Can the pedaling energy charge the battery of an electric bike?

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Drowzzy

Can the mechanical energy of pedaling be stored as electrical energy to be utilized later to run the bicycle automatically? I'm not talking about pure electric bikes that need regular charging, and not even about those that you pedal for a while as the bike stands still and then run it on electric power. I mean can you ride a bike and store the mechanical energy simultaneously? Will it be efficient? If so, then are such e-bikes available in the market, and what are they called so that I may Google for them?

Here's the scenario: I need a bicycle for regular commute, may be even for covering long distances. It's not feasible for a layman to pedal continuously for more than 5 to 10 miles. So I'm looking for a bike that you pedal for sometime, and when you're exhausted, you simply flick a button to make it run on electrical power which has been converted and stored from the mechanical energy of pedaling the bike; and then pedal again and auto-ride again and so forth. Will something like that be technically efficient, since you're moving the bike while pedaling as well as storing your spare energy?

Hope I haven't confused you. Thanks :)

Answer
There is already such a motor on the market. The name escapes me right now but it is a hub built into the rear wheel and it costs about $2000... not the Erbike hub motor... I think it is Electricrider or something like that.

To your request, yes, it is possible and a project I am working on right now. No, I can't and won't divulge details but CAN tell you that you'll see it relatively soon and it WILL be expensive- more expensive than a small motorcycle at this point.

By the way... I typically commute 24 miles (one way) to work on a bicycle, no problem. 5-10 mile commute is simple for most committed riders.

What is the lifespan of an electric bike?

archa_pyus

Say you have an electric bicycle that is used daily, capable of a 30 mile range before needing re-fuelling and a speed range of 3-15mph.

What would be its likely lifespan, i.e. when would the whole thing have to be replaced?

I do not need exact measurements, just the general idea, as it is for a project for which i have to design an electric bike, which i know nothing about.

thank you!

Answer
The life span of an electric bike is mostly determined by the battery. Batteries can have a memory and if recharged before depleting it completely will reduce the capacity and can affect the range.

I would do some research on batteries. You can also look up motorized hubs to put on bikes, they make for the cleanest design.

Motors are rated in watts and most states have regulations that control the maximum amount of power that you can use.

http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/info/buyingguide/

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