Wow those things are like Rolls Royce's of eBikes.

Optibike efficiency
 

Adamtki-

Another Optibike owner here, 800Li as well.

I have done about 3500miles of commuting. Here are some of my power usage numbers:
my best numbers, running full power, is 18 Wh/mi, averaging 25-26mph for 40 miles.

Typically, I can get 22.5 wh/mi with moderate effort, averaging 23-24mph, for around 32 miles.

When cold, I get less capacity, so the numbers get scewed dueto less Whrs.

The chain and cassette DO wear faster. Moderate noise level.

This is all for the benefit of an awesomely fast, safe and stable ride, and great range.

I know of Opti guys getting 60-70 miles if they ride at 20mph.

Hope it helps.

Thanks for the info. It DOES make sense that the chain and cassette wear out faster. I'd love to have a chain driven electric bike one day. Hopefully, as another poster stated, Optibike can make just the frames with the motor built in all sorts of frame styles.

No matter how high quality gear drive , it is going to make noise.
On bike path with no noise of cars around you will be recognised as "motorized" no matter how you hide motor and battery.
Low center of gravity - no with radicolusly high mounted Opti extra B battery over seat post.
Optibike has some obvious faults which are embarassing like outdated wasting power halogen lights, for that much money it shoud have top of the line HID light. With all those science which went into it, still front fender is too short, you simply going splash water over BB and your pants all the time in rain, just look at the side how will water spray under centrifugal force - embarassing.
Hub motor has ONE moving part in it - you just cannot beat this- versus all that gears of Opti.
MC

Hello Kel-

I have one of these. The bike is one heck of an e-bike.

Biggest Pros:
1. Good torque accross all gears.
2. The best efficiency of any similiar powered bike.
3. The best range.
4. Great suspension for on-off road.

Cons:
1. Price.
2. Sizing - frame is fixed for a given range of people.
3. Chain drive maintenance- more attention needed compared to a hub.
4. GEar noise - interal to motor.

In Fast mode, I can easily maintain 25mph for 35+ miles.

In ECO mode, I maintain 20-21mph for 50-55 miles.

Dan

Mabman-

Opti claims to meet the federal power limit in three ways:
1. Power at the wheel is 1hp or less.
2. One can run eco mode and NO pedal assist.
3. Stay in a lower gear.

As to the 2000 mpg claim. I did a calc. see below. I used 35mi/charge, Opti used 50 mi/charge.

Regards,
Dan

MPG Estimates for an Optibike

Constants:
Gasoline : $3.50/gal
BTU 125000 BTU/gal
Electricity : $.15/kWh
BTU 3412 BTU/kWh
Opti Battery $1500 for 1000 cycles
Opti range 35 mi/cycle, fast mode, 25 mph ave
Opti Capacity 0.72 kWh/cycle

Opti efficiency : 35 mi/cycle * 1/0.72 kWh/cycle = 48.61 mi/kWh

Energy Model : MPG per ideal electric-gasoline equivalent.

Energy Conversion: 125000 BTU/gal * 1/ 3412 BTU/kWh = 36.63 kWh/gal

Calculate: 36.63 kWh/gal * 48.61 mi/kWh = 1781 MPG

(Ideal equivalent electrical driven miles from energy of 1 gallon of gas)

Economic Model : MPG per cost of electricity

Economic Conversion: $3.5/gal * 1/$0.15/kWh = 23.33 kWh/gal

Calculate: 23.33kWh/gal * 48.61 mi/kWh = 1134 MPG

(Cost equivalent for electrical driven miles from cost of 1 gallon of gas)

Economic Model : MPG per cost of electricity and battery

Battery costs: $1500/1000 cycle = $1.50/cycle
Electricity costs: $0.15/kWh * 0.72 kWh/cycle = $0.11/cycle

Total Electrical Costs : $1.50/cycle + $0.11/cycle = $1.61/cycle

Economic Conversion: $3.5/gal * 1/$1.61/cycle * 0.72kWh/cycle = 1.57 kWh/gal

Calculate: 1.57kWh/gal * 48.61 mi/kWh = 76.1 MPG

(Cost equivalent for electrical driven miles from cost of 1 gallon of gas and battery charge)




Low-speed electric bicycle. Electric bicycles are bikes with operable pedals and an
attached battery-powered electric motor. Federal law defines a low-speed electric bicycle
as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor with a
power output of less than 750 watts, with a maximum speed, when powered by the motor,
of less than 20 mph (15 U.S.C. 2085). Low-speed bicycles do not meet federal definitions
for motor-vehicles and are subject to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
regulations. [/QUOTE]

[/QUOTE]And CA. Law:

406. (a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or
three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by
human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical
energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor which produces less
than 2 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the
device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level
ground.
(b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully
operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric
motor that meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.
(2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than
20 miles per hour on ground level.
(3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device
when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than
20 miles per hour.
(4) Every manufacturer of motorized bicycles, as defined in this
subdivision, shall provide a disclosure to buyers that advises buyers
that their existing insurance policies may not provide coverage for
these bicycles and that they should contact their insurance company
or insurance agent to determine if coverage is provided.
(c) The disclosure required under paragraph (4) of subdivision (b)
shall meet both of the following requirements:
(1) The disclosure shall be printed in not less than 14-point
boldface type on a single sheet of paper that contains no information
other than the disclosure.
(2) The disclosure shall include the following language in capital
letters:
"YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES MAY NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENTS
INVOLVING THE USE OF THIS BICYCLE. TO DETERMINE IF COVERAGE IS
PROVIDED YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT."[/QUOTE]


States either follow Fed regs, other states or set their own path for their own regs, but any bikes that are brought in to this country for sale legally should meet those requirements, as well as those that produce them in the US. Not much to be done here other than lobby to modify the regulations in to a more realistic environment for not only electric bikes but all Low Speed Vehicles. But that will take a concerted effort unless someone comes up with a million $'s to throw around like Segway did.


[/QUOTE]You might be right. I based my claim on a discussion with a the owner of a local gas engine bicycle assist shop.[/QUOTE]

And he was correct in his view for gas engine bicycles which are limited to 49cc and 30 mph federally and under many states including CO.
[/QUOTE]Motorscooter and motorbicycle. A motorscooter and motorbicycle are defined as
every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the
ground, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, and an automatic
transmission which produces a maximum design speed of not more than
30 miles per hour (mph) on a flat surface.[/QUOTE]

And CA as referenced above 406 (a).


[/QUOTE]That's not quite right. 2.125 Ah per mile works out to 85 Wh/mile (since the bike has a 40V battery) or, equivalently, (1/0.085) mile/kWh. If we agree that 1 gallon of gas = 82.049kWh, my mileage equivalence is (82/0.085) = 970 mpg.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I went to bed last night knowing my math was off, but still I doubt the 400, unless way more pedaling is done than motor, has the battery to pull off 100 miles unless they carry more than one which raises weight level and compromises handling. The mpg is secondary really because there are alternative ways to gain energy for electric and ICE motors that are environmentally non invasive, like wind, solar, hydro and bio fuels. Getting the best mpg or ah out of either is certainly the main goal though for ultimate sustainability.

[/QUOTE]I believe the folks at Optibike pulled a fast one when they issued a press release that talks about selling the only 2000mpg hybrid vehicle in the US, and then discussed the best selling 800Li. They were referring to different bikes - the 400 model should get the claimed 2000mpg, whie the 800Li is their best selling model.[/QUOTE]

That is not clear on their website, as I said they are pushing the performance aspect. More power to them and their product does have good performance, but just don't guild the lily.


[/QUOTE]You can go faster with a 72 volt Crystalyte 5xxx, but you'll have a much heavier bike with a 23 pound wheel that is far less efficient at low speeds. If that's what you want, I'm happy for you. Really. No other option I know of has anything close to the acceleration of my Optibike, the overall efficiency, the great handling, etc. I asked Jeremy how far up Pike's peak his best bike would make it. How far will yours?[/QUOTE]

How about we skip Pikes Peak, it has been done already, how about the Triple Bypass? Or a motor assist RAAM?

[/QUOTE]Seriously, I'd like to know what bike you would put up against an Optibike that will get similar performance. It is hard to find peers if you limit yourself to one dimension of performance, but if you consider cruising, hill climbing, acceleration and handling together it is hard to find anything remotely comparable.[/QUOTE]

Let's just assume that there is. Keep in mind that your bike gains that overall performance through the use of your gearing system that is not automatic as per your states and most others regs, see bold(s) above. Is that a good reg? I don't think so but there it sets and will stay that way until it changes.

[/QUOTE]I live near enough the factory to have visited them several times and met many of the characters who work there. The company is run by a mechanical engineer whose focus is on the drivetrain and mechanics of the bikes. Marketing, user interface, and growth have clearly been neglected, but they really do build a great product and support their customers.[/QUOTE]

No doubt they have a good team of folks on this that are interested in the big picture, getting folks out of gas guzzlers for shorter trips for one. And on to bicycles for another. For the greater good though they should be setting a better example in regards to current regs or have a strong lobbying effort going on to make the regs different.

[/QUOTE]I agree with the general tone of your criticism and have written to the company expressing my opinion in no uncertain terms.[/QUOTE]

As I said before, not picking on Optibike as it is on the right track. The legal aspect of motor assist biking interests me because it is the key to its success I feel along with those pertaining to LSV's in general. The current laws are in line with reality up to a point but there are some mods needed that would bring companies like Optibike in to compliance. It won't get done flaunting the existing ones however. Thanks for the interaction on this as it helps me to better understand the situation myself.

Sorry about the quote thing, hopefully tis not too hard to read. And this is a solution to your LED issue? http://www.ebikes.ca/drainbrain.shtml[/QUOTE]

Miro-

[No matter how high quality gear drive , it is going to make noise.
On bike path with no noise of cars around you will be recognised as "motorized" no matter how you hide motor and battery]
Hubs are "motorized" too. On paths, people care more about curteous behavior, more than a low noise from a geared hub. A plus for it is a warning mechanism when on a path.

Direct drive hubs won't fool a bike path police if you fly by them at 20mph.

Both Opti and silent hubs will get a pass when they show path manners, and even just ride by people under human power - no noise there with Opti, and NO MOTOR drag either.

[Low center of gravity - no with radicolusly high mounted Opti extra B battery over seat post.]

Most owners don't have or need the extra pack. It is still a low CoG.

[Optibike has some obvious faults which are embarassing like outdated wasting power halogen lights, for that much money it shoud have top of the line HID light. ]
I replaced mine with 3W LED bulbs.

[With all those science which went into it, still front fender is too short, you simply going splash water over BB and your pants all the time in rain, just look at the side how will water spray under centrifugal force - embarassing.]
You are correct. The front fender does not protect the splash.


[Hub motor has ONE moving part in it - you just cannot beat this- versus all that gears of Opti.
MC[/quote]]

Uhhh... it does beat it going up steeper hills, range and maintaining high speeds. But you are right if you put around a parking lot at 15mph, maybe it is better.

Bike_on, how's bike commuting in Laurel? It's been a while since I lived there. I don't recall any bike lanes anywhere, but that was back in the 80's.

Does the Optibike attract any unwanted attention?

In Fast mode, I can easily maintain 25mph for 35+ miles.

In ECO mode, I maintain 20-21mph for 50-55 miles.

Bike On I am wondering if these figures are with peddling as fast as you can or are they just riding without peddling?

Also I am wondering about these claims about Opti Bike being the absolute best. I am a long wheel base recumbent fan. At least on the road there are a couple of options that match Opti Bike. Although I have not ridden one a Rans Stratus with a Eco Speed would match the Opti Bike on performance and beat it to death comfort wise.

Lightfoot Cycles makes several electric bikes using the Cyclone 500 watt motor. Recently they have been using a external controller and 36 volts. With a full fairing they are claiming 30 mph. My son has a Lightfoot World Traveler with the 500 watt 24 volt set up. Will match Opti Bike speed wise, it will cruise 22 mph without peddling. With a new 30 amp battery my son has had his bike up to 27 mph peddling without using the fairing. The full fairing would add a few mph.

So I believe if you are willing to go to the dark side and ride a recumbent you would get a much more comfortable ride and you can build a bike with matching performance figures. Much less expensive than the Opti Bike. Much better suited for road riding or commuting.

I have a Lightfoot Ranger with the 1.6 hp Subaru engine neatly tucked under the seat. Makes too much noise and the vibration is a little much for a completely serene ride. Even with these inefficiencies I can cover a heck of a lot of road very fast if need be. I am planning on retiring in the Boulder area the home of Opti Bike. When I do I will have an electric recumbent that can and will match the Opti Bike in every area except riding trails.

Riding in Laurel
 

Hi Adam-

I live in North Laurel, in Howard County. Most of my riding takes me west, out towards the country roads. My commute goes west, then North up to Sykesville. I have 3-4 main options and several detours to take.

Unwanted attention? None from the police. If I ride a bike path, I am extra careful to be courteous and not rip by walkers/joggers/bikers - nothing to prove. I will typically pass using legs only.

DR

The 25mph in FAST mode is with active pedaling. It is a 50-60min workout with a mix of cruise and spurts. If I was in shape enough, I could maintain 28-32mph on the flats and light grades. I am getting there.

The 20-21 is with a more modest effort, but consistent. I tend to not lean on the motor alone, unless I have ridden hard several days and the legs are dead. Even then, I still spin to get blood flow.

I would consent that the ECO+recumbent+fairling would match and exceed the Opti's average speed. The physics are in the favor of the recumbent. Wind resistance is so prevalent above 20-22mph. For instance, I use aero bars and have an extra throttle on them for the straights. This help not only with wrist fatigue, but I get 1-2mph better speeds.

I will say this, the workmanship of the Optibike is quality. The Cyclone kits at 24V, motor clamps, etc. is minor league here. The suspension and ride puts the bike way up there compared to clunky DIY kits - heavy, wires galore. It is a nice complete package - not perfect, but very high quality workmanship and components. When I ride 150-190 miles a week, at high speeds, I need a reliable bike. I can't wonder if my motor bolts will loosen and fall into my spokes someday.

Not every enthusiast needs an Optibike. I commute 3 years on a Giant Lite ebike - I could ride 16-19mph regularly, like a road biker but with a rack, clothing, lunch and more upright.

Yes, 36V and now you get some power. Cyclone is a gear driven kit and uses the same efficiency principles. Opti does give 850W, and I can EASILY spin on the flats at 28-32mph for miles, no joke.

Enjoy!