Is my commute possible with an e-bike?
02-14-12, 08:18 PM
#1
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Is my commute possible with an e-bike?
I'm considering a BionX system or a custom setup as an add-on to my Fuji hybrid. I really want to commute to work, but my office is 21 miles from home (one-way by bike, calculated with Cyclopath.org).
I can easily spare an hour each way for the commute, but I don't want to commute for two hours each way. Is it possible to use an e-bike to speed up my commute and cut down on the time, or am I just dreaming? Can you maintain a 20 mph pace with an e-bike? About half of my commute would be on bike paths. I have an office and shower at work, so I can change and charge batteries while there.
I can easily spare an hour each way for the commute, but I don't want to commute for two hours each way. Is it possible to use an e-bike to speed up my commute and cut down on the time, or am I just dreaming? Can you maintain a 20 mph pace with an e-bike? About half of my commute would be on bike paths. I have an office and shower at work, so I can change and charge batteries while there.
02-14-12, 10:18 PM
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What state do you live in?
20mph sustainable is quite easy on an ebike..
Bike "Paths" are usually not usable by people with motors on their bikes.
Do you have bike lanes?
The cost to go 21miles one way is gonna be somewhere in the $650-$700 range.
Pm me for more info. N
20mph sustainable is quite easy on an ebike..
Bike "Paths" are usually not usable by people with motors on their bikes.
Do you have bike lanes?
The cost to go 21miles one way is gonna be somewhere in the $650-$700 range.
Pm me for more info. N
02-15-12, 10:16 AM
#3
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I'm in Minnesota. Part of the ride has bike lanes, but this commute is in an average suburban street setting.
Cost is not the biggest factor, I'm looking for (1) the shortest commute time; and (2) something fun!
Cost is not the biggest factor, I'm looking for (1) the shortest commute time; and (2) something fun!
02-15-12, 12:03 PM
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My ebike is not that fast as a result of the motor/gearing. I average about 15 MPH with electric assist and can only average 12 MPH on a regular bike. My experience is also that an ebike is too fast and powerful for a shared bike path and may be illegal in some areas. I stick to suburban streets and ride next to cars. I would map out the shortest street route with safe turns and intersections and not too high speed traffic.
02-15-12, 03:00 PM
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I would send a PM, but this forum prevents me from doing that until I have 50 posts. Send me one instead with an e-mail address. Or feel free to post it here. 
02-16-12, 01:08 PM
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Do you have a drivers license?
(You need one)
Realize, you may NOT ride on the sidewalk (Under power)
If those two things are ok with you, then you can get a kit for around $700 that will give you the ability to go 20mph for 25+ miles (You'll have to charge at work)
Realize that the trip will take you about 1.5 hours one way..
Questions? Queries? Comments?
(You need one)
Realize, you may NOT ride on the sidewalk (Under power)
If those two things are ok with you, then you can get a kit for around $700 that will give you the ability to go 20mph for 25+ miles (You'll have to charge at work)
Realize that the trip will take you about 1.5 hours one way..
Questions? Queries? Comments?
02-16-12, 01:22 PM
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My bike goes up to 35 mph and averages around 25 mph (no pedaling). it's a pretty standard build for your commute but you would need a charger at work to charge up your battery.
ebikekit direct drive + controller (lyen or whatever) + 48v lifepo4 15 or 20ah ping battery is basically what you'll need.
ebikekit direct drive + controller (lyen or whatever) + 48v lifepo4 15 or 20ah ping battery is basically what you'll need.
02-16-12, 06:42 PM
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Hi,
You may want to consider safety while contemplating a regular long commute. If you go as fast as you can, remember you are on a bicycle and if you fall you can be seriously injured. Sure... you can ramp up your bike to go dang fast and cut down your travel time. If you travel like this everyday, then eventually an accident will occur. Been there... done that. Broken bones and all (and was wearing protective gear).
Best Regards...
You may want to consider safety while contemplating a regular long commute. If you go as fast as you can, remember you are on a bicycle and if you fall you can be seriously injured. Sure... you can ramp up your bike to go dang fast and cut down your travel time. If you travel like this everyday, then eventually an accident will occur. Been there... done that. Broken bones and all (and was wearing protective gear).
Best Regards...
