Has anyone made their own battery packs to boost electric bike range?

best electric bike value image

uogcls

I am thinking if the bike comes with SLA batteries of 10Ah, I could cheaply make a NiMH pack with 2Ah (bunch of AA cells) to boost performance. I am thinking of connecting it parallel to the SLA batteries (+ to +, - to -). I am thinking this will slow the discharge rate on the SLA and also reduce the depth of discharge, causing the SLA batteries to have much a longer life cycle.

Answer
It's difficult to mix different type of batteries. The lead acid battery has a nominal voltage of 2.1 V per cell, and an end voltage of 1.75 V per cell. In a typical 6 cell battery, this means 12.6 V charged to 10.5 V discharged. For a 10 cell NiMH pack, the values are 12 V -> 10 V. The ranges are close, but you would either need to undercharge your primary SLA battery, or you would be overcharging your NiMH batteries to 12.6 V (about 5% over). This may progressively shorten the life of the NiMH batteries.

You might consider charging the packs separately, and then connecting (via a switch) the NiMH pack in parallel after the SLA has been run down a little.

Of course, the best option would be to use a second SLA battery. If the charging circuit is "smart", then it should be able to charge both SLA batteries in parallel. You could also use them in parallel.

If you are in a sunny area, you could even tie in a PV array designed for 12.6 V parallel applications.

What do you think about people riding their bikes instead of driving cars?

crystal sp

well i am 21. i dont have my license. i dont want a car unless it doesnt need oil. i dont mind riding my bike, but some places i cant ride my bike. i dont know how to chain up my car when i'm going to the mall, movies, or the grocery store. i feel in ways i am trapped into buying a car. anyone else feel like this? riding my bike helps with saving gas, but i can't ride my bike 30-40 miles. i can't ride my bike to work either.

Answer
At 21 Years old, insurance is going to be real expensive. At a point in your life when its hard to make decent money, Real smart people watch the value they get for their expenditures.

So, here are some tips:

consider bimodal transportation, using mass transit coupled with bike riding, either along with biking or instead of biking.

carpool and pay more than your share.

Make friends at the retailers you frequent, so they are supportive of you riding your bike.

Don't take your bike to the movies or any event schedule for multiple hours.

Join a bike club where people have learned how to overcome some of these obstacles. Tell your bike shop your goal, ask them to put you in touch trying the same things.

Dress nice, keep your hygiene outstanding. Have a little " travel care kit" for emergencies, (handy wipes, deodorant, even some cologne)

Share with your friends what you are trying to do as an experiment. gain their support.
Barter for combined shopping trips with them, maybe buying a lunch or a couple beers.

Make car shopping trips with them for heavy items, or frozen items. Make it easy and entertaining for them to support your efforts.

If this doesn't work take a cab or public transport for big/heavy items.

Learn bike mechanics and work on friends bikes for barter.

consider an electric assist bike, consider a trailer.

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Which type of Exercise Bike is the best?

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Jim

I definitely prefer an upright bike over a recumbent one, simply because the latter is for lazy snobs. I've seen bikes with electronic controls and bikes with mechanical ones, and I wonder what type of features the electronic ones have? Which ones are more lasting and feel smoother?

Answer
electronic ones are a more high tech than manual ones of course.
the electronic ones, can set different resistance for you, and it has different types of workout plans digitally installed in its programs. It also tells your heart rate, distance, and speed.

Manual ones though, will hold up better over time, since they don't use all these fancy gadgets. Just pedal and go, and thats all about it.

I recommend getting an electric one if you can, but if you are on a budget, a manual one will do fine also.

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

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'.

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I want to buy an electric bike. Which is the best one around?

best quality electric bikes image

vaibhav b

I am a 16 year old student and I am looking to buy an electric bike. I have heard that electric bikes are better than the conventional bikes since they do not cause any pollution. But I am apprehensive about the ride quality. I am also confused about which one should I buy. I am from India and do not much about this field.

Answer
A HARLEY DAVIDSON! Or you could choose any type of Shwinn.. Those are good ones.

What are the steps to make an electric bike out of items that are not 100$?

teal289

How do I make a motor for a electric bike what pieces do I need ?

Answer
To make a high-quality one that can go fairly fast, you probably couldn't.

On the other hand, if you don't want to go above 15-20mph, you could probably make one for under $100. Buy a cheap broken electric scooter. Chances are the motor on it still works and you can use that. Those motors can get you going close to 20mph with the right gear ratios.

A motor controller could also be obtained from a scooter, or, if the motor you are using is not significantly powerful (<36v), you could probably buy a brand new controller for fairly cheap.

Batteries may cost a little more, but you could get sealed lead acid batteries for under $100 for sure.

Plus, their are the little things like the throttle, which is generally a potentiometer. These can be very cheap on Ebay.

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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

Electric bike laws in Massachusetts?

Yankees

I am planning to buy an electric bike. I dont have a license and dont want one as i live near a commuter rail station. Massachuetts law says I need a license for an electric bike. But federal laws says
U. S. Congress passed Public Law 107-319 which exempts electric bikes under 750 watts and limited to 20 mph (with operating pedals) from the legal definition of a motor vehicle

So am i free to get an electric bike as long as i get a bike under the federal law specifcations?

Answer
Ask one of your local law enforcement people, they will know.

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What will the 21st century be like?

best electric bikes 2012 image

Mranonumus

I want to know what the later half of the century will be like and was curious about the future. I cant look into the past and see what the future will be like to me that is kind of impossibe. I don't want end of the world answers or we will destroy our selfs or 2012 will be the end. I was wondering what do you think will happen from 2010 to 2099?

Answer
*We would have pen-like cell-phones clipped to shirt pockets,micro tvs on our wrists. Gone are the days of phones constantly dropping, misplaced or stolen.

*Our home tvs, lights, radios,etc could be switched on or off by the sound of one of two claps.

*Laptop batteries could last more than 12hrs, electric bikes or cars could go for a week without charging.And computers and cars from Asian countries will cost 3 - 5 times cheaper than now.

*More schools and higher institutions will be staffed with counsellors and security staff to ensure the safety and well-being of students, in view of bullying and mass shootings incidents in the past.

*Society and mass media will take stringent control measures on pop concerts, nudity, porn, etc in an attempt to arrest fast-declining standards of ethics and morals.

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

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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Where can you find a good, reliable electric bicycle store in the bay area?

best electric bike hill climbing image

chimichang

It seems like we are so behind in electric bicycle compared to China, Taiwan, Netherlands, etc....

Answer
Get a nice test ride for speed and hill climbing.
Get all warranties in writing.

Try a Bionx Dealer, Bioinx is pretty reliable.

So here is a partial Bay area listing:

Try Santa Cruz, they have a bunch.

Dave's Custom Bikes is located at 910 Soquel Avenue, across from the Albertsonâs shopping center and Tony and Albaâs Pizza, 3 1/2 blocks up the hill from Ocean Street, in Santa Cruz.

also

San Francisco
Noe Valley Cyclery
4193 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 647-0886

Please note: Noe Valley Cyclery is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Oakland
Wheels of Justice Cyclery
2024 Mountain Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 339-6091

Marin
The Village Peddler
1161 Magnolia Avenue
Larkspur, CA 94939
(415) 461-3091
www.myebike.com


Electro Ride Bikes & Scooters
1421 Yellowstone Ave
Milpitas (CA) 95035-6913
408-262-8975
rob.means@electric-bikes.com

Livermore Cyclery
2752 First Street
Livermore (CA) 94550
925-455-8090
http://www.livermorecyclery.com



Mt Tam Bikes
31 Sunnyside Ave, Ste C
Mill Valley (CA) 94941
415-389-1900
http://www.mttambikes.com/

Ecodrive Technology Group, 37436 Gillett Road, Fremont, CA 94536, 866-309-6717, http://www.ecycleusa.com/

If my kill switch on my motorcycle was broke off will the motorcycle still start?

J P

Sorry guys... it is a 1982 kawasaki kz1100 .It was in storage and the key was lost also the kill switch on the throttle grip was broken i was wondering if after i get a key made if i am going to have problems with this switch being broken...

Answer
The kill switch on a motorcycle is basically exactly what it says. A means to kill the engine. It does so by shorting out the electric by grounding it to the handlebar.
If the switch was broke in such a way that the wire touched the handlebar it won't start. If it was broke and the wire didn't hit the bar it would start but render the switch inoperative.
As another said you didn't mention the make or style of the bike. If it has an ignition you can use it to shut off the bike. Some use the kill switch to shut them down. If this is the case you can make another switch easily by using what we did when racing. Attach the wire to a piece of metal, (we used a piece of hacksaw blade) wrap tape around the handlebar and the blade so that the blade has tape to keep it off the bar on one end and lays on the bar on the other. This shorts out the bike and it wont run. Now put a small piece of leather under the one end of the blade and the bike will start and run. Pull out the leather and it shorts out again. We used this in hill climbing and racing by attaching the leather by a strap wrapped around our wrist. If we left the bike the strap would pull out and the bike would kill.

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How do you think we can prevent the scarcity of fossil fuels?

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For peace

The price of petrol and diesel are rising day by day and our hydrocarbon reserves are diminishing...Although researches are still going on..to find a substitute,what else can we do to prevent "lack of fuel" condition??

Any ideas?Any sugestions??
Johnnie, as you said,the earth recycles....but,it takes a huge amount of time for that...Also...the organic matter(such as plants,animals etc..) are also getting used up..

Answer
First thing we could do would be to talk about it, spread awareness, let people know that there is an issue which needs to be tackled before it turns into a crisis. You posing this question depicts that we (at least you) have got the first step right.

Let me first state that in my opinion, there is no out-of-the-box easy solution for this. The only answers are search for newer and non-traditional sources of energy like geothermal energy, tidal energy, solar energy, liquid hydrogen, garbage energy etc and exercise controlled and minimized use of non-replenishable sources of energy.

Here are a few suggestions-

1- Save oil!
Seen as a caption in many of the children's painting competitions- "Save Oil!" should be the motto of everyone around the planet. Personal automobiles should be used less. Public transport facilities should be ameliorated.

2- Go CFL!
Compact fluorescent light bulbs should replace the energy consuming electric bulbs. Likewise, age-old machines should make way for the modern energy efficient appliances.

3- Check vehicles!
What was the last time you neglected your bike/ car's poor average and mileage? Over-consumption should be kept under check by keeping your ride in good condition.

4- Search!
Search for new oil reserves might just buy us more time to think over and solve the impending crisis.

5- Fire and oil make a deadly combo...
Keep the oil refineries and reserves well protected from fire. Not only these accidental fires cause a loss of money and lives, they result in huge loss of the natural resources.

6- Encourage the solar cooker.
Don't mock the nuclear plant. It is a shy but bright kid. Kidding! Ok bad joke... I mean to say- we should slowly work towards establishing non-traditional sources of energy in our lifestyles. Nuclear energy still has a wide scope of application. Same with hydroelectric, solar, wind and other alternatives.

7- Turn off the lights, switch off the fans....
You're probably yawning reading this. This had been repeated so many times but still... you have to save energy in day-to-day affairs.

8- Spread awareness.
Yes, we need more campaigns. The chapters in our social-studies books have already told and retold us all these things but, there is a certain crowd that needs to be told about this in a more effective manner.

9- Smokeless and fuel efficient chulhas.
Here, in India, villages still rely on fuel wood and coal for their basic energy needs. The smokeless chulhas (stoves) go a long way in conserving wood from blind consumption.

10- Use Biogas.
We need more biogas plants. They, in my view, are the best and simplest alternatives in terms of energy cycling. Go biogas! So what if it doesn't smell like roses?

11- Population!
All these measures are of no or little use if the consumption still keeps growing. How about we put a check on population growth? We have been listening to this since the beginning! Do something! Take lessons from China!

12- Plant trees....
Again a well-known and over-discussed solution. We need more mass campaigns. More fuel wood trees and shrubs should be grown.

Are there any custom bike builders in india?

pratik kay

I wanna know if there are any custom chopper or motorcycle builders in india like the ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS in the US.....!if so,can you give me their websites?

Answer
Royal Enfield has only just got an electric starter motor on its new 500 electra.

That means you are now in the 60s..the 1960s!

I seriuosly doubt you can get a custom bike builder in India, unless you can modify a bike yourself.

If you get a harley you can always get parts ex USA from a heap of dealers.

Perhaps the BSA owners club has some conections try them.

Wouldnt hold your breath though!

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The Chevrolet Volt claims up to 70 mpg what is the real number?

best electric bikes 2010 image

Hankm

I would like to know the real comparison between a high mileage gasoline car and an electric or hybrid car.

It would include the cost and environmental impact of manufacturing exotic batteries and rare earth materials for the magnets in the motors. and the costs of the charger and electricity to recharge.
AND don't forget a sinking fund to pay for the crushing cost of replacing the battery pack every so often (they always conveniently forget this one)

Answer
What is a "real" number may depend upon what you want to consider. In an effort to increase the apparent mileage some of the volt advertising only counted the actual gasoline used and not the energy in any electrical charge. This is how they made the "outrageous" claim of 230 miles per gallon. They have since backed off this number and the marketing attempt is not to their credit. More recently they are claiming around 70 to 100+ miles to a gallon. While this is more reasonable and some test drives have determined that they were getting a combined gasoline/electric "mileage equivalency" of around 90mpg, the credit goes to the electric motor and not the petrol engine.

Tesla had calculated their electric drive train at over 6 times more efficient than a petrol engine.1 We say that a petrol engine is around 15% efficient but just starting out, standing in traffic or even in stop and go traffic it would probably be fortunate to achieve this. "Fuel efficient" cars are using the same tricks that an electric vehicle uses to extend its range: lighter vehicles, better aerodynamics, and less rolling resistance. What the gas vehicle does or cannot have is the more efficient drive train or regenerative braking.

So given the efficiency differences of the drive train if the average petrol vehicle gets around 20 mpg then the "average" electric vehicle should get about 6 times this or about 120 MPGe. Present electric vehicles are doing better than this.2

There are a number of ways to consider the cost of the battery pack. I would argue that you should not include it for the initial life of the original pack. When you buy a new electric car, you are paying for the battery pack. It depreciates until its useful life is gone in about 8 to 10 years. Both the Leaf and the Volt are warranty their packs for 8 years. To amortize the cost of a new pack over the initial miles is to consider the cost twice. For a bit of a rundown on the costs per mile you can take a look at my answer here.3 The "crushing cost" of a battery pack is presently down to approximately $9000 and you may be able to find a pack with double the range and half the cost before the warranty runs out: http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2010/05/nissan-say-leaf-ev-battery-pack-cost.html

Although you are asking for an analysis of battery chemistry's and motors these vary widely. The AC motor does not use rare earth magnets, there are many different battery chemistry's and technology is advancing rapidly. Ultracapacitors are already being used in some buses (4) as a means for energy storage and it is likely that they will increasingly be combined with some battery chemistry to produce a composite energy storage system.5 Such an extensive analysis would have to be compared to refinery pollution, transportation pollution, the overwhelming "oil spill" from improperly disposed of drain oil, gas station and highway run off each year.6

how many electric cars are currently available or will be available now?

A

I've only heard of a few, but how many are there really? What's your take on each one of them, from best to worst? I'm in the market for one in 1 year or so...

I hope it's not a pain to be remembering to charge/re-charge. It's all too new to me...

Answer
There are presently companies that offer wireless recharging. You don't have to plug it in but you may have to push some buttons to get it started. http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2010/09/delphi-working-with-witricity-on.html

There are Battery electric vehicles like the tesla roadster and the nissan leaf. There are several battery electric vehicles that are speed limited and are offered as neighborhood electric vehicles. There are several battery electric motorcycles (Lightning.) And there are several companies that offer three wheeled battery electric vehicles that are registered as motorcycles, (Zap.) Other offerings that are expected to reach market within the next year include the B6, IMiev, aptera, think city and quite a few others.

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Can an electric start dirt bike be kick started if it doesn't have a battery?

best electric dirt bike image

Brandon

Im looking in to buying a dirt bike off someone, but the battery went bad so it cant be electrically start. So can the bike be kick started?

Answer
It depends on the bike. Some of the newer ones require the battery to start....most of the time you can though. I wouldnt recommend getting towed....thats a great way to wreck, or get high-sided if it doesnt start.....try jumping the battery, or push starting it, or just replace the battery.

How long does the Xtreme XM-500 electric dirt bike take to charge?

bamboi57

How long does the Xtreme XM-500 dirt bike take to charge?

Answer
12-24 hours dependng on the charger you have. 20 minutes if you take the battery out & take to a shop.

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

best electric bikes under 1000 image

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

Could a person under 16 operate a motorized vehicle on a roadway or sidewalk?

Culley

my son is 14 going on 15 and I was wondering if it was legal for him to operate one of the following vehicles on the road or sidewalk:
- Go cart
- Moped (less than 50cc)
- Motorbike (less than 50cc)
- electric motorbike
- A bike converted to run off a chainsaw engine

Just for reference we live in Loudon County, Va. in a suburban bordering on rural area. Also if you know any other street or sidewalk legal vehicles he could operate, could you suggest them? I have a price limit of around $1000, but willing to spring for something if you recommend it. Thanks!!

Answer
Motor vehicle laws are local and this forum is National with international visitors. Your best source of information will be you state DMV which may have some FAQ you could check on a website like this one: http://www.dmv.state.va.us/drivers/#teen.asp

You also might look for your specific question relative to your state

Go carts seem to be available for off road use: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090707204036AAnwhK5 contact those in business for the relative regulations

Mopeds in Va: http://www.scootrichmond.com/shopping-tools/virginia-moped-and-motorcycle-laws

motorized bicycles at less than 49cc would come under the moped exemptions/restrictions: http://www.motoredbikes.com/showthread.php?36692-Motorized-bikes-in-Virginia

Electric bikes seems to also fall under moped rules: http://www.electricvehiclemall.com/pdf/Virginia_E-Bike_Law.pdf

The fatal exclusion is that your son must be 16.

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How many lines on a real dope snapback ?

best electric bikes for commuters image

Sonya

I have a dope snapback and it has 6 lines and i have another that is the new york rangers an it has 8 is my dope snapback real?

Answer
According to many, there are many undisputed benefits of owning and operating an electric motor bicycle. The electric bicycle or "e-bike" as referred to by many, is basically a bicycle that has the added bonus of an electric based motor. However, there are many that refer to motorized scooters as an electric motor bicycle as well. Whether you are referring to a standard bicycle that is equipped with an engine, or a motor scooter, there are many advantages to owning this type of product, as well as operating such a product. If you are a commuter that is searching for a dependable means of transportation, you will find that this type of product will be an effective choice. Throughout this transportation compendium, you will learn about the unquestionable advantages associated with owning and operating an electric motor bicycle. The first advantage to using an electric bicycle is the fact that it is not classified as a motor vehicle. While it is true that many lawmakers have attempted to Cheap Ymcmb Snapback Hats argue this point and have these transportation units classified as such, to date, the changes have not occurred. Many individuals find this surprising due to the fact that the product is outfitted with an electric based engine.

Why aren't motorbikes promoted as a greener alternative to cars? Wouldn't it be a good marketing tactic?

Q. I never see advertisments for motorbikes on television, and all I see is advertisments for cars. Motorbikes are more dangerous, but mainly because there are too many car drivers around that are ignorant of motorcylists. Why don't I see enough variety of sensible commuter bikes being advertised to the general public? All the hype is around little scooters, cruisers, and sportbikes. What about just general purpose motorcycles for everyday transport?

Answer
That's an excellent question. Besides the fact that gasoline motorbikes get excellent gas mileage compared to cars, there's already a fleet of electric motorbikes out there. Some are scooters with limited speeds, and some can reach highway speeds. Perhaps marketers think the motorbike crowd is mainly kids who want to live fast and dangerously. But there are plenty of electric motorbikes out there for every need. They make the commute more fun, as well as greener and cheaper. And when you ride one, they are eyecatching and people always are full of questions about your vehicle.

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I have a 2002 BMW r1200c motorcycle and need to find an adapter to use with my battery charger. Thanks?

best bike battery charger image

dtdoylesc

Would like to find this adapter or inexpensive battery charger that has the adapter that will fit this bike.

Answer
you take the battery out and charge it
the port on the bike is a 12v dc outlet like a cigarete lighter in a car.

by a standard battery charger for about $30

I have a dead rechargeable battery. Can I plug this into a wall outlet temporarily?

Deo V

This pocket bike takes a rechargeable 12V battery just for electric start, lights, horn, etc. . can I plug the bike directly into the wall outlet using a 12V battery charger so that the bike pulls power directly out of the wall? Just to test if my dead battery is the only cause of the bike not starting? If not, how would I temporarily run power to the bike without buying a new battery?

Answer
It isn't that simple.
First, you should know what kind of battery it is - if it's a lead-acid (as it probably is), find the right battery charger, not just ANY charger.
Depending on its capacity, you might connect it to the battery terminals (pay attention to the polarity) and plug it into a household power socket. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START THE ENGINE WHILE ON THE CHARGER - your typical charger cannot handle that kind of load and would probably fail irreparably.
You might switch on the position lights, which is about 10 watt - if it works, switch it off immediately and let it charge for at least an hour or two.
To start the engine, DON'T USE THE E-START, jump-start it by pushing in gear with the ignition on (provided it can be done on your bike) and use it some more, it should recharge on the bike (if it has a generator coil and circuitry).
Alternatively, you might connect a car battery (any size will do, provided it's 12V) for stationary testing - in that case, you might even attempt to start it Take care not to short the terminals. And yes, the battery might not be the only reason of malfunction.

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I want to convert my bike to an electric bike, anyone have any experience with this?

best electric bikes image

Q. I want to convert my current bike to an electric bike for less than $200. I'm really not that handy with electronics, but if some instruction to put A into B I can do it, I just wouldn't be able to figure out that A goes into B with out the instructions. Anyways, does anyone have some tips? All the sites that I've found are very unprofessional or non-specific so it's really hard to figure out anything from them. I would be willing to buy a kit.

Answer
An electric bike has to have a motor, controller, throttle, and battery pack.
Hub motors are the easiest to install.
overview:
You remove your old front wheel, put the new wheel where the old one was, align the wheel in the slots, adjust the brakes, secure the controller and the battery pack on the rear rack, put the throttle on the handle bars, route the wires safely and tie-wrap, connect the connectors together, turn every thing on and test.

To be of much use, you have to have at least 250watts, and hopefully more.

Largo scooters has a decent kit (go Hub)for $600 and is nice. Every once in a while you can find a WE or BD36 for maybe $350.

A Largo kit has keyed connectors so you cannot hook it up wrong.

I want to buy an electric bike. Which is the best one around?

vaibhav b

I am a 16 year old student and I am looking to buy an electric bike. I have heard that electric bikes are better than the conventional bikes since they do not cause any pollution. But I am apprehensive about the ride quality. I am also confused about which one should I buy. I am from India and do not much about this field.

Answer
A HARLEY DAVIDSON! Or you could choose any type of Shwinn.. Those are good ones.

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I want to buy an electric bike. Which is the best one around?

best quality electric bikes image

vaibhav b

I am a 16 year old student and I am looking to buy an electric bike. I have heard that electric bikes are better than the conventional bikes since they do not cause any pollution. But I am apprehensive about the ride quality. I am also confused about which one should I buy. I am from India and do not much about this field.

Answer
A HARLEY DAVIDSON! Or you could choose any type of Shwinn.. Those are good ones.

What are the steps to make an electric bike out of items that are not 100$?

teal289

How do I make a motor for a electric bike what pieces do I need ?

Answer
To make a high-quality one that can go fairly fast, you probably couldn't.

On the other hand, if you don't want to go above 15-20mph, you could probably make one for under $100. Buy a cheap broken electric scooter. Chances are the motor on it still works and you can use that. Those motors can get you going close to 20mph with the right gear ratios.

A motor controller could also be obtained from a scooter, or, if the motor you are using is not significantly powerful (<36v), you could probably buy a brand new controller for fairly cheap.

Batteries may cost a little more, but you could get sealed lead acid batteries for under $100 for sure.

Plus, their are the little things like the throttle, which is generally a potentiometer. These can be very cheap on Ebay.

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How much does a normal tween get for christmas?

best electric bike value image

Anonomys

Like how much value?
I just want to see how bad my parents are.
They never buy me anything I want, and in total it's usually under 50$,
oh and Im a boy and 12,

Answer
Oh they often spend thousands and they should spend that on you too (NOT!)

I have friends that give their four children everything they want for this silly Holiday. Well they never really recover from the debt, and I saw a notices on there door all year like Water Termination Notices from the City, Natural Gas shut off, Electric shut-off and two separate eviction notices from their apartment.

Last week all of the kid's so coveted toys and games were on the side walk out front from the landlord dumping it outside. All the neighborhood kids were gathering toys, computers and games, bikes etc.

how do i make my kick start bike become electric and kick start?

i have a 1981 Yamaha xt 250 endro i am tired of kick starting it and would like to purchase a electric start where could i buy one and how much would it cost and would it add any value to it.

Answer
An easier and cheaper soloution would be to upgrade to electronic ignition. You'll still have to kick it, but never more than once. I own 2 antique harleys. A 42 and a 55. I run Mallory electronic ignitions in both and they start first kick every time.

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Has anyone made their own battery packs to boost electric bike range?

electric bikes best range image

uogcls

I am thinking if the bike comes with SLA batteries of 10Ah, I could cheaply make a NiMH pack with 2Ah (bunch of AA cells) to boost performance. I am thinking of connecting it parallel to the SLA batteries (+ to +, - to -). I am thinking this will slow the discharge rate on the SLA and also reduce the depth of discharge, causing the SLA batteries to have much a longer life cycle.

Answer
It's difficult to mix different type of batteries. The lead acid battery has a nominal voltage of 2.1 V per cell, and an end voltage of 1.75 V per cell. In a typical 6 cell battery, this means 12.6 V charged to 10.5 V discharged. For a 10 cell NiMH pack, the values are 12 V -> 10 V. The ranges are close, but you would either need to undercharge your primary SLA battery, or you would be overcharging your NiMH batteries to 12.6 V (about 5% over). This may progressively shorten the life of the NiMH batteries.

You might consider charging the packs separately, and then connecting (via a switch) the NiMH pack in parallel after the SLA has been run down a little.

Of course, the best option would be to use a second SLA battery. If the charging circuit is "smart", then it should be able to charge both SLA batteries in parallel. You could also use them in parallel.

If you are in a sunny area, you could even tie in a PV array designed for 12.6 V parallel applications.

what do people look for in an electric bike?

Matthew

I am designing an electric bike for commuters to use day in, day out. I am asking you guys who live on the outskirts of cities to give me what you want in the perfect personal transport. This product is made for the masses and made by the masses. Any answers will be appreciated and taken into account. Thanks all!
May i add that this is a conceptual design project :)

Answer
I've been working on the same thing for different clients for years, but I'll tell you what things designers are trying to overcome:

1) Weight. The current technologies simply do not allow an e-bike that weighs under 50 pounds. A good target weight should be in the mid-20s;

2) Battery size. The size of even the smallest battery right now takes up precious space for carrying other stuff, and if the battery gets too small the range is reduced tremendously. Right now, Mitsubishi probably makes the best battery/motor combination;

3) Loaded range. Put a rider and 35 pounds of gear on the bike and ride it up a 5% grade, 1 mile long hill two or three times. Nuff said.

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Should I Buy A Electric Pit Bike Or Standard Kick Start Only Pit Bike?

best electric bikes 2012 uk image

A54D

I want to buy one of the following pit bikes as I am on a low budget and just want a pit bike for fun this summer, I like the electric start pit bike as it has a battery and I can add extras like lights and indicators to it, but it's engine looks like dirt and I don't know how it will perform, but the standard one looks like a better engine and it performs well as I had the same one a few years ago. NO STUPID ANSWERS

Standard pit bike: 
http://www.mypurerush.com/pit-bikes-1/akuma-assassin-pit-bikes/125cc-pit-bikes/2011-akuma-assassin-mk3-125cc-white-pit-bike.html

Electric start pit bikes: 
http://www.4u-all.co.uk/off-road-bikes-html/off-road-bikes-yellow

http://www.amazon.co.uk/125cc-Pro-Dirt-Bike-Scrambler/dp/B004QBLVI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336414443&sr=8-1

Date Asked: 07/05/2012
I am buying a gas one, I mean electric start

Answer
Gas and it is not July yet

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What is the difference between a "bicycle working prototype" and a "bicycle market prototype"?

best electric bicycle on the market image

fsacuiu

For the same bicycle product/concept there are many production phases to be accomplished until a market product get alife. During these phases different prototypes are built if required.

Answer
There can be a lot of difference. A working prototype is often cobbled together by a mechanic. A market prototype is more refined , and is an element in test marketing.
I have had experience with building prototype bicycles, and I have a few photos to share:

This is Type 3, which has a fairing made of Kevlar (Dupont trademark aramid fiber) built in 1987:
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/hotbike/00000008-1.jpg

After testing it on people, other suggestions were taken into consideration. The next photo is of the Type 9, built in 1993, and made of fiberglass. The fairing is smaller because testing the larger fairing in Florida revealed that the riders got to hot, it blocked off air. Also, the newer fairing has a storage compartment big enough for 12 x 12ounce beverage cans. And the new design has the fairing mounted to the frame, not the handlebars, so it is much more stable. This bike cost $270.00 to build and sold (Dutch Auction) for $1,200.00.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/hotbike/00000023-1.jpg

This photo is of the Type 7, which I did not sell. The fairing was designed by the same women who designed the Type 9:
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/hotbike/photo003.jpg

I skipped using the number eight, because , like a game of pool, I want the eightball to be last.

Since building these bikes , there has been a lot of electric bikes going into production in China, some 16 million per year. So I would like to cut my losses by bringing in bikes from China. Maybe I will continue to build my own on a one-time, custom basis, but the consumer is only concerned about cost.

How do you think a company like Black and Decker can improve sales, with the poor housing market?

dubstyles2

I have a project for business strategy and I need to survey people for ideas. I have several, but want to see if other people could come up with something new.

Black and Decker makes tools and fasteners, and are currently struggling since the construction market is struggling.

Answer
Well, I build Electric Bicycles, and a Fiberglass Ladies Bicycle (that my Daughter designed).
There is a market for electric motor kits, to motorize bicycles.
Think:
Black & Decker is well known for quality electric motors, maybe they should build an electric bike with the B&D name brand on it.?

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