How do you put a chain driven motor on a bike with suspension?

best electric bike for 1000 image

Dug

I was thinking about putting a motor on an electric motocross bike so it goes faster, the only problem is is that the motorbike has suspension in the back and I was wondering if a chain driven motor can be mounted so when I hit a bump with the suspension the chain won't pop off or become stressed.

Answer
The sprocket needs to be roughly lined up with the center-line of the swing arm and not far from the pivot point. Just a random gas engine has nearly a zero percent chance of working since the output shaft is usually centered and too high on the engine. That, and you would have to find a clutch for it, make sure the sprockets line up perfectly, and fabricate a mounting system. You would also have to make a functional gas tank unless there was one mounted to the engine.

By the time you were done, you could have sold your old bike and bought a real dirt-bike. I see older used ones for sale in my local CL for $500-1000 all the time.

can drive a Electric bike in the state of california with a license?

Jill Valen

im a 16 year old the electric bike has less than 1000 watts and it go up to 20 mph on battery alone 10 points for a good answers with good resource

Answer
Yes they are legal on public roads you are required to wear a helmet I have listed to web sites with additional information if you wish to learn more about the laws.

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Why is Japan considered more technologically advanced than the rest of the world?

best electric bikes in the world image

SHRIek

I was just wondering, also if Japan is more technologically advanced in what ways and what does it have that the rest of the world doesn't have. Also if you can please leave names of some of their advanced products.

Answer
It may be because Japan lost on WW2 completely.
after Japan lost at 1945, in Japan land, destroyed places only were remained.
houses destroyed, trees burned, many citizen lost their life.
They listened to Japanese empelor's (天ç) surrendor declaration on radio at 1945 with crying.

They decided that absolutely was revived Japan.
such power will make Japan big evolution for 60's-70's.

Japanese character may be key,too.
Our Japanese have the character that cope with things by cooperation with other people, rather than indivisualism on other countries.

as you know, Japan have became a top country on cars, electricity like TV, PC, audio, cassete deck
, laser disc, VHS radio and so on.
on making such items, character of name of cooperation with the company mates was very important. and appearance of special person like Matsushita Kounosuke on Matsushita Denki company was key.

their advanced products
well.

at first,
Car. small size but high performance system with low oil will be point.
famous company is Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Subaru and so on.

Sony. top company on audio, Tv and so on.
especially potable audio as Walkman.
80's Walkman portable cassette system got big popularity for youngs. now the tendency is following to mp3 player systems.

Nintendow, Sony is famous on TV game.
Nintendow was just a Japanese card(è±æ­) game company at first. by80's Family Computer hit, it got to be big company.
especially Japanese RPG is top level over the world.
Enix company on Dragon Quest(Dragon Warrior) series, Square company on Final Fatasy series is famous.

Seiko is famous and top watch company.
Orympic is used as formal time watch with Omega, Rolex, Tag Hoyer and so on.
Citizen is famous, too.

Yamaha is famous on musical instrument.
the genre is very broad, piano , electric guitar, acoustic guitar, accourdion, trumpet, violin, fruit, and so on.
this company is famous on bike, too.
on Chopin piano competition, top level contest ,
I hear that about 30% piano players selected Yamaha concert grand piano system. rate over Stanway systems

Fujitsuu, NEC, Sony is famous on PC.

Maxell, Axia, TDK is famous on dvd, cd disks.
once their companies was top on cassette.

Film cameras, video cameras is famous.
there are Pentax, Konika,Canon, Minolta as famous company.

Contact lens or glasses lens will be high spec.
famous company on the genre will be Canon, Seed, Hoya.



it will be famous high speed train like Shinkansen.
high speed trains over the world will be used train technology of France TGV or Japanese Shinkansen.

Can Bill Gates show the world how to get cheap energy?

Tom S

He can't even produce an affordable, reliable, and secure (protected against viruses, spam ware etc) version or Windows. We're still paying a fortune for Windows with it's service packs.

How can he show the world how to get cheap energy. He claims what he really wants is clean energy at half its current cost. To do that, he said, we'll need new technology.

Answer
That man is an island unto himself, i don't care how much money he has.
the greatest inventions, and world changing ideas into reality came from people,
with scientific morality and God sence of purpose. Anybody who would hire
Balmer, is not on the side of righeousness, and the american dream
of cheap energy. Hogwash, that is a wolf in sheepskin. I'll bring you
cheap energy and hire balmer too deliver it. There is no energy that exists on this
planet or any other planet that is cheap. Try converting the sun/EXPENSIVE,Nuclear/EXPENSIVE
Wind?THERE IS NONE OR ENOUGH,Hydroelectric/EXPENSIVE>FISH,oil/EXPENSIVE and
running out,electric cars or hybrids/EXPENSIVE.

unless he's teaming up with Opera winfrey, too buy us all pedal bikes,
he's out of touch with reality. He going too give, other countries his philantrophy,
with our money,CHEAPLY! did I say that right. He is a nut case. he has no concept
of reality, behind a lcd too long.

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How to remove scratch from my bike?

best electric bikes on the market image

sourabh

I recently bought a Yamaha FZ-16. Lately when I checked my bike I saw that it had got a scratch for some other vehicle, probably from the foot rest of a scooter, on the silencer.I really love my bike and the scratch is irritating me. Is there a way to remove the black mark caused by the paint of the scooter's footrest paint or will the yamaha service center person can/will do anything about it or to get rid of the mark? I like my stuff, flawless. Please comment!

Answer
if it is on the alloy cover and is just a paint mark try a rag soaked in carb cleaner and gently rub the mark away.
If it is actually a scratch in the alloy
first try a light rub with a scotch pad.
You can buy lap wheels for your electric drill, get a cloth callico mop and some block french chalk and polish the whole surface.
alternately buy a new silencer cover.
Don't be too het up as in about six weeks you'll be buying an after market slip on can to make it sound better and perform a little better and improve the looks of the bike
ARROW make a nice exhaust for this bike as do blue flame

http://www.blueflameperformance.com/bikegallery/#YAMAHA/FZ1_2006_ON

http://www.arrow.it/usa/website/

how do i find out the laws on importing goods from china to the usa?

randybates

i want to buy electric bikes in china, and sell them in america

Answer
You need a customs broker. They know relevant regulations for each commodity. Chances are the only things you'll need to confirm regulation-wise are (1) whether you need to pay duties to Uncle Sam when you bring electric bikes in from China; and (2) whether electric bicycles require UL (underwriter's laboratories) approval.

For info on duties check the US International Trade Commission's Tariff Information Center at the following link:
http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/bychapter/2005_supp.htm
See chapter 87 "Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof"

Frankly if you don't know the regulations governing the importation of electric bicycles from China into the U.S., then that means you probably have no experience in this industry, and there are more important questions you should be asking, such as:
Who is your target customer and how will you get their attention?
Who are your main competitors?
Why will your target customers buy your bikes and not your competitors'?
What advantage do you have selling electronic bicycles that your competitors don't have?
How will you find suppliers?
Do you have the capital to buy bikes, ship them to the U.S., inventory them, and invest in marketing to sell them?

Keep in mind that suppliers in China only sell large quantities. Unless you are prepared to import full container loads of electric bicycles there is no point buying direct from China. You should first find a domestic wholesaler or importer to buy from, that way you can get your business started with a low capital investment. Your COGs (cost of goods) will be higher, but you won't need to tie up cash in inventory. Focus on developing your customer base and growing sales. As long as you at least break even you are doing great. Then, once you have built up a customer base and have sufficient demand, you can think about finding a supplier in China. When you're at that point give me a call and I can help you - 212-847-7175. Good luck!

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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 for 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!





.

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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How do I open the Bell Radian Bike Light battery compartment?

best battery bike light image

HB

I don't know how to replace the battery on my bike light. This is the exact one I have: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41rjekme6JL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Answer
Take out the rubber stopper from thee back of the lights. Then hold down the button that has the battery and the three arrows on it while pulling out the light part of the bike lights.

How to do the wiring of fog lights not connected to a car?

47

I am making my own bike light and I bought some fog lights. It comes with a switch, relay and two fog lights. What about the fuse?
bike as in bicycle

Answer
At the bare minimum, all you need is a power source. Fog lights probably run on 12 volts, so you will need anything from a car battery to 8 AA batteries ran in series. You can put a fuse on it, but it's not necessary. If you want a fuse, find out how many amps the light draws. Then, get the appropriate fuse and splice it into the positive wire.

EDIT: If it's a bicycle, all you need is a 12V power source (battery) and some wire. Connect the positive (red) wire from the light to the posive terminal on the power source. Then connect the ground wire (black, green, or white) from the light to a piece of unpainted metal on the bike. Connecting it to a bolt will probably be fine. Eventually, your power source will run out of juice. I don't really think it is worth it.

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Where can I get a motor trike (3 wheel) in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area that I can make payments on?

best electric bikes under �1000 image

redriverwo

If you know of someone or a dealership please provide me w/ the contact info and send to redriverwoman42@yahoo.com
I am looking for a motorcylce trike 3-wheeler such as a Honda Goldwing-something that the conversion has already been done on.

Answer
The Pep Boys auto parts stores, as well as AutoZone and others, sell very cheap Chinese ATV's and small electric and gas bikes. They are priced under $1000 in most cases, and some are even under $500 so making payments wouldn't be needed unless you're really broke.

14 year old on moped or scooter?

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).

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duel sport motorcycles for 6ft man?

best electric bikes of 2013 image

bucker

I'd like to move from a Harley 1200XL to a small duel sport bike that if it falls over, I can pick up alone at the age of 72.

Answer
Honda a few years ago made a CRF 230L. The thing got 90mpg! Weight 260lbs and came in black.

The new one: Honda CRF 250L weighs in at a porky 320 and gets less mpg.
http://powersports.honda.com/dual-sport/2013/crf250l.aspx

Suzuki makes the DR 200 SE. It weighs in at 278lbs, but it has electric start. They also make a 400cc version.
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/DR200SE/2013/DR200SE.aspx#Specs

Yamaha makes the TW 200. It weighs in at 278 and gets 78mpg.

Kawasaki makes the KLX 250S. It weighs in at 297lbs, gets 70mpg and has electric start.
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?id=550&scid=14

If you got cash, then look at the KTM 350 EXC. This is a motocross bike with lights. It weighs 241lbs and has electric start.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/122_1211_ktm_350_exc_dual_sport_surgery/viewall.html

The other motocross bike with lights is the Husqvarna TE 310R. It weights 247lbs and has electric start.
http://husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com/product.php?pid=56&cid=21

You got me by a few years. I know I am getting tired of kick starting a motorcycle, so you have to be really tired of it. That means you are going to have to go with the Suzuki or the Kawasaki. If you have the money, the KTM and Husqvarna are top of the line bikes. I got a 1982 Honda XL500R that I have to go through a starting ritual on or she won't fire up. It gets old real fast kick that beast over...lol

I would recommend going to the local dealerships and sitting on a bunch of different bikes. This way you can see what is out there and see what fits you best. Hell, I would look for an old late model 1970's 2-stroke enduro just to piss off the neighbors...lol You can find used bikes on Ebay, Craigslist, CycleTrader and BikeFinds.

You keep going old timer.

Help me pick a motorcycle!?

Johnson

I am thinking about getting a motorcycle instead of a car for college. The university I am going to has a very large, closed in campus which isnt quite walkable, so I wanted to get a bike to get around quickly and efficiently, as well as go to the store for groceries (ill just get saddle bags, not a big deal). It will also be used to drive around a large city (Seattle), and taken on the I-5 highway occassionally, but not often. I dont need or want my bike to be very fast, just enough for the highway.

The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is a solid contender for me, mostly because of its price and positive reviews. I definitely want either a sport or naked bike, preferably under $3-4k, so it fits the bill. It isnt very fast either, which is frankly a plus for me. Is the Ninja a good bike for my uses? ie: every day use, commute, convenience in daily life, city riding.

The biggest concern for me is cost. I know the bike itself it cheap enough, but how about the insurance? What would I expect to pay with the good grades discount, being 18-19 years old, college student? Also on a family plan most likely, so some discounts can be expected there.

Thanks alot, I hope someone has some answers for me :)

Answer
Yes, 250 or 300 both are the very good bikes and you don't be worry with the price difference. Compare the all specification and then you may be find which bike to choose. For insurance related query you can ask to your local agent.

Kawasaki Bajaj Ninja 250R: Engine Specifications:

Engine Type: Four stroke, DOHC, liquid cooling
Engine Displacement: 249cc
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
Maximum Power: 31 Bhp@10500rpm
Maximum Torque: 22 Nm@9,500 rpm
Cylinder Bore: 62 mm
Stoke: 41.2mm
Ignition: Electronic Ignition (Transistorized)
Starting: Electric Start
Wheel Type: ALLOYS
Tyre Size: 110/70 R17, 130/70 R17
Wheel Base: 1399.5

Features:

Fuel Capacity: 18.2
Fuel Reserve: 4.8
Fuel Type: Petrol
Brakes: Front 290MM Hydraulic Disk, Rear 220MM Dual-piston Disc.
Suspension: Front Hydraulic Telescopic Fork, Rear Uni-Trak Twin Sided Swing Arm Aluminum

Mileage: Kawasaki Bajaj Ninja 250R gives a Mileage 30-32kmpl in City.



Kawasaki Ninja 300R 2013: Features and Specifications

Engine: 296cc
Maximum Power: 39 Bhp
Maximum Torque: 28 Nm
Gears: 6 Manual
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual
Bore: 62.0
Stroke: 49.0
No. of Cylinders: 2
Cylinder Configuration: Parallel Twin
Valve Per Cylinder: 4
Engine Block Material: Aluminum Alloy
Chassis Type: Tube diamond, Steel
Cooling Type: Liquid Cooling

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What type of cables do I use to connect 4 12volt batteries to my electric bike?

best electric bikes in uk image

Q. Hi. I'm trying to connect four 12-volt batteries together (I think they're supposed to run parallel), so that I can power a 48volt, 500watt motor.
I'm not very electronically/mechanically minded....so I'm not sure what exactly to use to connect these batteries. Would some type of clamps work? The batteries have little prong ends, not the kind like car batteries with the hole ends for big screws.

Thank you for your help!

Answer
For a 48 volt motor, you will need to connect the batteries in series. + on one to - on the next one and so on (see series drawing here):

http://www.electricfence-online.co.uk/shop/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-advice-faqs/battery-bank-wiring.html

You will need heavy gauge (10 ga or larger) battery type wire with ring or spade lugs for attaching to the posts:

http://www.mobilehomerepair.com/media/img/10awgred.jpg

http://shop.rabtron.co.za/catalog/insulated-ring-terminal-stud-yellow-p-3040.html

Where an i find an electric bicycle without speed limiter in uk?

Adrian J

Where in the uk can i find an electric bicycle that does not have
a speed limiter because all the bikes i have seen are restricted to
15mph but that is not quick enough for me

thanx 4 looking

Answer
You can go faster if you pedal.

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

which electric bikes are best image

Drowzzy

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

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

Hope I haven't confused you. Thanks :)

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

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

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

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 get a motor trike (3 wheel) in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area that I can make payments on?

best electric bikes under 1000 image

redriverwo

If you know of someone or a dealership please provide me w/ the contact info and send to redriverwoman42@yahoo.com
I am looking for a motorcylce trike 3-wheeler such as a Honda Goldwing-something that the conversion has already been done on.

Answer
The Pep Boys auto parts stores, as well as AutoZone and others, sell very cheap Chinese ATV's and small electric and gas bikes. They are priced under $1000 in most cases, and some are even under $500 so making payments wouldn't be needed unless you're really broke.

14 year old on moped or scooter?

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).

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

best electric bike kit 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.

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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my motorcycle wont start, no power when i put the key in, and turn it. help plz?

best battery powered bike light image

Ubi

I have a 1000cc bike, and when i put the key in and turn it, but there is no power to the bike, no lights or anything will come on. i thought it was the battery so i bought a new one, but it wasnt that. i dont know wht it could be. thx for reading and helping me.

Answer
Is the battery dead?

How would i charge a lighting battery on my bike without grid power?

Z

Ok i have a really fast bike with some 55 watt halogen fog lights, and i was wondering how i could charge the small lawnmower battery i use to power them, without ever plugging it up?

Answer
I am unsure as to exactly what you are asking about. An alternative power source for your fog lights? As mentioned before, a generator (diesal) would work.

If you want to get complicated, you could look to safer forms, such as hydrogen generator (use of electrolysis), try and google hydrogen booster, you could build one yourself, it was used for cars, but could also be used in this case.

Solar power would also be another method, although it wouldnt work very well if you use the light for a long time ( more than several hours) at night.

I believe there was a way to use your own pedaling (if its that type of bike lol ) to power up the light.

My recommendation is the hydrogen booster though, I used and liked it, really efficient and saves money.

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Do you think Toronto should put money onto their transit system?

best electric bicycle 2010 image

GodFather

Also answer why or why not?
No, Randy B, you are wrong.
my Q is: Do you think Toronto should put money onto their transit system, why or why not? and thats it.

Answer
Yes.

The TTC provides more than 450 million passenger rides each year. Each work day, an average of 1.5 million people ride the system which results in 1 million fewer trips by car. Fewer vehicles on the road equals less greenhouse gas emissions. The City plans to complete a bikeway network to make it easier to get around by both bicycle and transit. The TTC will be putting bike racks on all buses by 2010 and is investigating the use of secure bicycle storage by subway stations. All bus purchases are planned to be diesel/electric hybrids. In 2007, the TTC operated 150 diesel/electric hybrid buses with 410 more to be added to the fleet in 2008, resulting in one third of the fleet being hybrids. By 2010, 45% of the fleet will be hybrids. Fuel efficiency is achieved through vehicle design, right-sizing, and by optimizing motor size. Operator training and operating procedures contribute to fuel efficiency as well. These principles apply to buses, streetcars, trains and non-revenue vehicles. Many vehicle improvements are included in the designs for both the New Subway Train (called the Toronto Rocket) and the New Low Floor Light Rail Vehicle to reduce energy consumption and to make the vehicles more environmentally sustainable. Automatic Train Operation is included in the design for the Toronto Rocket, which will improve energy efficiency. Currently all streetcars and 94% of subway vehicles have regenerative braking; all fleets will have it by 2010.
http://www3.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Projects_and_initiatives/Transit_city/index.jsp

In Narita City, Airport, Electric bicycle PAS Brace-L?

Mike

I will be in Narita airport and Narita City 8 hours.
01-07-2010 Friday
Where can I buy Yamaha Electric bicycle PAS Brace-L
will I be able to buy tax free?
Thank you. Mike

Answer
There is no certain information as to where you can buy it. You need to check each shop.

This Aeon Mall is in Narita and sells a lot of things.
http://narita-aeonmall.com/index.jsp

You can't buy it tax free.

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What is the cost to own a nissan leaf vs. the cost of my own motorcycle?

best electric bike for steep hills image

Wesley!!!

my motorcycle(07 gs500) gets about 44 in winter and 55-maaaaayybee 59mpg. it cost me 250 dollars a year in mileage services.

i live in central Texas, our electric company is atmos energy that charges 0.13 Kwh.
I drive 55 miles per day 6 days a week. I drive an average of 70 miles per hour to sometimes 75mph.
there is one hill In Nolensville Tx that is only a long climb but not steep.
I also have a Nissan d21 pickup that gets 24mpg and it costs me 60 dollars a year for oil changes
I also have a Nissan d21 pickup that gets 24mpg and it costs me 60 dollars a year for oil changes

Answer
You are comparing a far lighter but very inefficient vehicle (motorcycle) to a far heavier but very efficient vehicle (Nissan Leaf,) and I am left to wonder what you want.

Your bike is getting 60 mpg on a good day. The Leaf will get a little less than twice that with no oil changes or other maintenance.

As a heavier and enclosed vehicle the leaf will give you more protection from the elements.

The motorcycle insurance is cheaper than that of a car because the smart people there have noticed it is more likely that you will be killed on a bike than you will kill someone. This will probably make the motorcycle cheaper with more personal risk...

and lets face it ... thrills... although the first time I drove an EV it reminded me of the acceleration of a 750cc bike.

Does anyone have any experience of a Synergie Extreme E-Bike Mountain Bike?

Essex Ron

I am tempted to buy an electric mountain bike but don't know anyone who has one.

Yes, I KNOW it's better to cycle, but I do plenty of exercise and want to use an electric bike as an alternative to the car now and again.

So are they any good? What is their range? And do they cope with hills?

Answer
they are a piece of S@*#. They don't go up a semi-steep hill and they don't go to far on hills.

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What is the cheapest electric motor I could use for an electric boat?

electric bikes best range image

Tahini Cla

I want to equip some small boat with an electric motor, which I want to run on a car battery or several.

I really wonder what I could use as a motor. Maybe truck starters? How long would the boat run on that though? I'd need something that can run four or five hours.

Answer
First of all, I don't know anything about electric motors for boats, but I have seen a lot of motorcycle conversions. The motors used for these bikes usually seem to be used for golf-karts so that they are specifically designed for DC power sources.
Here's an interesting site with conversion kits for all kinds of vehicles including boats:
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_ev_parts.php
A conversion of a stock 50ccm motorcycle:
http://www.maxdon.com/gpr.html
Conversion of a used old Kawasaki at home:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzi4tL3QMWk

From what I can see the main problem in all these conversions is still the battery-space and capacity, and of cause, the price.
A boat might provide enough space for the batteries but I couldn't find reliable info on the range an electric powered boat might have.
Unfortunately, I lost all my bookmarks related to electric engines. These few links here are all I can remember, sorry.

How large of a panel or panels would I need to charge an electric car battery?

Rob G

I would like to have a designated solar panel electric system to charge an electric car. Can it be designed as a Portable system to take with me if and when I move to a new house? Or can one be designed as a portable system to take in the car and used to charge the car when needed?

Answer
First we need to examine the required parameters. "An electric car battery" is not a standard item. The Volt and I-Miev batteries are 16KW-hr. The Leaf battery is 24KW-hr and the Tesla Roadster battery holds 53KW-hr of energy. The larger the capacity the longer it will take to charge all else being equal.

The second issue is time. Even from the grid you can charge your electric vehicle with a Type I charger at low voltage and amperage or a Type II charger at a higher voltage and amperage. The Type II charger is likely to be 4 times as fast. The same will be true of the size of the solar panel array.

As long as a solar panel will add more to batteries than the losses it will charge the vehicle. So are we considering only standing losses of about 3% per month, daily driving up to the battery range of the vehicle, or do you want to consider the continuously running the vehicle? Lets use the Nissan Leaf as an example:

The leaf battery is 24KW-hr. In a month such a battery would lose about 3% of its charge just sitting around. This amounts to (24 x .03) .72KW-hr / month. On a daily basis this would be (.72 x 12/365) .02KW-hr Solar insolation varies by location and time of year. The daily average in Arizona at the peak time of the year is about 7KW-hr / sq meter / day. Solar panels vary in efficiency but 10% is not an unreasonable number with today's technology. This would give us .7KW-hr of electricity / sq meter for our panels and a maintenance panel would only have to be (.2/.7) .286 sq meter in size. This would probably fit on your dashboard and such items are already sold: http://compare.ebay.com/like/320700323984?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

If however you anticipated using the full EPA range of the vehicle on a charge (73 miles) you would need 24 KW hr / day. Our best case solar panels would then have to be (24 / .7) about 34.29 sq meters (or 369 sq ft in size) This would approximately be equal to a surface area of 8 feet by 46 feet long. While this is hardly portable there have been some efforts to combine stationary and portable solar panels to drive electric cars: http://puregreencars.com/Green-Culture/Around-the-World-with-Solar-Taxi.html Here also is a portable solar panel trailer: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/Electrochemistry/doc/trailer_fc.html There are solar cars but these are not passenger vehicles. They are built ultra light and efficient: http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2009/10/solar-car-uses-less-power-than-toaster.html

Last if you were to try to power your Nissan Leaf continuously like a solar vehicle we might derive that the Leaf would require (24KW-hr/73 miles) about .329 KW-hr/mile. Traveling at 60 mph in one hour the vehicle would need 19.72 KW-hr / hour or about a 20 KW power supply. Commercial solar panels you might put on the roof of your house are rated from about 165 watts to just over 300 watts power output. You would need from about 66 to 121 of these panels to continuously power the vehicle. A genset trailer might be a better option: http://www.evnut.com/rav_longranger.htm

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Where can I mount a front light on my bike?

best battery powered bike light image

threercb

Don't want it on the handlebars, I want it down on the forks so it will cast longer shadows on road objects at night. It is battery powered.

Answer
You can get battery powered lights and dyno powered ( runs off friction from the rim ) ones as well. If you want the light on your front forks, then that is where you attach them !! Just find a light with a connection bracket that suits your fork diameter.

How much longer will lithium AA's last in a flashlight compared to Duracell/Energizer Alk?

Ty77

I'm getting a bike light in the mail, and it supposedly only lasts 1 hour with traditional alkaline batteries...what I wanted to know is if Lithiums will last much longer. I've heard that they do, and it's obvious because they're more expensive, but I just wanted a ball-park estimate of how much longer to see if it's even worth spending so much money up front for them. Thank you in advance!

Answer
The Lithiums will last longer, maybe two to three times as long as regular batteries. I think the best thing for you would be to invest in rechargeable batteries, which in the long run pay for themselves. You can get a fairly cheap rechargeable battery kit at most electronic stores and usually come with more than one set of batteries so you will always have one set for use and a set that's charging and it's just a matter of swapping them in and out. I also heard of a small motor that you attach to the front wheel of a bike that connects to the battery slot of a light and gives it power as you ride and that means you never run out of power except when you stop.

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

best electric bikes image

Drowzzy

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

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

Hope I haven't confused you. Thanks :)

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

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

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

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

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Questions about electric bikes?

best electric bike for steep hills image

Robert Ful

1.) How long do they last before "burning out"
2.) How many miles can you typically travel on one without having to pedal?
3.) When going up a steep hill, is the bike powerful enough to move upward without having to pedal at all?

Answer
We will just use my Giant Lafree Lite as a sample"

1)How long do they last before "burning out"?
I am 230 lbs,and have ridden this bike 4K miles over 3 years and NO problems other than flat tires.

2.) How many miles can you typically travel on one without having to pedal? I have to pedal on this bike. I can go 30miles on this ebike designed in 2002 and costing $1300.

3.) When going up a steep hill, is the bike powerful enough to move upward without having to pedal at all?
Again, this ebike requires me to pedal, as you should on most ebikes. I have arthritis and asthma, but I can make it up a 7% hill at 7mph carrying 20lbs of groceries

Questions about electric bike?

JK

Hi, I just got this electric bike second hand on craigslist - and it's working fine, but I have a few questions about it.

1. Do you remove batteries when you have the bike on the public bike rack to prevent theft? Or do you think that the lock mechanism is good enough to deter the theft? Of course I put U-shape lock on the bike body itself, but I wasn't sure what to do with the battery. It's removable, so for today, (first time out), I removed the battery and brought it with me to the office.

2. how long does this battery last? The previous owner told me she used the bike for two years. How do you know the battery is no good any more? She used it to climb up a hill (gradual, a short steep part, but not so terrible) daily about 1.5 miles. When should I consider getting new battery pack (and how much does it cost?)

3. Is there way to adjust the positioning of the switch to turn the power on because it's in a little awkward place to reach as of right now. (I like to turn it on and off to save battery as I climb up the hill).

Thanks!
to the first responder: I live in upstate NY and the town is full of hills. I dare you to climb the two large hills I just went down and climbed this morning. I'm a middle aged woman with shaky knees and I'm not going to put up with your nonsense. Perhaps you should think about what you say before you post it - and save some embarrassment. You won't dare say that to me in person.

to the second person: I want to turn it on and off because, if you've ever rode bike on a long hill, the incline is not even. Some parts are almost level, and I don't need the assist, but some other parts are steep, then I need assist.
And please only answer if you actually know anything about electric bike.
Also, this is the bike I got: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/twist.express/7335/44074/ I forgot to add this link in the initial post.

Answer
I would remove the battery. The battery life is determined by the type and the number of recharge cycles. If you turn it off to climb hills why bother with an electric bike. There is a good chance that you already need a new battery. The cost will depend on the type, Google is your friend.

Edit:
You replied without giving any more information about the bike. Most have a Controller that determines how much energy you use.

http://www.nycewheels.com/giant-part-twist-battery.html

Read this.

http://www.cyclepathbikes.com/giant/howitworks.html

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