Friday, April 25, 2014

Questions about electric bike?

Q. 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

Making an electric bicycle?

Q. I want to make my bike electric and I don't have a clue where to get the supplies and how much it costs to get the supplies. I want to make my mountain bike into an electric one.


Answer
http://www.electricrider.com/
http://www.electric-bikes.com/ - best one
http://www.cyclone-usa.com/
www.easyracers.com
www.sunbicycles.com
www.ampedbikes.com
http://www.electric-bikes.org/
http://www.goldenmotor.com
http://e-bikekit.com/ - pretty good
http://www.lightfootcycles.com/index.php
http://www.hi-powercycles.com/
http://www.electricbikee.com/
http://www.enertrac.net/index.php

I'll give you a hint: Hub motors have some disadvantages compared to motors that drive the bicycles chain, namely low speed thrust for climbing steep hills with heavy loads. But that never actually becomes a factor because your speed never drops too far when you ride an electric bike. The good outweighs the bad when it comes to hub motors.

I recommend Crystalyte 5000 series hub motors. And absolutely pay a little extra and get lithium batteries. The lighter weight means longer range and better performance, and they pay for themselves in the long run because they have a longer life span.

It's going to cost you some money if you want the best quality. If you don't like the sticker shock, walmart sells an electric bicycle you can search for on their website. It's dirt cheap and it will last a few years if you take care of it.




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