Wednesday, December 4, 2013

CAN or could you convert a 10 speed bike to a three wheeler that you could peddle an also run off of SOLAR ?

best electric bike under 1500 on Gary Edwards in North Carolina, USA, has this one:
best electric bike under 1500 image



James S


POWER
HOW much would it cost to build a bike like that?
where in the USA could i get this done



Answer
There are a few people doing this sort of thing. Most start with a trike of some description.

Here is an example. based on a recumbent trike.
http://www.solartrike.com/

Unless you need an extraordinary long range (e.g. crossing the continent) you are probably best to stay with and electric bike/trike or use a conversion kit. The weight, expense and fragile nature of most solar panels on the market don't make a good choice for a day-to-day vehicle. The best place for solar panels is on your house roof as part of a grid connected system. (can also be used to charge batteries)

If you are really keen to go with a solar powered vehicle then there are panels that can do the job for you. If you shop around for common silicon based panels then you can get them for under $10 dollar a watt. You will need about 200 watts to maintain a bike and rider at speeds of 20 mph (32km/h) on flat ground. The panel would need to be
about 1.5 sqr yards for this. If your budget extends far enough then you could go for triple layer Gallium arsenide panels that output about twice the power per sqr metre. These are used on satellites and priced as you might expect.

The next ingredient is an electric drive system. Again there are heaps to choose from
For variety, choice and ease of fitting these are hard to beat. (There others that are good as well) If you are planning on using it a lot, it is worth parting with a little extra cash, to get the much lighter and larger capacity LiFePo4 batteries. (smaller battery if carring solar panels) About $300 for the kit and anywhere from $100- $700 for batteries.
http://www.cyclone-usa.com/

Last but not least, the bike/trike that you use as your platform. If you are going to this much trouble you are probably best to start with a ready-made or custom trike. I would suggest a recumbent as they have a low centre of gravity and offer significant advantages in wind resistance. Here is some examples of some entry level trikes. There are of course others.
http://www.actionbent.com/GendTadpoles.html

If this isnât enough to put you off, then consider that a reasonably trained cyclist can usually match most legal electric bicycles for speed and blow them to the weeds for range. A good road bike about $1500 training will take a couple of months. The enjoyment and health benefits last a lifetime.

Iâm interested in putting a solar powered vehicle like this together. Just find it difficult to justify the expense.

What do you think of Electric bicycles?




Eartha Q


are they worth the price?
bikernoj ,
Gosh ! Maybe I have a reason for asking besides being fat and lazy???
Me too M R ! It's a simple question for goodness sake.
Dear Lime ..did it ever occur to you that I might have my reasons for asking!! Is that OK with you???
Thanks Bob Lahblah ..I was trying to get some informed information..but it seems the bike enthusiasts are not very nice people.



Answer
Legal Low Powered Electric Assist bikes are now becoming a great alternative for tens of thousands of commuters in the US. Use an ebike for commuting and save the price of the ebike in insurance savings and service costs, And still get a workout- no more time on that dreaded treadmill at the spa.

Some young fit folks may never need one, but, if you are one of the folks that really does not want to take their car EVERYWHERE, especially to just get a loaf of bread, Ebikes may be the thing for you.

They all have on/off switches and a way to control the level of assist. People might use maximum assist going to work, but minimum assist going home for a workout. If you have asthma or arthritis, an ebike makes the bicycling world yours again- on good days- minimum assist, on bad days - you still don't have to get in the car- just use more assist.

Fifty percent of households own bicyles but less than 5% of them use them regularly. Over 50% of households with ebikes use them on a regular basis.

Some people use their $2,000 racing bike as a roof ornament and a badge of being a yuppie. Other people take ebikes every where, saving lots of money, helping the environment, and stayiing quite fit. YOU DO HAVE TO PEDAL, other wise your range is really shortened.

Right now you can get an ebike that will go 30 miles, (with your pedal assist) make it up most any hill in most cities, feels like a normal bike, can bring home 40 lbs of groceries and has no more service issues than a normal bicycle -for about $1500. And have local service in MANY US cities.

There are today some really great ebikes, much better than 3 years ago. The Bionx, www.bionx.ca , has the most bicycle like feel, and great range. Cyclone, www.cyclone-usa.com , has the most power.
Crystalyte system kits have pretty good value
http://www.poweridestore.com .

In most US states, Ebikes are legally limited to 20mph under electric power, must have pedals that work, less than 750 watts of power, and 2 or 3 wheels (not 4), and are legal where other bikes are legal. Check your state though.

For reasons of test riding and long term support, it is highly suggested that you buy your first one from a local dealer, unless you like to work on such things your self.

The average ebike rider puts on more miles than the average regular bike rider. Why? Ebikes are more fun, less hassle, and there are just less excuses to take the car.

Many ebikes are also light enough to be put on many city busses and trains- helping with "multi-mode" commuting.

(But be careful, there is some junk out there)

What is the best kind of bicycle? The one you will ride.

Try the following yahoo discussion group for indepth information on specific ebikes:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/power-assist/

There are great ebike dealers in Texas, Colorado, Seattle, Georgia, New York, California, Kansas, Illinois, Utah, Nevada; the list goes on and on.




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Title Post: CAN or could you convert a 10 speed bike to a three wheeler that you could peddle an also run off of SOLAR ?
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