What is your take on the electric assist bikes?

mark_hensl

Giant and Trek are on my radar and I plan to purchase one of the two within the next 6 months. I want to lessen my dependence on my car and stay out of the doctors office. I am looking at two riding options for different purposes. The previous question refers to the low end Raliegh and Trek series bikes. The upper end ride assist is attractive when you are not fat, but a former college athlete and the wear and tear creeps up on you certain days. lol.

Thanks.
Old Hippie,

Lithium Ion batteries power the very laptop you are typing on. They last for 4-5 years based on charge cycles. I will get a regular bike, and not replace the exercise, I have lets say a fondness for bio-mechanics. I certainly respect your knowledge and your view as a purist. You will find, in Europe, and Asia their are high numbers of electrically assisted bikes, even high performance bikes. The US, dumbs down the electrical system to peak at 20 mph, not the case elsewhere. They are "runnin" 30-70 mph electrically assisted bikes out of the box, in some cases added to the existing bike a German company is the lead on this, Pro...tech, I can't pull it, a Canadian company by the name of Bionix, Panasonic and others are much further downstream than given credit. I can't say I am a believer, but I see an alternative solution on the way. Mark my words.

Answer
Mark

I used a similar idea when I retired. I use a bike daily for exercise and a motor scooter for running errands.

I do not like the electric assist bikes. Especially, for healthy riders. Make the effort if you want the health! I see a lot of kids and seemingly healthy adults using them. I can see a time when bike lanes in popular riding areas are clogged, and made unsafe, by these vehicles.

When I retired I bought a Vespa type scooter as my 'green machine' just to run errands instead of using the car. It carries a large bag of groceries in a basket in the rear, and gets well over 75 mpg.

Soccerref

electric bikes?

free_mark5

Anyone have a electric bike, i want one that looks like a mt. bike, and can also be used without the power on.

Answer
you have several options.

Giant will be coming out with a new model this spring, check out your Giant Ebike Dealer, or
Bird Ebike in Colorado if you don't have one.

Next is the Bionx ebike add on kit, can be added to most bikes.

Also Crystalyte hub motors can be added to most Mountain bikes.

Buy from a good dealer, locally if you can.

we have several ebikes including Giant bionx, Crystalyte and others.

Your best choice will depend on quite a few factors. but first make sure where they are legal in your locality. State of NY doesn't like them.

Legal electric assist Ebikes are generally considered bicycles if they comply with the federal law HR727- Max 750watts, pedals that work, maximum 3 wheels, maximum 20mph under power. but there are exceptions so check locally.

Check http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/power-assist/
for more details

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Title Post: What is your take on the electric assist bikes?
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