Why have ebikes, electric mopeds and electric scooters largely disappeared from North American cities?

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sally

Who is "killing" the Electric Bike (aka Electric Scooter) in US and Canada? Many retail shops have closed, from Boston to Vancouver. North American manufacturers (Nova Cruz, Wavecrest, Bionx, Egovehicles) have gone under or are selling much less than they did before.

In comparison, in most of Asia, sales of ebikes are surging? Is it the economy collapse? Is it government? Is it the big auto companies? Is it battery companies? Is it some other factor?

Answer
All these smaller vehicles are disappearing mainly because of our affluence. As all the household get affluent they do not want smaller bikes and cars and go for bigger ones. Also it creates a fashion and so the not so affluent also aim to buy it. In due course there is no takers and they die a natural death.
Take the case of China where a decade ago there were thousands of cycles in the main cities and now they are all replaced with bikes and cars. So is the case of India. Once it was having a lot of 100 cc bikes but now it is n the decline. So it is the life style and not the government or oil companies who are responsible for it.

is it poss to run a bicycle or small motorcycle on 12 volts dc?

oldfarrrrt

i am trying to make an electric bike for my granddaughter. can anyone give me some suggestions on how to accomplish this? what size motor would i use? can the battery be recharged while in use? any info would be appreciated.

Answer
To answer your question, 24 to 36V would be more realistic. 12V will be a very slow e-bike (maybe that's what you want?)

That said, this is a classic make-vs-buy proposition. Let me hazard a guess that you want this by Christmas, and it needs to work, right?

I suggest buy.

The reason is, motors for e-bikes are much more robust than those you might find in a hand tool, kid's ride-on toy or a starter. A typical e-bike motor will be 500W or more sustained duty, and so will have the extra mass and cooling to handle it. A tool or starter motor just isn't built for that kind of duty and will fail in short order.

Plus, the kit will come with a speed control - and if done right the controller will do regenerative charging too.

Lucky for you, there's lots of e-bike kits, both the in-hub style and chain drive. Looks like they run about $400, with the bulk of the cost being the motor and battery.

First link below is to a site that sells both parts and complete kits. (Lots more if you google "electric bike kit" - second link is just an example).

BONUS: sub-8 second electric drag bike (last link.) Just because.

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Can you have an engine on a bicycle without paying tax insurance etc?

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male geek

People drive for free on electric bikes so i'm wondering how about petrol?

Is there a engine size limit? UK ONLY thanks

Answer
It's a bit tricky. I'm no expert by any means, but I know that an ordinary assisted electric bike which does away with the need for pedalling and doesn't go very fast is quite legal. However some forms of powered transport are not legal for use on anything other than private land, like segways (shame, cos I'd love one!) , motorized foot scooters, and I know the speed can make a difference. That is actually going to be the biggest hurdle - whether something is legal to use on the road or not. Maybe checking out the DVLA website might help.

Any one know Gladway electric bike? How can i find an electric bike shop?

Gladway Eb

I want to find someone who are in the field of electric bikes, or a dealer or distribuotr
Macha, Are you a dealer of electric bikes?

Answer
Where are you located? There are several electric bicycle dealers around the country. You can find a good list at http://e-bikedealers.com/ or at electric-bikes.com, or bicycle-power.com. Each dealer will carry a variety of lines and products. Options for electric-assist bicycle products include 1) electric bicycles, 2) do-it-yourself conversion kits to put on your existing bike, or 3) the motorized trailer that attaches to your existing bike when you want propulsion, then remove it in seconds when you just want to pedal. If you're interested in utility biking (using a bicycle for transportation rather than a car), any of these is a good solution.

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14 year old on moped or scooter?

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caztrub4

I'm 14 and in 8th grade. For graduation I was thinking about asking for a moped or scooter... Maybe gas maybe electric. I want one for transportation. I would wear a full head and face helmet. What are the laws for California? I read somewhere that you can be 15 and not need a license as long as it doesn't go over around 20mph. I would rarely be going over 15mph. What are the laws and even at 14 would it be a huge deal in the bike lane with a full helmet and only going about 10mph or less. Also what is the cheapest insurance for one and would i HAVE to have insurance? I also am very carefully and i ride bikes a lot and used to have a dirt bike so i am safe and carefull.. I've had many bikes stolen and it is just too much to keep buying new ones... I've had 3 bikes stolen in 1 month and spent over $1000 on them total... I am very safe and carefull.. I don't see even if I'm under the age limit why I can't ride a couple miles in the bike lane going about 15mph

Answer
You claim you are in school, you should be able to read and understand the law and DMV requirements for vehicles and driver's licenses.

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl.htm

There is *NO* motorized vehicle that you can legally drive/ride on the streets without a driver's license or permit. There is *NO* tandem 2-wheel vehicle of any sort that you ride on the streets without a motorcycle driver's license or permit. You cannot get a driver's learner permit until you are 15 1/2 years of age. You cannot get a motorcycle license/permit until *after* you have taken and passed Drivers Education and Driver's Training (in a car).

Electric scooter or electric bike?

David

I would like to have an electric scooter or an electric bike. The scooters I like are the Ezip 500, and the Ezip 750. They both can go about 17mph with my weight. The ezip 500 only has an 8 mile range. The Ezip 750 has a 12 mile range but is more expensive. I am trying to decide if I might like an electric bike better(I'm a guy so i don't know if that might look wierd). It goes the same speed as the scooters and has a 15 mile range. I only will go on short 5 mile rides. I love how the scooters ride but the bike goes farther. Also I havn't ever riden an electric bike. I don't know any1 that has one. Which one would be easier to maintain. Are there any other electric vehicles UNDER 400$. Are there any other brands. What is best for me???

Answer
These guys specialise in electric bikes
http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/

If you can I would go for one that uses a hub motor they last much longer, currie have a bad reputation as they use a cog system which wears out pretty quickly, currie are the cheapest for a reason.
The cheapest place I have seen hub motor kits is ebay $200-400 a retail one is more like 800-1000.
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=electric+bicycle+kit&_sacat=See-All-Categories

At the extreme end of the market there is this for $2600
http://www.greenspeed.us/e_%2B_plus_electric_bicycle.htm
For that you get speeds of 30 mph unassisted and a range of about 30miles

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What are your thoughts on an electric bike vs. an electric wheel conversion?

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Brian

I live about 2 miles from work, and have a bike path directly to the office. I want to get an electric bike or convert my beach cruiser to an electric bike. Thoughts on this? Suggestions?

Answer
Only two miles I would just ride my bike. Get a hybrid bike and enjoy the ride.

Electric bike conversion kit that recharges as you pedal?

Minh

Basically what's in the question just wondering if there are any electric bike conversion kits that will partially recharge while you pedal. Kind of like a hybrid; and if you guys have any could you point me to them?

Answer
no
recharge as you pedal?
that would be about .001% efficient

if you are going to pedal, why not let THAT run the bike
instead of pushing a generator, letting that charge a battery, letting the battery run a motor
all of which have losses

just charge from the wall for about 1 cent a day

there is no need to 'charge' from pedaling

wle.

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What do you think of a KLX140 dirt bike?

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Sarah E

I have never rode a dirt bike and I am thinking about getting a 140....I really like the YZ125's, but it doesn't have the electric start though....any suggestions would help!

Thanks!

Answer
Don't get a yz125 if you are a beginner; I made that mistake and regretted it. Simply put it would beat the hell out of a noob trying to ride it in trails.
The reason behind it is that it is a 2 stroke and therefore has the power of about double that klx and twice the kick. The KLX is a non performance (non racing) trails bike designed more toward beginners.

I would highly suggest you stop off at a dealer to test drive both and compare them, you will see what I mean.
I had both a yz125 and a similar one (CRF150F) in the same situation. Dont make the same mistke I did.

How do I get started Dirt Biking?

Nikush D

I just bought a Honda XR70 2003 from a good friend and wanted some tips to get started. I know how to start, ride, shift, brake, and my bike doesn't have a clutch nor electric start. So you just shift with foot and nothing else. I wanted to learn to stand and go off of small jumps and things of that nature

Answer
You have to learn by doing. First time up the hill, go slow, then speed up after a while to catch some air. Be sure of the terrain and any obstacles before you try it. Don't do it all at once. Build up to it.
Good luck.

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Why have ebikes, electric mopeds and electric scooters largely disappeared from North American cities?

best electric bike canada image

sally

Who is "killing" the Electric Bike (aka Electric Scooter) in US and Canada? Many retail shops have closed, from Boston to Vancouver. North American manufacturers (Nova Cruz, Wavecrest, Bionx, Egovehicles) have gone under or are selling much less than they did before.

In comparison, in most of Asia, sales of ebikes are surging? Is it the economy collapse? Is it government? Is it the big auto companies? Is it battery companies? Is it some other factor?

Answer
All these smaller vehicles are disappearing mainly because of our affluence. As all the household get affluent they do not want smaller bikes and cars and go for bigger ones. Also it creates a fashion and so the not so affluent also aim to buy it. In due course there is no takers and they die a natural death.
Take the case of China where a decade ago there were thousands of cycles in the main cities and now they are all replaced with bikes and cars. So is the case of India. Once it was having a lot of 100 cc bikes but now it is n the decline. So it is the life style and not the government or oil companies who are responsible for it.

How much is the cheapest electric bike cost in Canada (Vancouver)?

John F

Should i buy one in Canada or overseas?

Answer
Canada. heapest. dollar in a garage sale. But in stores it's aout 5 dollars. ost expensive...100 and more.

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What kind of dirt bike would be good for a begninner?

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Sarah E

I am 23 yrs. old, 5'7....108lbs....I am thinking about a KLX 140...mainly because of the electric start...I have only rode quads--Raptor 350, never rode a dirt bike......any suggestions would help!

Thanks!

Answer
Great choice. You could also look at the TT-R125/230 and CRF150/230, but if you like the Kawasaki just go with it.

can anyone help in designing a quad-bike chassis driven by a 2HP electric motor powered by 48V battery pack?

Manish Men

can anyone help in designing a quad-bike chassis driven by a 2HP electric motor powered by 48V battery pack??? this is for my final year engineering project. The battery pack would be 4 12V pack or 8 6V packs.

Answer
drop a note to these guys, and check out Gorilla Vehicles

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

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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.

Can I charge a Power wheels 12 v battery with a conventional charger?

I have a 12/24v battery charger with aligator clips. Can use this with a Power Wheels Battery?
The port is the problem. Can I hook the clips to the Power Wheels connection on the battery?

Answer
it all depends if you put in to much volts into the battery you rune it and if you put to little it doesn't charge if you can find one that puts in the same amount of volts then it should charge. don't use any phone chargers or bike chargers they alwas put out more volts then it says. 12 v wheel needs a 12 v charger that has the same type of port.

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What do you wish would go back to how it used to be?

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Girl from

It could be anything at all. Whatever comes to mind first. I'm 30 and I miss the days when you could walk into an establishment and ask if they were hiring. Paper applications are non-existent. They barely look you in the face and rudely yell "fill out online".

We are an email address and not treated as human.

Answer
Hi - Good to see you here again. Long read for you. Worth it.
I would like things to be simple - people to be honest & care.
We need more people in America who feel like you do.
I remember when we weren't - just a number - a time when
we had to work harder - but life was easier and down to earth.

I'm soon to be 77 years old and I have been told that my group
is responsible for the crises we are in now. I would like to share a
writing - that my friend emailed to me. It's about how life was for me
while growing up and also a good part of my life while raising my children.

âTHE GREEN THINGâ
Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman, that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags werenât good for the environment.

The woman apologized and explained, âWe didnât have this green thing back in my earlier days.â

The clerk responded, âThatâs our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations.

She was right â our generation didnât have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. But we didnât have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didnât have an escalator in every store or elevator in every office building. We walked to the grocery store and didnât climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks away. But she was right. We didnât have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we washed the babyâs diapers because we didnât have the throw away kind. We dried clothes on a clothes line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 22 volts â wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. But that young lady is right: we didnât have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or just a radio in the house â not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief. Remember them? Not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didnât have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers we saved, to cushion it, no Styrofoam or bubble wrap back then. We didnât fire up an engine and burn gasoline, just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human/manpower. We exercised by working so we didnât need to go to a health
club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But sheâs right: we didnât have the green thing back then.

We drank from a water fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a throw away cup or plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didnât have the green thing back then.

Back then people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24 hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didnât need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isnât it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didnât have the green thing back then.

Thanks for asking.
DeeJay - we were happy with the little things in life.

What kind of bike is this Miley Cyrus is riding?

alexisadal

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31039267@N04/3201891182/


I think it's an electric, not sure, but I really want one like it.

Answer
Did a bit of research & I think I've found it - it's an 2005 ladies model Electra cruiser by the name of "Rosie' - with a 3 speed hub & a coaster brake
A cute bike with an equally cute name.

Since it's an older model, it's not currently for sale.
But similar models with the same gearing & coaster brakes are to be found.
http://www.electrabike.com/cruiser/

Happy riding

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

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Drowzzy

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

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

Hope I haven't confused you. Thanks :)

Answer
Yes but you will go slower because you are turning the motor so basically there is no piont unless you modify it yourself

Who is the best name brand electric bike supplier that can ship anywhere in the world?

I have a chain of 20 bike shops and I'm looking for a very good, reliable electric bike supplier.

Answer
You can also try http://www.wholesaledeals.co.uk if you are looking for wholesale deals to resell on eBay UK and Amazon UK. They basically research for you which current wholesale offers are selling successfully and at good margins on eBay and Amazon, and you can join their service to find out where you can buy those deals today.

Since you are looking for electric bike,

try this page: http://www.wholesaledeals.co.uk/search-suppliers/electric_bike-suppliers.html

Hope this helps.

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Where can i find rented room for long term stay in Nepal?

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ScotNepal

Namaste mero nepali satiharu.

Mero naam James ho. Mero nepali naam Roshan ho.
I am friend of Nepal. I have visited many times before and now i am planning to come for long term stay. Maybe 5 or 6 months minimum i will live in Kathmandu.

I do not want to stay in hotel or guesthouse for this amount of time because it will be very expensive for me. So, i have been thinking about renting one room or apartment for my stay.

I am not rich Westerner. I come from working class family in UK, so i do not have enough money for very expensive room. I am looking for somewhere cheap. I need this flat to be completely furnished with bed and TV and cooking equipment.

I have been looking on my laptop at one website but the price is very expensive. Can you please show me any website where i can look at different rooms in Kathmandu for rent?

I need any information.

Thank you my friends :) Have a nice day!

Answer
i think i know one place where you easily stay in there and there was no any expensive cost and there is very nice facilities like We have a beautiful fully furnished one bedroom apartment for short stays in Kathmandu. Our first floor apartment is centrally located and is just 100 meters from the Indian and British Embassy. You would get lovely views of the mountains from the bedroom windows. The accommodation comprises of one bedroom ( Double Bed, TV with DVD, Two in One, Big Almira's ) One big drawing room ( fridge, seating space, books library, fire place ) a small breakfast cum dining room ( With ground sitting Dining Table, Microwave and Electric Kettle ) and a bath with bath tub with running hot and cold water. You could also rent mountain bikes from us for going around Kathmandu. We would also like to offer Toyota Prado on hire for going around Nepal at very reasonable rates. We welcome visitors for short stays and our tariff is very reasonable.

What do you think of a new law: high gas tax with $ set aside for alternative fuel development?

jane doe

I have to do a speech on public policy. I'm not sure if this is already enacted in many places. I don't even drive. Gasoline is taxed, right? But taxes would be increased, which would probably mean people would look for more fuel efficient automobiles (quit driving Hummers). A large portion of the money from the tax would be earmarked for developing and eventually implementing alternative fuels (perhaps the one with the algae). This would be better for everyone because oil won't be available forever at the rate it's used, oil causes wars, it's bad for the environment... people will probably use public transportation more.

Answer
Algae could be the answer, or electric, or hydrogen or hydrogen electric [fuel cell]. You could suggest that engine size & fuel efficiency would be taxed on new cars. It happens here in the UK. A little car pays no tax, a big Range Rover pays over $500 a year. The money isn't really directed into anything [ringfenced] but that's just the way it works, although public transport in rural areas is subsidised. Taxing new cars means those with the money can afford to pay. People with old classics or who can't afford a new car won't have to pay [in the UK pre 1974 cars pay no tax].
The love affair with oil is coming to an end we or rather you [the next generation] need to come up with a better solution.
good luck with your debate

additional: tax on fuel/cars varies from country to country to give you an idea the uk version runs like this. Tax [duty on fuel] it used to be 50% of the cost but as oil prices have gone through the roof it has become less and now is less than 30%. Farmers and fishermen pay no duty [airlines pay nothing too] but oil price is the real cost. The other tax is the yearly road tax, a little mini or small diesel pay $50 a big gas guzzler pays $500. Cars built before 2000 pay either $100 for small cars $200 for bigger. Electric hybrid and gas [lpg] pay nothing. Sales tax of 20% is added to all fuel except heating.

Public transport is for losers! apparently 75% of New Yorkers don't own a car [8% of the rest of the US]. I don't think NYers are losers. I mix up my transport, bike to keep fit, SUV for work, train for long journeys.

with 250 million cars there is potential with just a $4 a year tax to pump $ billion into research. Who would resent saving the planet for the price of a cup of starbucks.

A small tax on new cars would be equal $x 5 million each year and if that tax was annual then it would add to the fund.

The funny thing is that some here feel a greenhouse tax should be on fuel not annual tax, it means you could own a hummer and only use it a few weekends a year. A lot of old cars in the US are classics that are loved and only come out for the odd weekend so it would be unfair to tax them and tax the fuel instead.

Incidentally you don't need a algae engine developed the fuel is the same as bio diesel.

250 million cars, you really love your cars!

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How many Solar cells are required?

best electric bikes in bangalore image

gk s

Hi all

I have a motor which runs on Battery power. The motor is 350 W and I have 3 batteries of 12 V, 12 AH. What would be the solar panel size required for charging this battery pack.

Can I get solar cells in Bangalore to build my own panel ?

Thanks
Salil

Answer
About 450 watt-hours - that sounds like an electric bike battery. Is it 36 volts?

What you need is to find a 200-watt panel with a max power voltage of 42 volts or more, or two, 100-watt panels in series. 100-watt panels are not the mainstream, anymore, so you may have to go with 165-watt.

You would also need a charge controller for the battery pack. I've seen some electric bikes here with a switching power supply for their charger. For those, I believe you could wire the charger directly to high voltage DC, and it would work. But you would need to supply the mains voltage times 1.4 to the charger. That means 150 volts at least in my area, which implies 6 panels. Expensive, unless you already have such an array for other purposes.

Sorry, I don't have a source for individual cells. They are sold on craigslist where I live. But my personal opinion is that building your own panel is a poor value - it costs almost as much, and won't last very long.

What is the price of YO bikes in Delhi & NCR?

Q.

Answer
Probably about the same as yo bikes in Bangalore. Maybe you should checkout electric bikes in general and not just one brand

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

best electric bikes to buy 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.

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

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.

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Do electric cars need wind generators to keep the batteries charged?

best electric bikes 2010 image

Kenneth Ho

An all electric vehicle.

Answer
No, there are a number of ways to charge the batteries. Battery electric cars primarily charge the batteries from a wall outlet.

Solar, fuel cell, and series hybrids can charge batteries using the supplemental power source.

Vehicles that have power transmitted to them can charge batteries in addition to using the transmitted electricity to run the vehicle: http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2010/10/haloipt-launches-first-wireless.html

There are also a number of ways to capture the power of inertia to charge the batteries these include:
-- Regenerative Braking (usually it is a drive motor that is turned into a generator for regenerative braking but in some cases a separate generator may be used. It is also possible for this to be attached to a fan but this also will have some effect at braking the vehicle.
-- Regenerative suspension (shock absorbers that produce electricity)

It might be possible to park your vehicle at the top of a mountain each night. As you drive down the mountain the regenerative braking could charge the vehicle. However you would have to top off the charge before you climb the mountain again. As they say there is no free lunch.

--A stationary Wind Generator is just one method to produce electricity that can then be used to power the electric grid or an electric car directly.

will I be able to use a plugin electric vehicle in an apartment?

jefferysti

Assuming I have a plugin port in my parking area but the parking is NOT secured parking, meaning anyone can walk up to the car, how will I be able to use plugin vehicles? What stops someone from walking up and A) unplugging the car B) stealing the plug C) cutting the cord? Do I need a secure parking lot and/or a garage?

Answer
You might ask the same thing about a motorcycle parked in the same lot. Easily someone with a front end loader or a crane could take the bike. The same is true for someone smashing your vehicle windows or taking it with a tow truck. You may not consider these likely events in your neighborhood, or you may... Your sense of security is based upon how likely you foresee the unfortunate concern. Much of this is an assessment of neighborhood rather than the potential with the vehicle.

The same is true for an electric vehicle. Is it possible? Yes. And of 365 days in a year how many times might this happen? Probably less than you might imagine.

I would be more concerned with the possibility of someone accidentally cutting or tripping over the cord. There are several possible ways to work around this:

1. The cord could be armored just as there is armored but somewhat flexible electrical cable called "bx" which is used for electrical wiring.

2. The lid of the charging port could be configured to close and lock over the plug or some aftermarket device could be applied to lock in the cord.

3. The charging circuit could be alarmed with either a silent (app?) or audible alarm to warn when an incomplete charge has been interrupted or cord disturbed. Some cars have perimeter alarms on them.

4. The system for charging could be switched to a wireless charger. This is essentially a pad you could drive over that would then charge your vehicle wirelessly. Eventually, I think all public chargers will be wireless. http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2010/09/delphi-working-with-witricity-on.html

5. Or your could have an enclosed or secure parking lot with a guard to reduce but not eliminate the risk.

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what is the key technical difference between a standard enfield bike and the electra model?

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harycool

i am planning to buy a second hand enfield bike (due to budget constraints). i have initially decided to go for standard bike but am open to suggestions. what is the key diff betwn electra and standard bike. which one is better. what is the difference in performance (power, mileage). which one should i go for?

Answer
Well, the standard one is a motorbike with a kick start, not a bicycle, and the electra is a motorbike with an electric start, not a bicycle, so as far as we in the cycling section are concerned, they're both the same. Ask again in Cars and Transportation -> Motorcycling.

How can I raise enough money to buy this electric scooter?

redduke

I'm 13 and my birthday is in a week but the budget is only $50.00. I have some Friends in my neighborhood who have electric scooters and on every Saturday bring them to x-treme skateboard parks to jump them off ramps. They even play scooter tag in my neighborhood streets while I sit and watch. So, my question is, how can I raise enough money to buy this $400.00 scooter before school gets out in a month?

Answer
get your mower and a gallon of gas, get your bike and pull the mower, go door to door looking for lawns and yes you take payments, god your dad will get your money or your buddies. why not pull a tooth and go for a motorbike or quad hmm shom them electric cuties whats up.
hey you could earn over 100$ A DAY IF YOUR A GOOD HARD WORKER.OR MORE SORRY BOUT THE CAPS, EARLY 80'S I HAD A MOWER SHOP AND LAWN BUSINESS FROM ABOUT 13 ON, NOTHING WRONG WITH IT BUILDS CHARACTER

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Would this be legal on uk roads/paths?

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Paul

Hey, im wondering if this electric bicycle would be legal on UK's roads and paths?
http://stealthelectricbikesunitedkingdom.com/the-bikes.html
Top speed: 30mph or 50mph depending on which bike

Answer
Both are illegal for use on public roads and paths. An electric bike must be limited to 15 mph under power, although there is nothing to stop you peddling it (or free wheeling down hill) faster if you can. It also can not exceed 200w, the one you have linked to is 750w.
You must also be over 14 years old to ride one.

best electric motor for a pushbike?

Harry

hello in the uk the top limit for wats is 200 but it doesnt matter if i have a 2000w it just has to cut out at 15 mhp so what is the best motor for a racing bike (carbonfiber rally record ) for uphill racing i have £150 for a motor so no magic pie 3 although i do like the look of hub motors and golden motor the minimum has ti have 500w

Answer
The lithium battery powered Flyer-Panasonic ones from Switzerland have a good reputation, but what the hell has this to do with Boats & Boating?

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what engines are capable to run 100% on hho, h2, hydrogen gas for vehicles?

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David Schw

Is there ideal engines for the conversion? I want to construct a van that holds enough hydrogen to operate 200 miles power day ++ and cover it with solar panels & a bracket to hold a1,500 watt windmill. Ideally,I would use an AC outlet to produce the hydrogen but with added options to make its own too. This is the ultimate bug out vehicle. I will probably wonder off into the wilderness forever once its complete.

Answer
Sounds like an interesting project. There are some car companies that make hydrogen internal combustion engines/cars but they are hugely expensive and conversions from gas to hydrogen has some problems. A propane engine design might be suitable for adaptation to hydrogen. The fuel/air mixture is much different for hydrogen requiring special carbs and engine timing changes and hydrogen embrittlement of engine parts or exhaust can lower engine life and other parts.
Storing hydrogen is another issue as it requires a large volume of gas under very high pressures to have a suitable range you're looking for.....special tanks, lines, valves, refueling, etc..

There are some new methods coming out to make on-demand low pressure hydrogen gas using chemical processes like sodium silicides or cobalt catalysts which could alleviate some of the problems with onboard storage/use. You can also make hydrogen from urine which has twice the hydrogen molecules as water and splits apart in electrolysis at lower voltages..

Related links on chemical hydrogen production....

http://www.onlinetes.com/tes-0311-hydrogen-fuel-cells-sodium-silicide.aspx
http://news.discovery.com/tech/magic-powder-fuels-electric-bike.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TinQ3iV403s&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Cobalt catalysts ...
http://phys.org/news187031401.html#nRlv
http://phys.org/news/2012-08-scientists-h2-fuel-cells-inexpensive.html#ajTabs
http://www.suncatalytix.com/tech.html

Urine to hydrogen...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31805166/ns/technology_and_science-innovation/


Videos on hydrogen engine fundamentals...
http://www.metacafe.com/videos_about/hydrogen_fuel_-_engine_fundamentals_/

Hydrogen IC vehicle history...the first IC powered car actually ran on hydrogen back in 1807....decades before gasoline or diesel engines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hydrogen_internal_combustion_engine_vehicles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francois_Isaac_de_Rivaz

Kohler SV590 mower engine will not start.?

Lee

Have a troy-bilt rider with Kohler SV590S (SV590-0017, see below) that has been stored and unused last season (2012), i.e. stored fall 2011, with stabilizer treated gas. Now won't go. new gas, Fuel flow from tank to carb OK (through fuel filter), fires if carb sprayed with carb cleaner. Solenoid works (don't know if it was stuck at first before I pushed on it a couple of times).

Got the bowl off, ruined the gasket. Local repair shop pointed out that a disk (about 3/8 inch) was missing, probably due to freezing with water in gas. He had kit with gasket, disk and other pieces.

Cleaned carb with carb cleaner, which blew through all the various ports (3x so far). Reassembled, still dies when (jump) starting, but runs for a few seconds with some carb cleaner down the throat. Can hear solenoid click, bowl now has some gas in it when removed.

Each time I made sure that the various interlocks were OK - seat down or bypassed, brake on, PTO (blade) off, and jump started since battery is only good for a few tries if charged overnight.

Note there is no evidence of a fuel pump as shown in the manual as the gas line goes from fuel tank to filter to carburetor.

Now what? Any suggestions for troubleshooting & fix ups so that my son doesn't have to use the push mower again? Can't afford repair shop diagnostics - unemployed

(will probably have to replace battery again if this thing starts)


Kohler Courage 19 Engine SV590S (electric start) Spec no SV590-0017 (MTD) SN 3605950363 (found manuals online including service manual 20 690 01 Rev. G)
Troy-Bilt Model 6605 SN 1C026H20244 Manufactured 3/2006 13AX60TG766 (found manuals online)

BTW: Also when moving carburetor assembly noticed an extra spring on the ground - about 1 5/8 inches long with squared hook at one end and rounded "eye" at other, narrower coil at hook end to wider coil at "eye" end. Looks brand new and mower is 2006 so suspect spring is from something else, like a new bike that was being worked on a few days earlier. Also not in found in any of the parts diagrams related to the fuel & throttle assemblies. Hopefully it is not from the mower. Looked at Troy-Bilt mowers with Kohler engine in store with similar throttle/choke assembly and do not see any evdience of this spring.

I have the following online manuals obtained online over the last few days. Note that file names listed below have been prefixed with descriptive names
Courage_Vertical_Manual_11-15_HP.62142506.TP-2548-A.1007.pdf
KohlerDiagnosticsm_20_690_01.pdf
KohlerEngineOwnersManual20_590_06.pdf
KohlerSM_2069001_SV470_thru_SV620_REV3_12.pdf
LawnMowerEngineManual kh-20-590-01-a.pdf
LawnMowerGuideFastStart 778-11141a.pdf
LawnMowerOwnersManual 770-10490i.pdf

Answer
I think that you still have something in the carburetor that needs to come out. Sometimes it is difficult to get the things clean. I use a chem dip type cleaner that I got from the auto parts store specifically for carburetors. Comes in a gallon can for around $20.00 but last for years and is good for a lot of parts. You take the carb apart and soak for an hour or so, rinse it with water and blow it dry with compressed air. Works first time every time, except once on a outboard motor, but that is a different story. It is possible to get them cleaned out with spray carb cleaner once they are off and taken apart but it doesn't work as well as the soaking cleaner. When taking things apart that are somewhat complicated, a digital picture or two can save your bacon in the home stretch. Anyway, what you describe sounds to me like a dirty carburetor.

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How long do brushes usually last in a hub motor for electric bikes?

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Student

I have a crystalyte sparrow hub motor and ive only used it for 100 hours and now it doesnt work. Can brushes run out that fast. Also is there special tools needed to replace the brushes for the motor, or is it a simple procedure. Please tell me how to replace brushes. Thanks

Answer
the springs on the brushes are a bit unruly but it can be done

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

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.

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