What's up with all the sarcasm for electric bicylists?
02-02-07, 06:56 PM
#76
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Originally Posted by squeakywheel
Edit: That said, I don't see much advantage to scooters and electric assisted bikes over just a plain old bike. I mean what you add in horse power, I think you deduct in terms of weight versus efficiency. I'd challenge anyone with a moped to a race anyday with my light road bike.
But for the e-bikes, on flat or downhill terrain, you'd win easily since most of them stop assisting at 20mph (mine starts to taper out at around 21).
02-03-07, 12:40 PM
#77
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My own personal bias is that if you are going to add power, you might as well step up to a real motorcycle.
02-03-07, 05:46 PM
#78
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Originally Posted by Artkansas
My own personal bias is that if you are going to add power, you might as well step up to a real motorcycle.
02-04-07, 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by ft_critical
Are you disabled?
This is what it amounts to; If you are a cyclist and you are harassing someone for riding any variety of bike, KNOCK IT OFF. Who knows maybe eventually he will 'graduate' and ride a 'real' bicycle. Until then congratulate and encourage anyone you see on a bicycle.
Build it up.
02-04-07, 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Lossy
Are you a troll? What does it matter? The man rides a bike. Not a scooter, not a motorcycle, not a Moped, to work, thus he commutes. This is the commuting forum after all. He wanted to know why everyone had so much hate towards a fellow bike commuter. As it is we get enough hate from outside.
This is what it amounts to; If you are a cyclist and you are harassing someone for riding any variety of bike, KNOCK IT OFF. Who knows maybe eventually he will 'graduate' and ride a 'real' bicycle. Until them congratulate and encourage anyone you see on a bicycle.
Build it up.
This is what it amounts to; If you are a cyclist and you are harassing someone for riding any variety of bike, KNOCK IT OFF. Who knows maybe eventually he will 'graduate' and ride a 'real' bicycle. Until them congratulate and encourage anyone you see on a bicycle.
Build it up.
According to this definition, he is infact not on a bicycle: "A bicycle, or bike, is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. "
https://www.reference.com/search?q=bicycle
So he should find another place for his posts.
02-04-07, 09:20 PM
#82
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Originally Posted by ft_critical
No.
According to this definition, he is infact not on a bicycle: "A bicycle, or bike, is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. "
https://www.reference.com/search?q=bicycle
So he should find another place for his posts.
According to this definition, he is infact not on a bicycle: "A bicycle, or bike, is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. "
https://www.reference.com/search?q=bicycle
So he should find another place for his posts.
02-04-07, 09:52 PM
#83
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An electric bike is still a bike.
https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bicycle
1) a vehicle with two wheels in tandem, usually propelled by pedals connected to the rear wheel by a chain, and having handlebars for steering and a saddlelike seat.
2) A vehicle consisting of a light frame mounted on two wire-spoked wheels one behind the other and having a seat, handlebars for steering, brakes, and two pedals or a small motor by which it is driven.
3) a wheeled vehicle that has two wheels and is moved by foot pedals
https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bicycle
1) a vehicle with two wheels in tandem, usually propelled by pedals connected to the rear wheel by a chain, and having handlebars for steering and a saddlelike seat.
2) A vehicle consisting of a light frame mounted on two wire-spoked wheels one behind the other and having a seat, handlebars for steering, brakes, and two pedals or a small motor by which it is driven.
3) a wheeled vehicle that has two wheels and is moved by foot pedals
02-04-07, 10:48 PM
#84
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Originally Posted by ft_critical
No.
According to this definition, he is infact not on a bicycle: "A bicycle, or bike, is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. "
https://www.reference.com/search?q=bicycle
So he should find another place for his posts.
According to this definition, he is infact not on a bicycle: "A bicycle, or bike, is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. "
https://www.reference.com/search?q=bicycle
So he should find another place for his posts.
IMO the OP does not utilize his bicycle with an optional electric assist as a dedicated scooter. If he did so he would more likely purchase a moped or any other variety of electric or fuel powered vehicle that would be much more efficient, and faster.
Since he is using it as a bicycle with an extra additional feature you need to realize not everyone can utilize a bicycle that is intended to go at a high rate of speed. At the moment it enables him to commute without using a car or walking. This has an array of benefits of which I would hope you would be aware, since you are in fact posting on a cycling forum.
This optionaly powered electric bicycle allows him to bridge the gap between being a pretentious ass in an SUV with a recycle sticker, to someone who is actually concerned about their selves, the environment and future generations well being.
Since you are discouraging any mindset that does this that is not yours, you are halting the growth of what may well be the pebble in the pond.
An electric bike doesn't hurt anyone. If you have ever complained about an automobile pilot who has honked at you for slowing them down, you have no right to say any single discouraging thing to someone. That cager wasn't impeded by your presence, nor are you by the OP's.
02-05-07, 12:56 AM
#85
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The moment you add non-trivial non-human power to a bike, you no longer have a bicycle but a motorcycle, moped or even "hybrid bike"--just not "bicycle."
This doesn’t necessarily imply anything about the person riding it—especially if the purpose is commuting. If it can save you gas $ and prevent the burning of petroleum, do whatever works for you. On the other hand, if you’re out for sport riding—an eclectic bike defeats the purpose of refining your physical fitness.
I haven’t seen all the different model’s, but my room mate has a Pacific brand. The thing’s a hog—it feels like about 100 pounds. I tried it one time and the 600 Watt electric motor really can go. However, if you’re not using the motor, it absolutely sucks as a bike. If you haven't done this, try an ultralight bike with clipless peddles.
This doesn’t necessarily imply anything about the person riding it—especially if the purpose is commuting. If it can save you gas $ and prevent the burning of petroleum, do whatever works for you. On the other hand, if you’re out for sport riding—an eclectic bike defeats the purpose of refining your physical fitness.
I haven’t seen all the different model’s, but my room mate has a Pacific brand. The thing’s a hog—it feels like about 100 pounds. I tried it one time and the 600 Watt electric motor really can go. However, if you’re not using the motor, it absolutely sucks as a bike. If you haven't done this, try an ultralight bike with clipless peddles.
02-05-07, 01:19 AM
#86
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Originally Posted by uphillbiker
The moment you add non-trivial non-human power to a bike, you no longer have a bicycle but a motorcycle, moped or even "hybrid bike"--just not "bicycle."
This doesn’t necessarily imply anything about the person riding it—especially if the purpose is commuting. If it can save you gas $ and prevent the burning of petroleum, do whatever works for you. On the other hand, if you’re out for sport riding—an eclectic bike defeats the purpose of refining your physical fitness.
I haven’t seen all the different model’s, but my room mate has a Pacific brand. The thing’s a hog—it feels like about 100 pounds. I tried it one time and the 600 Watt electric motor really can go. However, if you’re not using the motor, it absolutely sucks as a bike. If you haven't done this, try an ultralight bike with clipless peddles.
This doesn’t necessarily imply anything about the person riding it—especially if the purpose is commuting. If it can save you gas $ and prevent the burning of petroleum, do whatever works for you. On the other hand, if you’re out for sport riding—an eclectic bike defeats the purpose of refining your physical fitness.
I haven’t seen all the different model’s, but my room mate has a Pacific brand. The thing’s a hog—it feels like about 100 pounds. I tried it one time and the 600 Watt electric motor really can go. However, if you’re not using the motor, it absolutely sucks as a bike. If you haven't done this, try an ultralight bike with clipless peddles.
02-05-07, 01:30 AM
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Originally Posted by mastershake916
Again, this is the commuting forum.
02-05-07, 01:45 AM
#88
RacingBear
Originally Posted by adamtki
Hmm... so if I decide one day I was just too tired to e-bike it to work and decide to hop on a motorcycle (not that I have one) instead, I'm no longer considered lazy?
02-05-07, 02:00 AM
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Originally Posted by ft_critical
No.
According to this definition, he is infact not on a bicycle: "A bicycle, or bike, is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. "
https://www.reference.com/search?q=bicycle
So he should find another place for his posts.
According to this definition, he is infact not on a bicycle: "A bicycle, or bike, is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. "
https://www.reference.com/search?q=bicycle
So he should find another place for his posts.
02-05-07, 02:29 AM
#90
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Originally Posted by uphillbiker
The moment you add non-trivial non-human power to a bike, you no longer have a bicycle but a motorcycle, moped or even "hybrid bike"--just not "bicycle."
This doesn’t necessarily imply anything about the person riding it—especially if the purpose is commuting. If it can save you gas $ and prevent the burning of petroleum, do whatever works for you. On the other hand, if you’re out for sport riding—an eclectic bike defeats the purpose of refining your physical fitness.
I haven’t seen all the different model’s, but my room mate has a Pacific brand. The thing’s a hog—it feels like about 100 pounds. I tried it one time and the 600 Watt electric motor really can go. However, if you’re not using the motor, it absolutely sucks as a bike. If you haven't done this, try an ultralight bike with clipless peddles.
This doesn’t necessarily imply anything about the person riding it—especially if the purpose is commuting. If it can save you gas $ and prevent the burning of petroleum, do whatever works for you. On the other hand, if you’re out for sport riding—an eclectic bike defeats the purpose of refining your physical fitness.
I haven’t seen all the different model’s, but my room mate has a Pacific brand. The thing’s a hog—it feels like about 100 pounds. I tried it one time and the 600 Watt electric motor really can go. However, if you’re not using the motor, it absolutely sucks as a bike. If you haven't done this, try an ultralight bike with clipless peddles.
You don't have to call it a bicycle. Maybe it's a transformer. When the assist is off, it's just a bike carrying a battery and a motor. When it's on assisting my pedaling, it then becomes a hybrid bike. When I feel like wasting my batteries, I can just hit a button, let my legs rest and it can push me long at 20mph and then it becomes a lame moped.
95% of the time, I use it as a hybrid-bike.
5% of the time, I use it as a regular bike
I've never used the moped mode except just to see how it feels. An electric bike without adding your own power is really senseless. You don't get much mileage per charge if you don't pedal. The whole point of electric bicycles is to combine human power with electric power.
I use mine mainly for commuting. But even if you use it for exercise, it's a perfect use for it. You'll end up pushing yourself as you normally would on a regular bike on level ground and you won't be over straining yourself on the hills. It's a more evened workout.
Most electric bikes today aren't 600 watt 100lb behemoths. Mine is only about 44lbs. When the batteries are dead, it's no different than a regular bike carrying a few books or groceries. Keep in mind, my bike used to be a normal bike. It wasn't the lightest of bikes, but it did weigh about 25 lbs (with all the commuting gear) and I do use clipless pedals.
02-05-07, 05:27 AM
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Originally Posted by adamtki
Mine's about 50-100% human powered, depending on how fast I want to go.
02-05-07, 07:46 AM
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Originally Posted by grolby
I simply don't see what all the fuss is about. Electric assist makes a lot of sense. I don't want it on any of my bikes, for a number of personal reasons. Other folks may have personal reasons for deciding that they do want it - more power to them. If electric assist gets more people riding a bike who otherwise would not choose to cycle, it sounds like an excellent idea to me. I believe that it does do this! That sounds like a win for bicycling and for reducing the environmental impact of how we recreate and/or get to work everyday.
And for what it's worth, if I purchased an Xtracycle or other cargo-hauling bicycle and was using it to haul a couple of children and a few bags of groceries around town on a regular basis, you can bet your butt that I would be throwing some kind of electric assist on there. Living car-free and performing many of the tasks for which we would usually choose a car is difficult to do on human power alone. What's more, calling the use of electric assist "cheating," is discouraging to people of smaller size and strength or reduced physical fitness due to injury, handicaps or illness. Changing the world can't happen unless we make alternatives accessible to everyone without making them feel as if they are lesser human beings for choosing electric assist. It's a big part of what makes car-free or car-lite living possible for many people, and that's not something to sneer about. It you're concerned about people "cheating" by not making the push on physical effort, you're in the wrong forum - that kind of sentiment might be appropriate in the Road Cycling forum. But we're in Commuting, here. It's not about a race, it's not about best times, it's not about getting a good workout. It's about getting to work and back on a bicycle and how to make that possible for as many people as possible.
And for what it's worth, if I purchased an Xtracycle or other cargo-hauling bicycle and was using it to haul a couple of children and a few bags of groceries around town on a regular basis, you can bet your butt that I would be throwing some kind of electric assist on there. Living car-free and performing many of the tasks for which we would usually choose a car is difficult to do on human power alone. What's more, calling the use of electric assist "cheating," is discouraging to people of smaller size and strength or reduced physical fitness due to injury, handicaps or illness. Changing the world can't happen unless we make alternatives accessible to everyone without making them feel as if they are lesser human beings for choosing electric assist. It's a big part of what makes car-free or car-lite living possible for many people, and that's not something to sneer about. It you're concerned about people "cheating" by not making the push on physical effort, you're in the wrong forum - that kind of sentiment might be appropriate in the Road Cycling forum. But we're in Commuting, here. It's not about a race, it's not about best times, it's not about getting a good workout. It's about getting to work and back on a bicycle and how to make that possible for as many people as possible.
Thank you this was the best response yet.
I am also very surprised by all the negative comments. Think about it this way. Many people riding ebikes are people who might otherwise be driving. What ever the reason for choosing an ebike, would you rather have them driving a car or riding their e-bike. The negativism displayed here and on the roads is more likely to encourage them to move to driving a car than to keep with cycling. So even if you are so small minded that you can't see the reasons why others would chose to ebike, keep it to yourself so the rest of us can encourage more people onto cycles instead of autos.
Craig
02-05-07, 08:22 AM
#94
No one carries the DogBoy
I'm thinking responses would be much kinder in the car-free forum. I have no problem with electric assist, and the Stokemonkey varieties certainly are not mopeds. If I were to substitue a car you can bet I'd get an xtracycle and a Stokemonkey. My only concern would then be theft.
02-05-07, 08:37 AM
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Originally Posted by adamtki
But even if you use it for exercise, it's a perfect use for it. You'll end up pushing yourself as you normally would on a regular bike on level ground and you won't be over straining yourself on the hills. It's a more evened workout.
02-05-07, 08:54 AM
#96
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Has anyone hacked the controller software on a BionX or Stokemonkey or eBike (or whatever) to remove the 20mph top speed limiter? Another alternative would be to tell the BionX a smaller-than-correct wheel size, then ignore the controller's speedometer and odometer display and use your own cycle computer instead.
02-05-07, 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by adamtki
But I still get the snide remarks...
Enjoy yourself and be happy. It's nobody's business but yours.
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No worries
No worries
02-05-07, 10:18 AM
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Kudoos to anyone riding an electric bike in lieu of taking their car; a co-worker of mine is a little (well, a lot actually) overweight and rides one of those - gets him a little exercise and a lot of oxygen twice a day - can't be a bad thing, can it!
02-05-07, 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by ragboy
uh? If you're going for exercise, I'd think a regular bike would be your ticket. Why would you want your workout to be "evened" all the time? It's a "work"out.
https://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/main/effort.htm
https://www.treehugger.com/files/2006...tric_bikes.php
And here's a good one that lists the advantages in general:
https://www.atob.org.uk/electricbikeadvantages.htm
02-05-07, 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by bsut
Has anyone hacked the controller software on a BionX or Stokemonkey or eBike (or whatever) to remove the 20mph top speed limiter? Another alternative would be to tell the BionX a smaller-than-correct wheel size, then ignore the controller's speedometer and odometer display and use your own cycle computer instead.