What are my best options for alternative energy?

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Mitch

I'm looking to make it though a Canadian winter without paying my electric bill.
I only need to be able to power a laptop, my phone, and a lamp.
I'm looking for options under $200.
I've already thought about making a bike powered generator, and I'm also looking into the cost of a thermoelectric generator that runs off wood, but I'm still not sure what the best option might be...
Does anyone have any cheap but effective suggestions?

Answer
Well, under 200 dollars probably won't happen, sorry.

You can get a 600 watt wind turbine for under 500 dollars, but you'll also need some batteries, and the rest of the kit.

And in Canada, I'd worry about heat too.

I suppose if that's not an issue, you could rig up a mechanical generator from scratch, but that will take a fair bit of effort, and you'd probably want batteries to go with it.

What will happen to NASCAR when the air pollution activists get their way?

uncleneal

It is coming... the environmentalists are going after NASCAR, Formula One, Grand Prix, and drag racing because they use a lot of fossil fuels and pollute the environment... what will happen to the sport if they place restrictions on air flow and fuel use?
I know some of you have answered that it doesn't use enough fuel, but some will argue that it does use too much fuel compared to average cars, and the amount of air pollution put out is not restricted in any way at all right now...

Answer
First of all, race cars cause little to no pollution, even on petrolium gasoline with alot of lead in it. There is a simple scientific explanation for this. The emissions from vehicles, industrial facilities etc., are infact the chemical components that do not get completely burned off in the prossesses. Because racing engines are more powerful than the rest, (even though the milleage is much worse because of this) they actually have a much more complete burn of the fuel, & the more the horsepower, the more this is true. Infact, some levels of petrolium gasoline burning race engines in Drag Racing (like in Pro Stock & Pro Modified for example) actually achieve complete burn of the gas, thus leaving zero emissions from thier exhaust. The Canadian federal government banned racing gas back in the '90's, but that didn't last long because they were wrong, & now we are allowed to use the high-lead racing gas here again. However, many Drag Racers who race in classes that do not have much restriction on what type of fuel you can use, actually are now using ethanol or methanol (both are types of alcohol) for thier fuel because it is only half the cost of the racing gas, runs cooler (meaning the engine temperatures are lower), & makes more horsepower than the petrolium gasoline does. I have been told that the gas is more consistant for indexed & bracket racing, but many people are opting for the alcohol due to the gas prices. There are a few classes where the petrolium gasoline is still required. These are Stock, Super Stock, Pro Stock, & some (if not all) of the classes in the NSCA-style "Fast Street Car Drag Racing" scene. That's mainly because the cars on the public roads are still mostly using conventional (tho now mostly unleaded) gas & these classes have to maintain a certain amount of similarity to what the public are driving. NASCAR is the same way. As for the Indy Cars, they have never, ever been forced to use alcohol for fuel. They have been running on alcohol for several decades now, by thier own choice, for some of the same reasons that kind of fuel is popular in Drag Racing (except for cost, as alcohol fuel used to be twice the price of racing gas at one time). There are alcohol-only classes in Drag Racing that have been around for several decades too. Top Fuel Dragsters run on rocket propellant-based fuel, believe it or not. As for the enviromentalist going after NASCAR etc., some of thes enviromentalists don't really know that much about the enviroment, & they can't force anyone to do anything anyways. Racing's sanctioning bodies (NASCAR, IRL, F1, NHRA, IHRA, etc.) are the governing bodies in racing, & the politicians can have some effect ofcourse, but they need to please as many of thier people as they can. Ofcourse facts are fact, tho sometimes facts can be ignored. I worry a little, as you never know what can happen. I worry about the future of antique & classic cars too. Will people still be able to restore cars to original & still be able to enjoy them in the future? Only time will tell. These cars too could also run on ethanol or methanol. All they need to do is use different materials for gaskets & fuel lines than the original materials. This does not visually look too different from the original look. They could change the jetting in the carburetors to run better on the alcohol, which is internal & does not effect the original look. The fuel lines could have a coating on the outside to look original. Sorry to get a little off topic there. Also of note, I have a buddy up here in Canada that races in NEDRA (National Electric Drag Racing Association) down in the states. This is not a scale model racing group. These folks actually drive full-sized electric cars, electric bikes, & electric-powered dragsters, competing in electric-powered Drag Racing events! Some people would like to have an excuse to put a stop to motorsports, especially Drag Racing, any excuse, just because they happen to be predjudice, or don't understand. I consider these people to have a serious lack of morals & I consider it as serious as racism. That is how I honestly feel. There are some people who believe that Drag Racing is sort of like "the sleeping giant of the sports, entertainment, & hobby industries", & it would not surprse me if someday in the future Drag Racing becomes bigger than soccer throughout the world. Supercharged Steve Currie, IHRA T/D # 3108

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Dirt bike question?!?

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Amanda

I was wondering if anyone experienced in dirt bikes could help me out.

I am looking to buy a dirt bike but im not sure what one I should get.
I mostly want the back for track riding and not for trail riding. I am a female 5'1 and 100 pounds. I do not want to get a beginners bike but would rather have one I can keep for years to come. I do have a small amount of experience in riding. I was looking more towards a Yamaha but any brand could work.
I want a fast back with a good amount of power. Any help would be much appreciated.
Oh and im 19 almost 20 if that makes any difference.
What about something like a YZ 250F or YZ 250?? Not sure whats better though 2-stroke or 4.

Answer
The seat height on the YZ 125s and 250s will be too much for you. They are almost 40 inches. You will never be able to touch the ground. The ideal situation is sit on the seat and at least be able to touch your toes to the ground on both sides.

Check out the 2013 TTR125 LE 34" seat height, front disc brake, 4 stroke and electric start. Probably would work good for you.
http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelspecs/237/0/specs.aspx
http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/237/0/home.aspx

Who will make plans now to purchase an extended range vehicle, electric, or hydrogen car by 2013 (5 years)?

Chi Guy

To greatly reduce US dependency on oil?

At this time the $30,000 extended range vehicle (300 Mpg), Aptera (ready in 2010) is on my list. By then their may be more options available.

Also, FORD has accepted my concept for another type of extended range vehicle. After all of the paper work and waivers I signed, I hope that it comes into fruition within the next five years.

Will you make plans (plan your budget) to purchase a high miledge (80 Mpg or more) OR alt fuel vehicle within the next five years?
- there - (above)

Answer
i have two of them my feet and my bike
if i need to go any further than those will carry me i will take the train.

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Which yamaha dual sport bike is better?

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Vertigo

I was looking the 2011 WR250X, the 2011 WR250R and the 2012 TW200. I prefer the TW2000 cause is cheaper and dont know it looks nice. But i will like to know the pros and cons of each one, nore concentrated in the TW200. Thanks

Answer
Rule out the wr250x as its street tires will not be good off road.

The wr250r is a dual sport, powerful for a 250 and tall, so you will want to sit on one and see if it fits. While it won't be too comfortable on a highway it is fast enough for one. It would be a good off road bike based on the power and tires.

The TW200 has been sold for years so its easy to find one used, though I think very early models had kick starting only, so check the one you are looking at has electric start. It will be about half the price of the 250, less if you are buying used. Its 200cc engine is not very powerful, so it will not be fast enough for highway driving (top speed is around 60mph). It will be ok on easy trails, but a bit underpowered on anything with steep hills. If it doesn't matter to you about the higher speed and power of the 250, or the 250 is too tall, then I think the TW200 would be a good in town and trail bike, and fine for country riding, and will get really good gas mileage.

do you think the electric vehicle leasing scheme in hong kong will facilitate the use of electric vehicles?

anonymous

Answer
You obviously are responding to a bit of news. It would be best to cite an article or other reference when asking a question like this. What I could find was this article form 2010 that referred to a leasing scheme in Hong Kong as an attempt to combat air pollution in one of the most traffic congested cities in the world. http://blogs.wsj.com/hong-kong/2011/01/31/why-electric-cars-arent-selling/

While electric vehicles should help with pollution issues it might be best to consider the traffic issues as well and then determine that the best EV would be one that is either computer controlled, part of a public transit system, or both.

In addition while the EV will reduce pollution, the gains will not be as great as possible where industry and residences rely upon coal fired power plants, the predominant electric producing facility in China.

China has also already embraced another electric vehicle solution: ebikes. http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681004/electric-bikes-have-invaded-china-is-the-us-next#1 with now more than 120 million on the roads. Because it is smaller, lighter more of them can fit on to a roadway, they are cheaper to own and to operate. Ebikes as an electric vehicle are already a success in China.

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How can i power a kettle with a bicycle?

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Q. So I'm in college in Ireland and we're running a green week very soon and for fun I want to see if i could run a few electrical devices with the power of cycling. Anyone any ideas on how I could get my hands on the equipment to do that?

Answer
You really have two choices the '12 volt route' or the '240 volt route'.

There are small kettles that run on 12v that plug into a car lighter socket - so you could charge the car battery from an old bike dynamo and run the 12v kettle from that (by propping up the back of the bike so its off the ground, or (even using a smaller sealed gel battery that could be put into e.g a saddlebag).

To use a mains 240v kettle is more tricky- but possible, here you will need a substantial car battery ( charged from the bike - maybe get hold of an old car alternator and run a pully system off the back wheel? ) and an inverter that will cope with the wattage of the kettle, most modern kettles are very high wattage but you can get 1,000 watt versions. The problem is that a 1000 watt inverter can be expensive, probably around £70 but check ebay?

These are only ideas, don't do it or mess with mains voltages if you don't know exactly what your are doing and can do it safely, better still take the advice of qualified electrician!

All the kit needed can be found on ebay

Are there any sites about charging batteries by bicycle power for running appliances or lights in the home?

homo erect

In our area, the electricity is often interrupted. I would like to be able to charge a battery using bicycle power that would run some lights or perhaps run a toaster when this happens. Do you know of any websites that might assist me? (I'm probably using all the wrong words for a search. I have looked.)

Answer
There used to be (and may still be) a magazine called The Mother Earth News, along with a spinoff called Lifestyle.

These magazines had lots of articles about home energy generation. I think they had one about using bicycles to generate power

See if you can find the content for these magazines by searching on their names. If nothing else, they might provide some additional search words.

There is also an old book called How to Design an Independent Power System by T. D. Paul and published in 1981. If you could get a copy, like from Alibris (it was $4.95 new), you could probably design a bicycle battery charger yourself with the info you get from reading it.

Hope this helps!

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Am i allowed to ride a moped in the UK with my German drivers license which includes class M?

best electric bikes 2012 image

john5879

class M of the german drivers license includes according to wikipedia, Two-wheel vehicles or three-wheel vehicles with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/h and with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres.

thank you!

also

Answer
Yes, you'll be fine. You can ride a super-ped if you like. The Piaggio MP3 variants.
The only 250cc 400cc or 500 cc bikes you can ride in the UK with only a normal car driving license, no bike license needed.
They are petrol/electric hybrid 3-wheel bikes with very good fuel economy, excellent road grip, tilting suspension on the two front wheels and a decent performance including a quoted 0 - 60mph in 5 seconds for the 500cc but some people have had reliability problems with them, and they are not cheap.
http://www.bmgscooters.com/shop/product/piaggio_mp3_500_lt_sport_2012
Scroll down for the driving/riding requirements
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PIAGGIO-MP3-400-LT-Moped-Scooter-Bike-Trike-Motorbike-/160767040414?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item256e765b9e
En Francais but the video is of better quality than the others and mostly very sharp. Some good scenery and good views of the bike in actiion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=859ufa2ZSSs
Bitte bitte and enjoy sunny England. Sunshine is timed for 1430 - 1630 on Sunday this week at today's guesscast.
Hope you can make it. Gute Reise!





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when do the 2013 dirt bikes come out?

Linda

im looking to get a new 250 dirt bike and i want to know when the 2013s come out. I am looking at honda, kawasaki, suzuki, ktm, yamaha...all the major brands.

Answer
All the bikes come out the same time, around the end of 2012. All the bikes are very similar, you're going to have to ride each of the bikes to find your preference.

KTM is way too much money, currency between Austria and the US isn't good. Yamaha is too advanced, their 2013 models are going to look like a futuristic robot, and it might even have electric start, which adds around 20 lbs.

Kawasaki is great as the 2012 model almost dominates the other bikes. I prefer the Suzuki, but it's all rider preference. Suzuki isn't over designed, it's the best bike in my opinion. Next years bikes could go from $8,000, but the KTMs... (Keep Throwing Money). Could go up to $10,000.

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where can i get one of the electric bikes from tonights amazing race?

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paul b

in tonights episode of the amazing race they were in china and at one point they had to ride these electric bicycles through beijing, i googled it but all i found were inferior looking electric bikes or kits you have to build yourself, can anyone tell me more info about the bikes from tonights episode and a website where i can get one? thanks
i really just want to know about the specific chinese bikes i saw on the show, if anyone saw the show and knows about them let me know

Answer
The chinese and US ebike markets are significantly different. Our laws differ, our people are bigger and heavier than the typical Asian person, our roads are hillier

Below are sources for some of the best ebikes in North America.

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

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
You will have to pedal extra hard to keep the bike going and to charge the battery. It could be done, but it would be easier and more efficient to pedal a regular (lighter) bike.

Maybe you could use a large solar panel to power the bike

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Does anyone remember that show ,"Then Came Bronson." What make and model was that?

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MARK S

Always thought that it was cool the way the lead guy, I think his name was Michael Parks? Just blew off his drab life and hit the road! His friend died, and left him his bike.

Answer
Bronson's Bike - On the drama THEN CAME BRONSON/NBC/1969-70, Michael Parks starred as San Francisco obituary writer Jim Bronson. After the suicide of his close friend, Nick Oresko [who jumped off a bridge in Jimâs presence] Jim quits his job, buys back a red motorcycle left at the jump site from Nickâs widow, Gloria and then heads south toward Big Sur looking for adventure and some meaning to his life. During his travels Jim drove a red Harley Davidson Sportster 883cc motorcycle with knobby tires [license: 723795]. The gas tank sported a triangle with an image of an eye [similar to the one the back of a dollar bill.] On occasion, Jimâs ride broke down or got banged up from all the wear and tear from its many road races, hill climbs and highway cruising. Some of the minor damages included the time a gas station attendant accidentally put weed killer into his gas tank; and when his rear wheels seized up and he had to get a new drive chain. Throughout his journey Jim wore his trademark Navy blue watch cap and a leather jacket. A press release from MGM describing changes to the "Bronson Bike" appeared in the February 1970 issue of Cycle magazine. It reads as follows:

"For afficionados, the changes are as follows. The front wheel was replaced with a 21" aluminum rim carrying a 3.00 x 21 ribbed tire. The front fender was changed to a chromeplated, bobbed piece and the headlight nacelle, or housing, was removed and a chrome sports light replaced it. A Harley-Davidson CH gas tank replaced the standard tank, and the oil tank and rear shock springs were chrome plated. A kickstarter was added although the Sportster carries an electric starter. The seat was replaced with a custom leather unit and a short chrome hand-hold was mounted behind the passenger seat. The chain guard cover and the voltage regulator cover were chrome plated. The rear fender was bobbed 5 inches and the tail light replaced with an old style English light. The motorcycle was repainted with a specially mixed formula which is called, from this point on, Bronson Red. The final touch was the addition of the Bronson "Eye" insignia to the gas tank."

Child trailer with an electric bike?

Jennifer H

Can you attach a child trailer to an electric bike? Or a scooter? I'm trying to find something for me and my son, who is four and 40 lbs, that will work with me. I have been walking the 3.5 miles for the last month and just want to find something that will cut down my time. I just think using a regular bike with a trailer will be too much and I will be stuck pushing the bike with the trailer up hills. I've also found child carriers, look very similar to car seats, that can be attached as well. Can those be used? They are actually on the bike, not trailing behind

Answer
Think you're bogging down now on a bike you pedal yourself? It'll be worse with the added weight of an electric assist bicycle. Learn how & when to shift gears. Learn about "spinning" the pedals at a high rpm or "cadence" in lower (easier) gears climbing hills. See links...

http://sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html#height
http://sheldonbrown.com/gears.html

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Can anybody tell me how is the performance of electric bikes & cars .How much economical differece?

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ROCKY

is there as compared to petrol bikes & cars

Answer
"Performance" has several factors. We generally think of this on the basis of an IC engine. As a result we tend to think of acceleration, handling and fuel economy. With battery electric vehicles there is also a reference to the vehicle range on a charge. While "range anxiety" is not usually a consideration in an ICE vehicle I do recall a time in the Australian outback where I would have given almost anything for a petrol station.

Generally it takes longer for electrons to flow into a battery than for gasoline to fill a gas tank. Electrons will flow into an ultracapacitor far more quickly and development of ultracapacitors that can hold sufficient charge will resolve the issue. Alternatively if they can be made cheaply enough they could be included with batteries and will extend the life of batteries and enable the vehicle to be quickly charged with energy (from ultracapacitors at "fueling" stations. Presently the best that an electric vehicle can offer is less concentration on fueling. You fuel at home. It takes seconds to start and stop a charge. The rest of the time you can be doing other things. Alternatively you must make special trips to fueling stations where someone must pay attention to the fueling process.

Batteries in an BEV (battery electric vehicle) are typically low in the vehicle. This improves handling as it lowers the center of gravity. Acceleration in electric vehicles is better than ICE vehicles due to full torque starting from 0 RPM in electric motors.1

Under present economic conditions an electric vehicle can save its owner approximately $1000 to $1400 per year in fueling costs in addition to the increase in performance.2 The vehicle except for batteries has a projected life many times that of ICE vehicles, possibly as much as 80 years as compared to the life expectancy of an ICE vehicle of about 10 years. Present batteries have a life expectancy of between 5 to 10 years and may represent 1/2 the investment in the vehicle. Ultra capacitors would have an expected life that exceeds the rest of the vehicle. There is some question about whether the electric vehicle will depreciate very rapidly with little residual value or if the addition of newer battery packs or even ultracapacitors would be like adding an addition to real estate and possibly restore or even exceed the original value of the vehicle. It may be possible that the vehicles will appreciate rather than depreciate like a very few of the classic ICE vehicles. 3

What is the best way to purchase a moped / electric scooter?

StraightBa

I have decided to buy a moped (or electric scooter) to use casually around my neighborhood (not for extremely long hauls).

Since I don't know much about mopeds, the only place I went to was vespa.com. Most of their options are extremely expensive. I'm looking to spend no more than $1,000.

I'm looking for recommendations about obtaining one. Are their other good companies besides vespa? Are their moped/dealer shops that I could visit locally to actually see the different options.

Should I go and test drive one, like I do with cars? Or is this something I should simply buy online (and go that route).

Any other things I should be looking for?

Answer
Mopeds have pedals, scooters have floorboards.
Vespas are scooters, expensive scooters. You can get around just as well on other brands like Kymco, Genuine, Piaggio, Yamaha, Sym, and Honda but you aren't going to get any of those new for $1000.
You might be able to get a Chinese scooter new for that but even that is doubtful since scooter prices have gone up quite a bit. Also from what I hear many of shops are out of scooters these days so you might want to call around to see who has what.
I read a good review on a Velocity electric scooter but I don't know the cost.
As far as mopeds you might call some bicycle stores and see if they carry electric bikes. I have never seen one in a scooter or motorcycle dealer.
You might be able to find something used on Craigslist.
Other things....
Check into what your local laws are for licensing. In CA we have to have a M2 license even for mopeds. Some states don't require anything for up to 50cc scooters.
Figure out how fast you will need to go before you buy something. Don't get a scooter that top ends at 30 when you have to get on roads where traffic goes 45.
If you want to get more info on drop ship (online) scooters check out the scootdawg forum. A lot of the people there own Chinese scooters and might be able to point you towards better brands and dealers.

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Which commute bicycle is best for me?

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Tara

I am looking for a bicycle for a commute to work of about 8-10 miles and would consider an electric model. Can anyone offer any specific models? There is so much out there to choose from. The area where I live can be fairly hilly, so higher number of speeds would be best, and I'm wondering how often there would have to be battery replacement on an electric bike. Any help would be appreciated, preferably from personal experience, but speculation from an experienced rider would also help. Thanks.

Answer
You can get a good electric assist bicycle - for a few THOUSAND dollars. http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/electric_assist/models/ Or...you could take the initiative to get a nice entry level "performance hybrid" with the gears to pull hills under your own power. And this bike may just come factory equipped with fenders & a rear rack for under $400! You will get & stay fit. Electric assist bicycles make you fat & lazy. What if the charge in the battery runs low or out at the wrong time & in the wrong place? Then you are faced pedaling an extremely heavy bike home under your own power. See these two links...

http://www.rei.com/product/826111/diamondback-insight-rs-commuter-bike-womens-special-buy
http://www.rei.com/product/826110/diamondback-insight-rs-commuter-bike-special-buy

What size dirt bike is good for me im 5,10 250 pounds?

Mark M

Looking for a trail bike not new to motorcycles but never rode a dirtbike

Answer
first off, I am 6'3" ~260 lbs and have been riding motorcycles for roughly 45 years, dirt mostly...

if you are looking for a less expensive trail bike, find a good used XR400 ('99-2004), 500 (82-85), 600 (mid 80s-mid 90s) that is in decent running shape.... don't worry so much about the normal wear parts like tires, chain, sprockets, brakes as those can all be upgraded and are readily available still. these bikes are bullet proof air cooled 4 stroke with all the latest (for their era) performance equipment with plenty of torque ... but they are very heavy (280-300 lbs). I owned probably 10 of these from '82 up thru the late '90s, they will not let you down and are great trail bike for a heavier rider.

other alternates would be a DRZ400 or KLX400 but might be a little more pricey (not much though).

others that are going to be a pretty good jump in price would be moving to a CRF450X or WR400 / 450 but these are newer models. also you might even look into the XR650 too.

then moving on up higher in price but well worth it are the KTM EXC (prior to 2007) models or the XC-W (2007 and later) models in either a 400 / 450cc or 520 / 525 / 530 but these all have the latest high performance aftermarket parts on the bike coming from the factory.

if you are looking for a good trails bike, stay away from the MX bikes as these were designed for high rpm track riding and will easily overheat at lower rpm on the trails, also have very small capacity oil and will be higher maintenance in the long run... this would be any of the bikes like CRF, YZF, KXF, RMZ, KTM SX... not to mention these are not designed for torque in pulling hills unless you have it rev'd up ...

if you want to go with a 2 stroke, something in the 250cc range like a CR, YZ, KX, RM and then merely play a little with sprocket gear ratios and the addition of a 9-14 oz flywheel weight to give you more rotational mass to increase the torque and make it not as peaky (tones the 2 stroke power band down)... also look at the KDX 200 /220 which is set up for enduro that already has the gearing & added weight from the factory (these are just a bit too short front to back for my height but alot of fun to ride).

another very good option is the CRF230 which is based on the XR line engine with an electric start but is limited in suspension & brake performance parts but it's a great little bike. I ride my daughters probably more than my KTM 525 EXC just due to it being a bit shorter seat height and makes it easier to get off and on when I am working cattle or running fence lines...

anyway, that should give you a pretty wide range of things to start looking for that would suite your size pretty well. find one that fits your price range and you will be set...

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Can I use Bionx electric bike conversion kit on my racing bicycle?

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I have a Shimano full alloy light weight alloy frame bicycle and was wondering if there was a specific model of bionx that has a motorized wheel slim enough to fit in my bicycles' frame and so that it wont look weird. Thanks

Answer
Yep, there are Bionx for 20" 24 26 700c wheels.

I have a 20" and have built a dozen or so.

http://www.birdrv.com/electricbike.php

Say dick sent ya.

What is the best electric bike conversion kit?

Josh S

I have a short commute and would like to convert. I do not need high speeds past ~15-20 mph, and a range of over 12 ish miles per charge. Something low-scale would be appropriate. Preferably sub-$500. Willing to DIY

Answer
Get a hub motor kit. Easy to install and you can get some serious power.

http://www.electricrider.com/crystalyte/

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what's your solution for the sweaty part of biking to work?

best electric bike commuter image

yahoo user

i know that sounds really stupid, but here's my thing: i'm really considering biking to work (in college, full time job, gas is out of hand) but obviously there's the sweaty issue. do you bike commuters all work where there's a shower in the building? why are you this lucky? or do you stop at a gym? i could stop at mine, but it's another 2 miles (down and up a hill) from there to my work. wouldn't that just negate my showering efforts?

Answer
Use an electric bike, over 20 thousand people use them for commuting to work in the USA.

http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/

Going to work Use just enough electric assist to prevent sweating.

On the way home, sweat all you want

http://www.largoscooters.com/go-hubkits.html

http://www.birdrv.com/electricbike.php

What size of electric motor can carry someone?

umadbro

Whats the smallest motor that can probably move someone, for instance 49cc gas motor can move the bike and a person on it.

Can 1hp or 3 hp electric engine have enough power to move someone? Not on a bike necessarily

Answer
500 watts = 1/2 horsepower.

Electric mobility scooters and wheelchairs have about 1/2 horsepower motors.
Many recreational and commuter scooters also have 1/2 horsepower motors.

It's about gearing. You could easily use a 1/10 horsepower motor if you geared it to run a couple of miles per hour.

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Anybody can recommend me a motorcycle for me?

best electric bikes under �1000 image

Daniel C

i am 15 years old looking for an electric motorcycle. i am 6'1" tall.i live in california so the motorcycle have to be under 1000 watts. i also dont have a license yet so i want an electric slow motorcycle that is 1000watts or lower and goes above 15 mph but under 25 mph

Answer
Your question would be better suited to the Street Bike section of Yahoo Answers.

You can find the Street Bike section under Transport, Here : http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/index;_ylt=AmKT9S3cS3lkGCYJO612vAYU5XNG;_ylv=3?sid=396546040

This section is for Motorcycle RACING.

Good luck, Iâm sure the users in the Street section will help you out.

in your opinion how many persons needed for this bike generating electricity to help a whole city?

iojhyt675

a bike exercise that generates electricity for home use. if a small city wants to generate electricity by these bike exercise generating electricity, how many persons needed that will feed 1,000 homes with electricity such are for A.C. and heater, TV...etc
the video on youtube will show you what i mean, or search for "CYLEC" Electricity Generating Exercise Bike : DigInfo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjVYBAicVKU

Answer
A typical person can produce about 100 watts over a sustained period on one of these things (this is a limitation of the body, improvements in the generator will not change it), but not 24x7. We need rest periods. (Even marathon runners have to rest after the marathon.) Only the very fittest individuals can do better than this.

(You doubt this? Cranking a generator under load is HARD. A lot of science and tech museums have a hands-on - or feet-on - exhibit where they have one of these things set up with a power meter. Anyone interested in energy should go and find out how tough it is to produce 100 watts.)

But let's say we employ only Tour-de-France class athletes. They've been measured at 300 watts output over a one hour period. I doubt they could do that for 8 hours straight... but let's assume they can.

So over an eight-hour shift, one of these people might produce 8 x 300 = 2400 watt-hours, or 2.4 kWh.

The average home in the US uses a *round-the-clock average* of just about 1000 watts. That's 24 kWh per day.

So you need 10 workers - all of them Tour de France-level athletes, each working one eight-hour shift per day - to produce the electric energy for ONE average home.

But, assuming they live three to a home, you have to add 3.3 homes to the city! It's a net loss.

Even if you assume that each can work 16 hours/day instead of only 8, you still need 5 workers per existing home... plus you have to power and light the houses those workers live in. Even if they pack themselves five to a home it's merely breaking even.

AND you have to feed them all. Even Tour de France cyclists have to eat. The more energy your body is producing, the more you have to eat. And the body is a relatively inefficient converter of food energy to mechanical energy. But assuming it was 100% efficient, to produce that 2.4 kWh of energy would require eating over 2000 calories' worth (large calories, or kcal) of food *in addition to* their normal consumption. That's by direct conversion of units. In practice (due to inefficiency) it would be much larger. Nothing in energy is free, not even human muscle power.

But, damn! They'd have legs like tree trunks...

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Save for first car or go through with electric car build?

best electric bikes of 2011 image

Alex King

I cannot decide if I want to wait one more year and get a car, or convert another car to electric like I had planned to do. I am afraid that if my dad and I buy the car for conversion, he will not be as willing to put in as much money for my first real car (we have already decided that he will help pay). Which way should I go?

Answer
What do you want to achieve? How much budget do you have? What sort of driving do you do?

If most of your journeys are long distance, or high speed, then forget electric cars right now: they're not the right power source for the job. If most of your journeys are short and on slower roads, then an electric car is in its ideal environment.

If you are converting a car, you'll probably end up with a car with a range of 40-60 miles and a top speed of 55-60mph (depending, of course, on what budget you have). You will end up with something that is unique, but it will probably be fairly slow.

If most of your driving is in a built up area, then that probably isn't an issue for you. In which case, you can go the self-build route if you want an electric car. If you are using new components, then budget $3-4000 for the conversion, on top of the price of the car: more if you want the latest lithium batteries (between you and me, don't go there: they're troublesome. Stick with lead acid batteries which are a lot easier to implement for a home conversion).

If you want a more practical car, that will have great performance and a decent range, you'll have to go the purchase route. Mitsubishi will have their 'i' electric car out in the US very shortly. I've used one in Europe for a year and it is a very good car. Nissan have their LEAF electric car out now, and again that is a superb car: in Europe, it won 'European Car of the Year' award, as voted by the top automotive journalists across Europe.

I've been driving various different electric cars over the past five years, and before that ran a company selling electric bikes. I am the author of 'The 2011 Electric Car Guide'.

What is the next most likely fuel for cars?

Axel

I've heard of hydrogen, solar powered and ethanol powered cars, but is there another one? and is there any that could become standard within 15 years?

Please star this cause I want the most answers for this.

Answer
Some people think that natural gas could be the fuel of choice in some countries in the future as it burns cleaner and is more abundant in the US and others. Bio-butanol could also be one potential source...it's compatible with current engine designs and infrastructures and is renewable using bacteria.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110317102603.htm

Synthetic gasoline can be produced using nanopellets of hydrogen which flow like liquids and burn clean.
http://news.discovery.com/tech/synthetic-gasoline-for-150gallon-and-no-emissions.html

Hydrogen-powered bike..
http://news.discovery.com/tech/magic-powder-fuels-electric-bike.html

Renewable bio-fuels from algae...
http://www.biofueldaily.com/reports/Joule_Unlimited_On_Track_To_Beat_All_Known_Biofuel_Processes_999.html
http://discovermagazine.com/2010/jan-feb/37

Thermal conversion processes or microwaves can turn garbage, wastes, plastics, old tires, etc.. into oil and fuels...
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/flat/bown/2007/innovator_2.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWf9nYbm3ac&feature=related
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/WPIO.php?printing=yes

Food wastes account for a lost 350 million barrels of oil per year in the US alone...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101003081627.htm

Cleaner fuels using plasma..
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100322121100.htm

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How much those electric exercise bikes cost.?

best quality electric bikes image

valerie

im talking about those electric exercise bikes. you don't have to paddle you just press a button and it paddles i need a website that has them so i can order one.

Answer
A really good, gym quality bike will set you back a couple thou.

How Much is a guitar in the Philippines?

rocksta

Kinds of guitar like bass, Acoustic, and electric ....How much are they and for instance you want one with hello kitty on it how much would it be and how long is it?

Answer
Well firstly you can really get rat cheap guitars here in the philippines. If your just using it to play or practice for fun then you can get an acoustic guitar for as cheap as 20$. Electric guitars and bass can be had for about 100$.

Again these guitars are cheap, hence you really cant expect much quality.

For quality brands and good quality guitars. Expect to spend about 100$ for acoustic, 250$ for electric and bass.

As for the hello kitty, i dont think they make those here off the rack. You can however bring it to air brush shops where they air brush pictures, images, letters to almost anything (bike, shirts, guitars, etc). Most malls here have shops like that. Probably cost you about 5$ to10$ for that. WIll probly take you a day for that.

Or you can get a sticker from bookstores or toystores.

Ive lived in the Philippines for 25 years now. Since i was born.

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Does the alarm system ruin battery of bike?

best battery for bikes image

Jignesh

I purchased a new Hero Ignitor three months back. I also got installed an anti-theft alarm system on it. I went on a long tour and the bike was idle for *one month* at home. After coming back, I found that the battery of the bike looked drained. I drove the bike for 4 days, hoping the battery to be recharged- but no improvement at all. Might the battery have been failed?
I doubt did the alarm system drain the battery? I am not sure about the truth. Should I remove the alarm system now? I will appreciate any guidance on it. Thanks.

Answer
3rd vote for a trickle charger. If alarm installed correctly it would not run the battery down. Motorcycle and scooter batteries are delicate compared to automotive batteries. Trickle chargers are cheap and can prolong the life of the battery for a year longer or more.

Will a battery eliminator work on my bike?

Lightnin Q

My bike has been customised slightly, various parts have been taken off and there is no longer space for a battery. the bike is a 1976 Honda CB125J, with a 6 volt electrical system and Points ignition. i've seen a few things on the internet called battery eliminators, but apparently they're for magneto ignition. can anyone tell me a bit more about them, and if one would work on my bike?

Answer
If my memory serves me the bike has a NON self exciting alternator with remote points on the cam shaft it therefore doesnot have a generator ( dc) or a magneto.
As it has this type of alternator you will need some form of battery to give you the initial impetus to fire the coil.
A battery elliminator isn't much space saving over a small sealed for life rechargable battery in fact there isn't any.
The battery you will require does not need to be that high an output especially if you are driving the lighhts directly off of the alternator or doing without lights completely

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How can I lose weight from my legs besides using the bike?

best electric bike for hills image

Q. I'm 19 and I have big legs i mean I'm skinny and everything and everyone loves my kegs but me. I've always had a issue w them.. Besides going to the gym or buying a electric bike or watever wat r other ways to tone or lose weight from my legs??

Answer
bikes are not good for legs, once you lose fat mass you increase muscle mass, mine are huge and I still hold my HS leg press record.

The best way to lose is to target muscles individually, do a lot of stretches. Also try endurance based activities.

Try and avoid hills while cycling or running and stay on the flats.

Swimming would be my best suggestion.

Will pairing two 36v electric wheel hub bikes together = 72v to go uphill?

Oiseau Ble

If I pair two 36v electric wheel hub bikes together, with a frame of some sort, (a quad bike) will I get the equivalent of 72v to go uphill? These hills require 72v for electric bikes. Or will it be just two 36v bikes coming to a stop 1/4 the way up the hill? Is it like two batteries in parallel, or two batteries in Series??? Anybody?

Answer
http://www.zbattery.com/Connecting-Batteries-in-Series-or-Parallel
72v will melt your 36v motor by the way

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What is the next most likely fuel for cars?

best electric bikes of 2011 image

Axel

I've heard of hydrogen, solar powered and ethanol powered cars, but is there another one? and is there any that could become standard within 15 years?

Please star this cause I want the most answers for this.

Answer
Some people think that natural gas could be the fuel of choice in some countries in the future as it burns cleaner and is more abundant in the US and others. Bio-butanol could also be one potential source...it's compatible with current engine designs and infrastructures and is renewable using bacteria.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110317102603.htm

Synthetic gasoline can be produced using nanopellets of hydrogen which flow like liquids and burn clean.
http://news.discovery.com/tech/synthetic-gasoline-for-150gallon-and-no-emissions.html

Hydrogen-powered bike..
http://news.discovery.com/tech/magic-powder-fuels-electric-bike.html

Renewable bio-fuels from algae...
http://www.biofueldaily.com/reports/Joule_Unlimited_On_Track_To_Beat_All_Known_Biofuel_Processes_999.html
http://discovermagazine.com/2010/jan-feb/37

Thermal conversion processes or microwaves can turn garbage, wastes, plastics, old tires, etc.. into oil and fuels...
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/flat/bown/2007/innovator_2.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWf9nYbm3ac&feature=related
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/WPIO.php?printing=yes

Food wastes account for a lost 350 million barrels of oil per year in the US alone...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101003081627.htm

Cleaner fuels using plasma..
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100322121100.htm

What are household products that are on the periodic table of elements?

Lydia Silv

please I need this for a science project.I need 30. :)

Answer
You mean, Elements by Themselves?
EDIT :N: Nitrogen--used to fill incandescent bulbs.
C Carbon, coal, charcoal briquettes carbon rod in battery, graphite in pencils and some golf club shafts. Diamonds in tools and rings. Carbon fiber in body of 2011 Corvette,
Ne-Neon, in a neon pilot light on stove or something, or if you have a neon sign
EDIT: Kr-Krypton: --in some flash light light bulbs.
Mg=Magnesium--in a sparkler or the sacrificial anode in a water heater. Used in old flash bulbs.
Aluminum--in cans, window frames. Some houses wired with Al.
Silicon--Integrated Circuits in P/C's and TVS, other electronics; Transistors, Diodes,etc.
Phosphorus: Match heads and striking surface.
Sulfur: Match heads, flowers of sulfur
Titanium--in some bike frames and golf club shafts. Alloy in some drill bits and tools.
Chromium--plating on tools, cars, bicycles, and in alloys like stainless steel.
Fe--Iron. Used in wrought iron, alloyed to make steel..
Cu-Copper. In copper wire for house and electric motors.
Zn-Zinc--in batteries., alloyed to make brass.
Ge=-Germanium--used in some diodes in some radios and older radios in transistors.
As=-Arsenic--in rat traps
Selenium-in night lights "electric eyes". also in motion sensors.
MO-Molybdenum--sometimes in alloys (mixtures) in springs, metals, tools.
Ag-Silver--in coins, jewelry
Cd-Cadmium--in Ni Cad batteries
Sn-Tin. Lining for tin cans, alloys in solder to make connections in TVS, P.C/., other electronics.
Sb-Antimony: Alloyed with lead in car batteries (makes the lead harder)
I-Iodine-- in a solution in tincture of iodine
Tungsten--Light bulb filaments, and in picture tube fils,
Iridium--In catalytic converters
Platinum--in catalytic converters, some jewelry
Au-Gold-Jewelry, crowns, tooth fillings (sometimes), old coins
Hg -Mercury-used in "silent" light switches, some tubes in old radios/TVS, in fluorescent tubes.
Pb-Lead--used in alloy for solder and car batteries
Rh=Rhodium=--used in catalytic converters.
Bismuth. In Pepto-Bisnmol--not sure if compound or not.
Ra-Radium-- in some watches and compasses to make them glow
Hydrogen--sometime Tritium used for the glow in night sights in some rifle scopes
Ni-Nickel--used in plating and Ni-Cad batteries. Also alloyed in stainless steel.
EDIT: Americium, Am241, used in smoke alarms.
Li-Lithium--used in some pool chlorinate and in LiO batteries for cell phones, lap tops, etc (as a Compound of Li),
That's 30. Not sure if all are elemental...forgive spelling I'm tired, Long, unproductive day.

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I'm looking for small(not pocket Rockets or really small) motor bikes that will be under $1000 with taxes.

best electric bike for under �1000 image

Twilight R

I saw one up at my local TSC store and was wondering if anyone had any othrs they knew of, or a list or site ,but I'm also tring to find one that can be used on the street(not even legal,lol) but have head lights and I'll need the CC of the engine and the tank capacity,not looking for Electric.

please reply here and in an E-mail at currinbrandon@yahoo.com

Answer
You can get some reasonable used motorcycles in that price range, especially if you wait until October or November.

Buying a scooter -2 options electric or gas?

froggygeek

Hey I need help with a upcoming purchase I'm planning to make. I need a stand-up scooter to get to college/ back/ more every day next year. The state I live in does not permit a motorized bike/ moped ( or anything that is motorized with a seat) to be driven without a driver's or a motorcycle license- and I have neither.

I graduated early and because I'm going to college I have no money.. but because I don't need to pay for insurance on a car or motorcycle ( and I'm a young male so I'm glad ) I have managed to get a $1200 budget which is pretty fair I'd say.
----------------------------------------------
So I looked around online and found 2 respectable scooters - One is electric - On is petrol powered
and I would like to know which of these I should choose or if there is another option that would work better for me? -
The petrol version is a GoPed brand scooter - the GSr46R - Pretty fast 35 mph+ stock.. but because this is my little scooter, and like anyone with a car, I'm looking to tune it up.. and I have an arrangement that is just under 1200 dollars that will get this thing going upwards to 50+, of course I don't need that speed, but I figured if I'm spending this kinda money on a scooter, its gotta be nice, I also plan to use this as entertainment as well

The electric can be seen here - http://superscootersales.com/?wpsc-product=super-turbo-1000-lithium -
It took me quite a while to find a Lithium powered scooter for this price, and with this power... I refuse to get a Sealed Lead Acid battery because while I surely can do without the weight, and charging time.. the life span is what concerns me. This scooter company claims this thing will last upwards of 1000-1500 cycles which is pleasing... but with a top speed of (possibly) 32 mph its a little upsetting because again I don't need the speed for the general transportation, I would certainly use it if I could.

Pros & Cons of the Gas Scooter-
Pros first-
Name Brand, Well known, & Trusted Company (and site)
Speed - Tuned, I can ride this thing going (up to) 55 which may be illegal but I don't mind ;)
Life Span - Some Years, I will take care of it
Perfectly Priced & Customized

Cons
Noise - This is the reason these things are illegal in other states and I don't want that to happen here, because of me. Its louder with the expansion chamber I would apply but I've put many silencers and smoother mechanisms into the design I wish to buy (hopefully will help)
Gas/Oil - Surely Gas isn't a problem, I believe it gets about 60+ mpg and runs 21 miles per 1.5l tank.. which is good.. but its partially oil.. I'm not sure how much is used per tank, I haven't crunched the numbers but it may concern me if I need to buy specific oil every now and then just to use this thing- depends on how often
Electric---------
Pros
1000 watt Battery - Best you can get in a stock scooter
Lithium - Lasts Longer, Lighter, More powerful, Faster Charge
32 mph top speed - Great for electric .. Might be worth it
Rechargeable.. simplicity is nice :P
Silent - Perfect
Cons
Brand - Good Product Reviews & Customer Service - Not as known as GoPed
Stock- No customization/ personality :(
Speed - Good & Bad - can't decide - I just don't want to be disappointed . and I know I wont with the gas version

I know that's alot to read .. And if you did, you rock you'll definitely have a better answer ;D than others who didn't read this.

Answer
I'd say. Go for the electric. Because i think GSr46R has a 2 stroke engine. so it would be much nosier and will produce a lot of smoke. And a small scooter like that is not very stable when you reach 45-50

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