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-   -   Looking to give up the car - Go Electric? (https://www.bikeforums.net/electric-bikes/318188-looking-give-up-car-go-electric.html)

PunkMartyr 07-07-07 12:39 PM

Looking to give up the car - Go Electric?
 
Hello

I am looking at alternatives to driving a car. I have a 15 mile commute each way to work. Can you tell me what brands and modes of transportation you would look at in my scenario?

I wanted to get a Schwinn Continental but they are new to the states and the dealer I was going to buy from is saying they have had some quality control issues implementing them. I don't really believe this though, I think he is trying to push the sale of another product or doesn't feel like special ordering. The site says they get around 60 miles a charge and have top speed of 15-18 mph

I would be interested in other modes transportation to and from work.. but to be honest.. and this is going to sound corny so wait for it.. I want to look cool doing it. I've been doing some research and seen everything from gas powered rollerblades to mopeds and lets just say some of the options out there, not so cool looking. Or maybe everyone has their own flavor of ice cream.

Ok so other than looking cool while traveling which I don't think is too much to ask, I also want speed but not require a special license and of course some reliability. What suggestions would you have for me? In the meantime I will keep doing research on my own.

Allen 07-07-07 03:53 PM

You can still find them online (new old stock), I really like my Giant Lite. They are around $1200, and I've used mine like an old pickup truck for thousands of miles, it's been great. 30 miles round trip is about the limit to the Giant's range, you would need a second battery or carry the charger to work and top it off before you go home.

PunkMartyr 07-07-07 05:59 PM

Thanks for the advice, your bike looks gorgeous. Also I did some more research on the Schwinn Continental model. I think the reason my dealer is being so standoffish is that they are backordered into October.

Does your model's motor create a lot of sound? I have heard the Schwinn izip on youtube and it sounds alright. I would assume other models sound about like that.

Allen 07-07-07 08:41 PM

Thanks, I'm proud of her.

It makes a noise, but it's pretty quiet, probably 30-35dB.
The motor is behind the bottom bracket, so the tire not acting like a resonator may be part of it. The Lite is noticeably quieter than my father's Estelle

kork 07-09-07 07:37 PM

30-35 db is the same loudness as my video projector and 10 feet away I cannot hear it.

adamtki 07-10-07 01:16 AM

We own both a Giant (LaFree) Lite and a Bionx system. While the Lite is ok regarding the noise level, the Bionx is significantly quieter. Most riders won't even hear any extra noise the first time they ride it though they can feel the small vibrations from the acceleration. In terms of the cool factor, I really like the new line of Schwinn electric bikes. And I would place Bionx 2nd to the Schwinns.

Zeuser 07-10-07 08:35 AM

AllenG's bike is sweet. Who needs a car? His bike hauls more stuff than my car.

The Bionx is very silent. Unless you're sitting on the seat you really can't hear the motor. And you don't really hear the motor, you just feel the vibration through the frame when it accelerates of regens under braking.

I acutally prefer the Bionx over the Schwinns sold at Canadian Tire simply because of the extra performance and lighter weight.

keraba 07-17-07 07:27 PM


Originally Posted by PunkMartyr (Post 4805837)

The site says they get around 60 miles a charge and have top speed of 15-18 mph

That's a little hard to believe. 60 miles over 15mph is 4 hours. 240 watts over 24 volts is 10 amps. 4 hours * 10 amps = 40 amp hours is about 12 lead acid batteries. I don't think so.

I have a 20 mile each-way commute that I use a Crystalyte motor on. I have 48V * 10 amp-hour of NiMH batteries. This let's me ride 25+mph but I charge at work. The hub motor doesn't make any noise that I can hear.

I would highly recommend an electric bike. I don't know how in shape you are. I can make the commute without the motor, but it's *much* easier and faster with the motor. It's a struggle riding every day without the motor but a cakewalk with it.

One of those xtracycles would be fantastic. I carry my clothes in a backpack. (The rack holds the charger.) With a carrier like the xtracycle, heck, you could carry a solar panel! :)

mike-on-da-bike 02-21-08 05:00 AM

most likely the bike may just get there faster than the car,it certainly is good to have your own gas station at home you cant really beat that

meanjoegreen 02-25-08 10:43 PM

www.ebikehub.com

you can find a link to every company that manufactures ebikes or conversion kits, in addition to dealer info and links to almost every e-bike forum that exists.

Abneycat 02-25-08 11:01 PM

This thread hasn't had a post in 7 months.


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