might be required, which might in turn interfere with pedalling.
__________________
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2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
#18
always rides with luggage
The comment you had with the one who switches to their regular bike when the weather turns foul makes me wonder what the reason would be? I know most systems are pretty weather proof. But from what I gather these two you speak of are not real "cyclists" but just commuters?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
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My next n+1 is an electric pedal assist cargo bike. With groceries, my youngest son, and enough decent hills, my wife wouldnt be able to do it without the assist. Id probably even have a hard time doing it. They are heavy and I havent figured out how to get it up the stairs into the house though (and where to put it once in the house), but since I dont have a garage and I dont want to leave it outside, I havent purchased it yet. For commuting though? I wouldnt bother, just HTFU.
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#1 you're in San Jose California, the Petroleum fueled Car is King in America.
Know they sell well in NL, and manufacturers all offer PedalElec bikes .
I have experienced, those winds off the North Sea, can blow hard,
over the Low Country.
LBS, here, sells several a month..
Know they sell well in NL, and manufacturers all offer PedalElec bikes .
I have experienced, those winds off the North Sea, can blow hard,
over the Low Country.
LBS, here, sells several a month..
My reason for not using one is called a cassette. One can get a phenomenal spectrum of gear choices that would allow one to climb a wall if necessary. Cogs as big as 36t and chainrings as small as 22t. And if that's still not a low enough gear to traverse a given hill one can always resort to 'switchbacks'. They involve wheeling back and forth across the road to cut down the angle of the hill. Wouldn't recommend trying the technique in traffic, though.
But back to pedal-assist systems, I did once test-ride a recumbent trike that had such a system (back when the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford were my neighbors). It only worked when it was switched on AND when you were pedalling. Holy cow, I felt like Superman whipping around the courtyard on that thing.
I have no trouble wearing just a helmet at a 15-17mph pace. But with the assist, I'd have no trouble breaking 25, where extra safety apparatus might be required, which might in turn interfere with pedalling.
I have no trouble wearing just a helmet at a 15-17mph pace. But with the assist, I'd have no trouble breaking 25, where extra safety apparatus might be required, which might in turn interfere with pedalling.
Thank you all for being involved!
#21
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My next n+1 is an electric pedal assist cargo bike. With groceries, my youngest son, and enough decent hills, my wife wouldnt be able to do it without the assist. Id probably even have a hard time doing it. They are heavy and I havent figured out how to get it up the stairs into the house though (and where to put it once in the house), but since I dont have a garage and I dont want to leave it outside, I havent purchased it yet. For commuting though? I wouldnt bother, just HTFU.
#22
Banned
Stoke Monkey was built around using the space left behind the seatpost
of Xtracycle conversions ... and big dummy frames.
motor is driving the left side of a crossover tandem crank.
Many bike companies offer the option of a Hub motor in a Longtail,
Trek is one ..
you need the cooperation and enthusiasm of the wife ,
to replace the car with something without a heater.
of Xtracycle conversions ... and big dummy frames.
motor is driving the left side of a crossover tandem crank.
Many bike companies offer the option of a Hub motor in a Longtail,
Trek is one ..
you need the cooperation and enthusiasm of the wife ,
to replace the car with something without a heater.
Last edited by fietsbob; 03-08-12 at 12:36 PM.
#23
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Thanks for that. I actually have yet to consider the application of pedal assist for a cargo bike scenario, and you bring up great points regarding load. How would you feel about this pedal assisted cargo bike replacing your main vehicle? In a sense it does become your commuter vehicle? Thanks again.
Last edited by Hendricks97; 03-08-12 at 12:38 PM. Reason: typo
#24
always rides with luggage
Perhaps not. We would need to find some of those people and check.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
#25
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Stoke Monkey was built around using the space left behind the seatpost
of Xtracycle conversions ... and big dummy frames.
motor is driving the left side of a crossover tandem crank.
Many bike companies offer the option of a Hub motor in a Longtail,
Trek is one ..
you need the cooperation and enthusiasm of the wife ,
to replace the car with something without a heater.
of Xtracycle conversions ... and big dummy frames.
motor is driving the left side of a crossover tandem crank.
Many bike companies offer the option of a Hub motor in a Longtail,
Trek is one ..
you need the cooperation and enthusiasm of the wife ,
to replace the car with something without a heater.
Im hoping it will replace the 2nd car. Unfortunately with our needs, we will always need one car. It will never replace the commuters though since theres no need for it when Im going to work alone or my wife is going to her job alone. Thats why its an n+1. It will join the road bike, the fat bike, the hybrid(bad weather/small cargo), the tandem, the wifes hybrid commuter, the kids bikes, etc.
Thanks again all, and anything helps.