Best Electric Bikes: 2014-05-04

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Saturday, May 10, 2014

I'm looking for small(not pocket Rockets or really small) motor bikes that will be under $1000 with taxes.

Twilight R

I saw one up at my local TSC store and was wondering if anyone had any othrs they knew of, or a list or site ,but I'm also tring to find one that can be used on the street(not even legal,lol) but have head lights and I'll need the CC of the engine and the tank capacity,not looking for Electric.

please reply here and in an E-mail at currinbrandon@yahoo.com

Answer
You can get some reasonable used motorcycles in that price range, especially if you wait until October or November.

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

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.

Do you have an electric bike? Do you like it? Where did you get it?

Dee~Dee, h

Answer
I used to have an electric bicycle which I bought on Amazon. I reviewed it here:
http://www.ecohuddle.com/products/e-zip-mountan-trailz-elec-bike/reviews

It was pretty fun to ride. The only problem was that my commute to work is 13 miles, and the range of the battery was only around 10 miles. The weight of the battery made it hard to pedal once the charge was gone. So I just got a regular road bike and also an electric moped. But the electric bike was a fun, cheap option.

I need a quality electric bike, anyone know anything about Pietzo?

Peter

I found this company and their bikes sound like what I am looking for. They have some good customer reviews but I thought I would ask if anyone else had experience with them before I made the purchase.

http://electric-bicycle-store.pietzo.com/

Answer
The only experience I have with electric bikes is watching the riders run out of their electrical charge way too fast. Then they are stuck pedaling an extremely heavy bicycle home.

I've met only one person (a lady) who owned one & was happy with it. But, she also stated she was never any more than 1/2 to maybe 1 mile from home on it.

What's wrong with a real bicycle? You'll get a work-out & be healthier.

Electric-start Yamaha dirt bike won't start... help please.?

Kelso M

It's a 230 cc, and the battery is new and charged. It was used a month ago, but the starter only clicks when I press the starter button. The fuses are all fine. The engine doesn't even turn over. It just clicks once.

Tried to arc the solenoid terminals ( my dad did... he connected the two with a screw driver) and it sparked, but I don't think he knew what he was doing. I don't know if this is relevant.

Anyway, any suggestions?
The battery is charged, connections are good... I checked all this stuff. Does a dirtbike have brushes? Could they be going bad?

Answer
Either a bad connection or the battery is not really charged. A click is a sign of a dead battery. Clean the terminals and try again.
Bump start it if you have to. Ride it for 20 minutes and then try the starter again.
Did you just charge the battery or was it charged a month ago when it was installed? Bikes can drain a battery when sitting.

Electric and kick does not start my yamaha TTR-125 dirt bike.?

ricky

I changed the spark plug but still the same does not start.
Do I need to change air filter, how do I do it? don't know where it is located? Thanks.

Answer
i dont see how an air filter would do with it, but it wont hurt to clean it, lol. id say it has to do with the battery, try charging it and then start it up.

Electric bicycle motor kit?

This is Da

So since I bought this completely crappy bike that sort of broke as far as the gears go, I was thinking it'd be fun to put an electric motor on it. I can't find many though, and when I find a kit it's like $2000. Are there any decent conversion kits so it's like a moped or something for a decent price?

Answer
Even if you find an electric motor kit at a better price, it is unlikely to be cheap. But the problem with your cheap bike will remain. The bike will be just as difficult to push along for the electric motor as it is for you. Adding the weight of the electric motor kit to an already heavy bike is going to make for an inefficient combination that probably won't have very much range, and when the battery runs down you are still going to have to be able to pedal, so the gears will have to be repaired. If you want an electric bike, buy one, trying to convert a clunker is probably a waste of money.

Electric bicycle conversion kit vs electric bicycle?

PETER P

Considering purchasing an electric bike kit. My main objective is it must be inconspicuous(I don't think their legal in NY?) and be able to tackle a 3mile hill on a 10mile trip to where I could recharge it. I think the kit less conspisious with the battery pack consealed in a back pack over the rear fender or saddle bags?

Answer
Personally I don't care much for motorised bicycles unless dealing with disabilities. A fit rider can usually ride about as quickly and for longer distances.

A kit is usually a better option since the motor can be removed with reasonable ease. And you can still ride the bike with it off. There are many different types of kits. Friction drives. Hub motors and one's that utilise the drive chain.

The friction drives tend to wear out your tyres quickly. The hub motors are a bit expensive and do not run efficiently at all speeds. The drive chain type are quite efficient and work through your gears so are more flexible. These ones are claimed to be greater than 95% efficient.

http://www.cyclone-usa.com/

I know of similar designs but I don't think they are available in the U.S.

Still they are better than a car.

Bicycle and Pedestrian laws in the State of New York

MOTORIZED BICYCLES
Section 2268. Motor-assisted vehicle. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a vehicle which is primarily designed to be propelled by human power shall not be entitled to registration as a limited use vehicle because of the addition of a motor. The commissioner shall determine whether any vehicle is primarily designed to be propelled by human power.

http://www.oginski-law.com/library/bicycle-and-pedestria.cfm

The commissioners discretion. Here is a proposed bill that seems to outline the guidelines .You would have to be unlucky to get booked if you follow these.

??????NOT PASSED YET ??????

Section 1 of the bill adds a new Section 102-c to the vehicle and traffic law, defining electric assisted bicycles as:

A bicycle with two or three wheels which has a saddle and fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and also has an electric motor.

However, the electric motor should not have a power output of more than one thousand watts, and should be incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than twenty miles per hour on level ground. The electric motor should also be incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power alone is used to propel the device at or more than twenty miles per hour.

Section 2 adds an exception in section 125 of the vehicle and traffic law to the statutory definition of motor vehicle for electric assisted bicycles.

Section 3 adds a new section 1240 to the vehicle and traffic law, making the rules, regulations and provisions of the vehicle and traffic law applicable to bicycles applicable to electric assisted bicycles; makes the federal equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles or motor driven cycles applicable to electric assisted bicycles; and adds the following operational and safety requirements for electric assisted bicycles: electric motor disengagement criteria; all operators and passengers are required to wear bicycle helmets; and no-one under the age of 16 may operate or as a passenger on an electric assisted bicycle and establishes the civil fine and enforcement procedures for failure to wear a helmet.

Section 4 is the effective date.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws#New_York

How about deleting the other four times you asked this question?

Who will make plans now to purchase an extended range vehicle, electric, or hydrogen car by 2013 (5 years)?

Chi Guy

To greatly reduce US dependency on oil?

At this time the $30,000 extended range vehicle (300 Mpg), Aptera (ready in 2010) is on my list. By then their may be more options available.

Also, FORD has accepted my concept for another type of extended range vehicle. After all of the paper work and waivers I signed, I hope that it comes into fruition within the next five years.

Will you make plans (plan your budget) to purchase a high miledge (80 Mpg or more) OR alt fuel vehicle within the next five years?
- there - (above)

Answer
i have two of them my feet and my bike
if i need to go any further than those will carry me i will take the train.

duel sport motorcycles for 6ft man?

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.

Friday, May 9, 2014

electric bike kits?

vinny

Answer
Electric bikes usually have a limited range power limits and/or limited speed. Most cyclist find that they are not a great deal of help and after a relatively short distance they will actually slow them down.

There are many different versions of electric bike.most fall into these categories.

Friction drive.. They have a roller of some type that runs onto the tyre.

Hub motors electric motor built into either the front or rear wheel.

Chain or belt drives. Either feed into the crank system or drive one of the wheels separately.

To find a kit do a general search on electric bike kits.

Here is a few that I know of. (I'm biased toward the last group there are a bit more efficient)

http://www.cyclone-tw.com/index.html
http://www.cyclone-usa.com/
http://www.elationebikes.com.au/prod01.htm
http://www.epacpower.com.au/images/wh_spr.jpg

electric bike???

Q. does an electric bike or motor cycle (please tell me about both) require license to drive on the roads????

Answer
Electric assist only:

Since the passing of HR727, a federal law from 2003, most states have adopted the following:

If a bicycle of 2 or 3 wheels has a small electric helper motor of less than 750 watts ( 1 horsepower) , has working pedals and the motor cuts out at 20mph or less, then it is considered a bicycle, not a motor vehicle.

Most states (other than Hawaii, and New York) honor this, but check your state to be sure.

Some states are even more liberal and allow 1000 watts. Some states add a weight limitation of 100 pounds (Texas). some will add a minimum age, or mandatory helmets.

But the basics are in the first paragraph here and require no license.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

How popular are electric bicycles or bikes now?

Awsome

Would it be worth it selling electric bicycles or bikes on a website? Give your opinions and how they compare to mopeds/scooters in sales. Thanks!

Answer
I think people are buying more scooter and mopeds then they are bikes. I'd say it probably wouldn't pay to sell bikes on the internet.

Sales??? :(?

Milly

I work in Customer Service in a bank... except for the customer's yelling i like the job, but i have a small problem with selling some of the products and services we have... i have a base salary and a bonus for our sales, June will be the 1st month for me to sell, but i dont want to... how can i do to become a better sales person and at the end of the month get our sales goal and get my bonus??

Answer
My first question would be, "why do you have a problem selling the products?" If there is an objection you have to the products yourself, then chances are this might not be the best career option for you. I personally find it difficult to sell a product that I do not believe in. In which case, I would either not sell it, OR I would think about using the product. How would this product be useful to me in my everyday life. What are the benefits of using this product. How can using this product improve my personal life on an emotional level. Let's say the bank offers an unsecured line of credit. I like to write checks and sometimes I get a little out of hand and I bounce a few...This line of credit can allow me to be more free (no pun intended) with my money for just a few dollars a month. OR if times get really hard, car breaks down, electric bill skyrockets (coming on summertime) dog gets sick, spring for a new mountain bike, whatever--That additional money will be there. The added benefit is that the bank is online, so I can go in and transfer the money for the payment, and save the $.40 for the stamp. Oh, also, if I don't bounce a check, I just saved $35 that the bank would charge me and another $35 from the retailer that tried to cash it. I can go on vacation, blah, blah, blah...The key in sales though, is not to wait til the end of the month to start selling. Success in sales comes from talking less and listening more. Listen to your clients. Chances are they or their surroundings are giving you buying signals. Do you hear kids screaming in the background, dog barking, whatever. If you talk and listen to your client, you will start to pick up on the buying signals, and even more so, you will develop a rapport with them as well, which will help your chances of helping make their life better, and your own at the same time. Always ask for the business. People are not going to come out and tell you what they need because that shows weakness, (at least in most cases.) Good luck with it!

Are electric motorcycles cool?

BobbleColo

So, I am shopping for my first motorcycle. I was looking at a few bikes. A Ducati Monster 696, a Ninja 600, and a 2013 Zero S (not 2012). The 2013 Zeros have different motors and batteries that give it near 600cc equivalent performance and a 130+ mile range at a top speed of 95MPH. I am a huge EV enthusiast and I currently drive an all-electric car. I'd love an EV motorcycle like the Zero S, but there is one very important factor to consider... the "cool" factor. Do you think EV bikes like the 2013 Zero S are as cool as those other petrol bikes? Or, would the ladies be more inclined to hop on the back of a noisy ICE bike?

Answer
Bike guys love all bikes. I don't know anybody who thinks they're uncool.

They can never be what a gas bike is, but what they are is actually better and that will come to be understood as more people get to ride them.

The instant throttle response and hard acceleration give you the thrill of speed for carving up the canyon roads. But the 95 mph top speed means don't try racing a gas sport bike unless it's a drag race.

It will not make a lot of noise so if that's what you're into have a stereo system with a sub woofer installed.

Whats better 2012 kx250f or 2012 250 sxf?

MCCrocksee

I'm getting a new bike, i currently own a crf230f, and people tell me I am very skilled, I'm 14 and 6'3. Which bike would suit me, and please don't say get a yamaha or a honda, because I know I want one of these two bikes.
Cost doesn't matter btw.

Answer
you cant be very skilled if you ride a crf230. that bike will hold you back from you full potential. not baggin you just sayin, you can only get so good on a bike like that. KTM four strokes are behind the eight ball. the 11 isnt "better" than the 12 some people just prefer it over the newer model because they dont like the new linkage although the electric start is pretty mint. every seems to have different opinions and the general opinion is the kwaka is better. for 12 it has two injectors which gives heaps more power than the gutless 2011 model. they sorted the suspension and its pretty sweet. id say the kawi is better bike and cheaper to run. when you say money isnt a problem, you mean your parents are paying for every thing? 14 year olds dont have that type of money. when i was 14 the best i could do was a 2001 yz250f. the suzuki is probs the best bike and yamaha is mid way but is by far the most reliable. i bought a 2010 yamie for that reason only. no blocked injectors, no busted cranks like honda, and well over 100 hours out of piston and rings if you look after it. if just between green and orange, go the green. its better and way cheaper to run. the ktm is stupidly expensive to run if keeping it geniune. out of all bikes, go suzuki or yam. suzuki is the best, yamaha last the longest. to put ktm into perspective, dungey went to ktm and said the bike simply isnt competitive so he and roger built a hole no bike. dungey is not on a official ktm bike, it just has kato stickers on it. saying you are very skilled at 14 and on a 230 make you sound cocky by the way. you prob just ride fire trails. very skilled is lorreta lynn stuff. if you were skilled you would what you want from a bike. id just stay with any Japanese bike, since your comming off one, it takes slightly different ride style to get the kato working. oh and ktm has got pathetic bottom end so if ou ride tight stuff, stay away from kato.

Solar Panel wattage for my Electric Bike?

www.jkrish

Solar Panel wattage for my Electric Bike?
I am looking to purchase an Electric Bike for transport to work. I work on an Organic farm and need to save some energy up those hills.

I need help figuring out what size solar panels would be needed to charge the battery, and whether its plausible.

I'm looking at Ebay in Australia as I am immigrating down there. I prefer to afford the foldable/portable solar panel system: 80 watt, 120 watt, 160 watt, but IF necessary a bit more.

300w 3 PHASE 36v ELECTRIC REAR WHEEL
THREE 12v 17ah SLA BATTERIES (Total 36v)

or

Motor: 250 Watt brush-less DC hub
Batteries: 24V/10Ah pack, valve regulated

can anyone out there help explain to me how to figure this out?

thanks :)

Answer
wow
i;d just say abandon all hope
get a regular bike and learn to ride it
get enough of your own juice to ride 'up hills'

you work in an organic farm and you want to get one of these silly heavy slow environment destroying resource wasting electric bikes?
dude

organic farm ===> real bike
seriously

otherwise you are in for some serious electrical engineering or spending about 3 times what a good, regular bike would cost

wle

electric bike kit measurements?

My 3 girls

I bought an electric bike kit. Not the bike,yet.The motor is fitted on the front wheel. I need to have the hub fit the fork right.What do I measure on my new bike and how do I measure the hub on the the electric wheel. Or am I wrong and need to measure something else?
Thanks

Answer
You'll need to measure the 'over locknut' width of the hub. Could be either 130 or 135 mm. Make sure the bike you buy has the correct rear fork drop out width.

Which one drains battery power more on a bike lights? Flashing or permanent light?

Roman F

I meant bike without engine, normal bicycle with pedals.

Answer
If its a standard light flashing probably uses more, because it has to reheat the filament each time then let it cool down then reheat it. However if it's a L.E.D. the opposite is probably true since it has a very low start up energy running it continuously probably takes more energy.

Battery wont power lights when at idle yamaha tt600.?

ChappieBAZ

Hey i have been doing up this tt600 i bought for a good learner road bike (250s are gutless) and its so close to done. it looks spectacular and could probably pull a trailer. but the battery wont work. the lights and everything all work fine its just at idle everything dims down and the battery wont power them up like its supposed to. i have spent days looking for wiring diagrams or answers to it online and also out there looking for loose wires and seeing where they all go but i just cant get it.

anyone know a solution? because it wont pass road worthy if everything dims down at idle. thanks

Answer
Put your idle speed up a little.
Lights etc aren't powered by the battery when the engine is running, the alternator does that.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Gas conversion kit?

Brandon

Anyone ever use one of these things? I came across it on ebay earlier and it looks like a fun project. I'd obviously not put it on my competition bike, but a could see picking up an inexpensive single speed bike to use it on.

Below is a link to reference.
http://cgi.ebay.com/80cc-Motor-bicycle-Motorized-Bike-Gas-Engine-Kits-Moped_W0QQitemZ270125326093QQihZ017QQcategoryZ47352QQcmdZViewItem
Nice, if you would or could read carefully, I noted that it wasn't intended for my competition bike but rather as a project.

Hope that answers your question of "Why bother?" .... genius

Answer
The chances are, that an 80cc petrol motor will make it illegal to ride on the roads. Most states and countries have limits that apply to power assisted bicycles. Check the laws at your location. (Canada is it?)

Many places require a vehicle with an engine of this size to be registered and the chances of getting a bicycle fitted with one approved are virtually zero.

There are similar things using 32 cc weed-eater motors that you will stand a much better chance with. There are also plenty of electric kits that you can get.

In my opinion fitting an engine (noisy or not) to a bicycle kind of kills the enjoyment. (but that is just me). I have experience motorising something similar to a fully faired recumbent trike.That was quite an interesting project. I'm itching to do another one.

electric bicycle hub motor magnets?

dennis s

how do you set up the magnets in a electric bike hub it has 15 1 inch magnets . im sure it,s north and south . how do you no one magnet from another. ty bl sky

Answer
It should be already set up. If it's a kit read the instructions.

What is the BEST Commuter Bicycle?

Q. A few weeks back I posted a question pertaining to Scooters (gas-powered) and found them in essence to be more trouble than they are worth especially so in terms of their legality from state to state so I decided to look into alternative transportation. I am now seriously considering human-powered (pedal or other) as well as electric bicycles as a less aggravating alternative to solve my transportation needs, Would someone please recommend some excellent human-powered as well as some excellent electric bikes (powerful but inconspicuous to authorities in regards to electric bikes.) Also would someone please tell me (from their own experience) how they feel about "Trikkes" I need something for commuting a short distance (two miles) to work but I'd also like the option to commute a little further comfortably if I need to, Thanks for your Input!

Answer
Look for a commuter bike or a hybrid from the local bike shop. For a trip of only two miles an electric bike is not needed. For much less then am electric bike you can get a shop quality bikes that will last 10 times longer. Stay away from Walmart and other department store bikes. A 2 mile trip on a bike should take you less then 10 min on a hybrid. You can also ride them on smooth dirt bike paths like rail trails.

Check out Trek, Specialized, Fuji, Giant, Raleigh, Cannondale, Jamis, Breezer, Schwinn, and a few others.

how fast can average 250cc motor bike like a kawasaki ninja go? also 500cc, 650?

how fast can supersport bikes and superbikes go. and can 1000cc bikes go faster than superbikes(aren't they around 850cc)

Answer
Most folks I know that have owned the little 250 Ninjettes say that it will get up to 100mph on the freeway, but it might take a bit to get there.

They are easily good for 70-80mph, plus they get good mileage.

Great starter bike and a good commuter, too.

Gotta stow that ego, though. It is not a fast bike. A decent rider will still embarrass a squid on an R1 in the canyon.

A 500 will be a little faster, and the mileage will be a little worse. A 650 like Suzuki's SV or Kawi's Versys is approaching serious performance, and is about the biggest bike I would recommend for most beginners. I own a 1st gen SV, and while a 600 race replica is better on paper, the SV is a formidable machine, that is enough bike for most people who aren't thinking with their dicks.

The supersport 600s are good for 160mph on the top end, litrebikes can do 180+ and of course the mega bikes like the ZX-14 and the HayBus can do 200 with electric altering.

Does the alarm system ruin battery of bike?

Jignesh

I purchased a new Hero Ignitor three months back. I also got installed an anti-theft alarm system on it. I went on a long tour and the bike was idle for *one month* at home. After coming back, I found that the battery of the bike looked drained. I drove the bike for 4 days, hoping the battery to be recharged- but no improvement at all. Might the battery have been failed?
I doubt did the alarm system drain the battery? I am not sure about the truth. Should I remove the alarm system now? I will appreciate any guidance on it. Thanks.

Answer
3rd vote for a trickle charger. If alarm installed correctly it would not run the battery down. Motorcycle and scooter batteries are delicate compared to automotive batteries. Trickle chargers are cheap and can prolong the life of the battery for a year longer or more.

still looking for my bike's battery?

croato87

i found a black panel and undid the screws and opened it up. oil spilled everywhere.... turns out i had just taken off the entire oil canister or whatever it's called. i cleaned it up kinda, added more oil, and looked some more, and now i'm back where i started. i still can't find this battery.

Answer
Most bikes have the battery under the seat. A Suzuki VS 800 has the battery under the frame just behind the motor. Some bikes have the battery between the motor and the rear wheel. Take your side covers off and you'll see where the battery is if it is between the motor and rear wheel. Hope this will help.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

dirt bike for a 13 year old girl?

Q. i only know a little about them and i really want to ride them. my parents had them when they where younger and at my dads cousins house they have a track because he races. i don't want something slow and i don't want anything super fast just something in the middle. im about 5`2 if that helps at all. could you tell me the basics of riding and what do you think would fit me best by the way it would probably be used from craigslist and under 1000 i was looking at like something from 1997 or up but i wouldn't really trust one that old. also what gear would i need.

Answer
Since you have never had a dirtbike, I HIGHLY recommend you stay away from 2-strokes...they are cheaper in price...but they are harder to learn on and more difficult to get the hang of. You are one inch shorter than me...I am 5'3 and I ride a crf150rb. There are two types of 150's...the race and the trail. I'm not sure which kind of bike you are looking for to start on, or if you are even wanting to race. This bike is not cheap...but you can find them used and they are amazing to start on. The crf150f is the trail version, it will have an electric start and not be as fast as the race bike. It will also have a smaller price tag. The crf150r or rb ( note that they are the same bike...the rb is just a little taller...) is a race bike. It is a pretty fast bike, but since it is a 4-stroke it does not demand being on the powerband 24/7 making it also a pretty good bike to learn on. These bikes are also excellent for your size. The bike first came out in 06 for the race version, and I'm not sure about how far back the trail version of the bikes goes.
Besides the bike, you will need some riding boots. Try some Thor Women's or Fox Comp 5 boots.
You will need a helmet. Any major mx manufactuer makes a wide variety of helmets.
You will need mx gear ( pants and jersey, gloves, googles.) You can pick whatever brand you like best for these items. There is Fox, Thor, One Industries, Answer, O'Neal, MSR, etc.
Have fun girl! Welcome to the dirtbike world! Hope you enjoy whatever you decide to get!

Is there a very small tiny lightweight electric generator anywhere on the market?

Q. Something that uses a small diesel model train engine or something like that. Even if it only could produce 100 watts of power, something, anything that could be carried on person for use in small applications. I seen an old picture of something like this used by the military, but i'm not having much lucks searching it out perhaps because i am using the wrong words or they are called something that i am not aware of. I'm talking about weight under 20 lbs and under 10 if possible, and small enough to carry around a shoulder in a day pack

Answer
You could probably kluge a lawn tractor or motorcycle alternator onto a string trimmer or chainsaw head. Add an inverter if you need AC

http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-800-6064-800-4-Stroke-Generator/dp/B004U91XX0/ref=pd_sbs_ol_3
800 W 29 lb

THis is incredibly cheap http://www.amazon.com/1000-Watts-Electric-Generator/dp/B001700PRA/ref=sr_1_50?s=garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1330299393&sr=1-50

If you could bike in:
http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Generator-Power-Pulley-Dynamo/dp/B001WB3TZ4/ref=sr_1_73?s=garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1330299583&sr=1-73

Consider a solar cell and battery depending on duty cycle
http://www.amazon.com/Instapark%C2%AE-100W-Mono-crystalline-Solar-Panel/dp/B004OZJ4FY/ref=sr_1_11?s=garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1330298563&sr=1-11

Question about pocket-bikes (electric mini-motorcycles)?

Aida

I live in California- Does anyone know if I can ride it around my neighborhood? or where is it legal to ride it???

Answer
Pocket or mini motorcycles, whether gas or electric are not street legal and should never be operated on the street. Motorists have extreme difficulty seeing and recognizing full size motorcycles and as a result many motorcyclists are injured or killed. Many areas have tracks that are dedicated solely to pocket bike riding.

Is it legal to ride electric pocket bikes on the sidewalk in Diamond Bar California?

tabeshbran

I am 13 years old and want to know if it is legal to ride those Razor Dirt Rockets that they sell at Toys R Us on the side of the road in Diamond Bar CA???

Answer
California Vehicle Code Â§21720 makes it illegal to operate a pocket bike on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bike-way, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off-highway motor vehicle use.

This law requires the manufacturer/seller to provide a disclosure statement to the buyer which clearly indicates where a pocket bike cannot be operated and authorizes law enforcement to seize a pocket bike and hold it for 48 hours when the operator is cited for violation of Vehicle Code Â§21720....

upgrading an electric scooter any advice?

darkstar11

I drive a 500 watt TaoTao ATE 501 and it only has a top speed of 20 to 21 miles per hour and only drives 10 miles per charge(I think) Is there any upgrade parts I can get for this scooter so that it can drive 30 maybe 35 miles per hour and get better battery life? I'm tired of being on a street legal scooter/moped and not being able to keep up with average city traffic flow. I hate being tailgated because I'm driving slower. I think it runs on 48 volt batteries and uses three of them. Not sure about the control box because its kinda hard to get to.

Answer
First you have to realize that those 500 watt electric scooters are really just heavy cheap electric assisted bikes. The TaoTao ATE 501 weighs about 200 lbs and that's why it's so slow. If you want any reasonable performance, you use the fold out pedals at least for acceleration, it also recharges the batteries slightly.

I suspect you have a 36 volt system with three 12 v lead acid batteries wired in series. It would be a good idea to have each of those batteries checked out separately. Lead acid batteries can be tricky and it only takes one to be in poor shape for the whole bike to suffer.

The most obvious upgrade you could do is wire in another three lead acid batteries in parallel. Nothing else would need changing but you would have to find a location to put the batteries.

The next possible upgrade is to replace the batteries with expensive lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries which are convenient because they are available in similar voltage levels. Their charging procedures are similar but not identical so you may be able to get away with not changing any of the charging mechanisms. The biggest problem with this is the cost.

A larger motor probably won't do you much good and may require custom fabrication of the motor mounts but you may be able to find a more powerful motor in the same form factor. In general, most electric motors can be operated at higher voltages with the only consequence being overheating of the motor and wires, the wires can be increased to thicker wires and you could try to get more cooling to the motor but this would really only allow you to have short bursts with the possibility of burning something out. Of course doing so means changing the battery layout and adding more batteries.

The best solution would be to upgrade to a proper light weight electric assisted bike but they run about $2,000 or more, roughly double what the scooters cost. Maybe find a used bike and put in a 500 watt conversion kit... At least with the bikes, everyone expects you to be slow.

The 500 watt scooters are not what I would call street legal, just exempt from regulations. It takes a 150 cc scooter to be freeway legal and a 250 cc scooter to actually be safe at freeway speeds and any scooter with more than 50 cc's must be licensed and registered as a motor vehicle. Those I would call street legal once licensed. You might be better off with a 50 cc gasoline scooter, those are usually exempt from regulation too. The old smoky two cylinder ones had a lot of power, about double what the new four cylinder ones have but even the new 4 cylinder ones would be four times the power of the 500 watt electric scooter. If you want to be environmentally friendly, make ethanol from rotten fruits that you get from the grocers for free.

Are electric dirt bikes safe for 10 year olds?

Aaron

i want to know if electric dirt bikes are safe for 10 year old boys

Answer
Yes, they are very safe they have a top speed of 10-15 mph and they are very low to the ground and you can out run one easily. They are very good training bikes to get them ready for the bigger ones. But i would suggest them to a 10 year old.

Gas bike or Electric scooter?

Sammy

Should I get a bike with a gas kit on it, or an electric scooter?
cons and pros?
thanks

Answer
I've got the only gas powered bicycle that shifts 5 gears automatically in the world. I can do 30 mph on level ground and get 200 mpg. There's both gas and electric kits. You can even make a gas/electric hybrid build.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGDGIIdn--s&feature=youtube_gdata_player

If you decide to do a build read your local laws before buying anything. Then go to motorbicycling.com and motoredbikes.com for help and advice with your build. One other thing with these kits you get what you're willing to pay for.

Where can I get coupons for Razor E300 Electric Scooter?

Where can I find a discount online for Razor E300 Electric Scooter

Answer
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Monday, May 5, 2014

electric bike recommendation?

bugbeacon2

I am looking for an electric bike for exercise for under $500. I want electric because my area is very hilly and I want to get exercise but I'm just not in shape enough to make it up the hills without some help. Ideas for the best in my price range?

Answer
Forget the electric bike they are hard to pedal and using the motor wont give you any exercise. If you want exercise get a used stationary bike off of Craig's list or better yet go to the local bike shop and get a good hybrid bike. It will take time to be able to climb hills, if you have to get off and walk.

Does anyone know anything about brushed motors for electric bikes?

Student

I have a crystalyte sparrow brushed motor and for some reason by electric bike isnt working. Could it be that the brushes are gone. I only had my motor kit for 1 year and i did not leave brushed motor in cold. Could it be controller or throttle. Thanks

Answer
Take two

There could be any number of problems. The battery the controller the throttle, the motor, a brake switch, the on switch or the wiring.

I would be checking for loose wires bad connections, and blown fuses in the controller first. Then the battery. Sometimes a bit of dirt can get jammed in the brush holder or bend it

If you can get it beside one that works try plugging in your bits to see which one/s don't work

The sparrow is a brushed motor. Try your place of purchase or contact these guys for spare parts or repairer. The problem could be anywhere so it could be cheap or expensive. You could get brushes from an auto electrician if stuck. (The auto electrician may be able to fix it)

http://www.evdeals.com/HubSparrow.htm

Sunday, May 4, 2014

What is the lifespan of an electric bike?

archa_pyus

Say you have an electric bicycle that is used daily, capable of a 30 mile range before needing re-fuelling and a speed range of 3-15mph.

What would be its likely lifespan, i.e. when would the whole thing have to be replaced?

I do not need exact measurements, just the general idea, as it is for a project for which i have to design an electric bike, which i know nothing about.

thank you!

Answer
The life span of an electric bike is mostly determined by the battery. Batteries can have a memory and if recharged before depleting it completely will reduce the capacity and can affect the range.

I would do some research on batteries. You can also look up motorized hubs to put on bikes, they make for the cleanest design.

Motors are rated in watts and most states have regulations that control the maximum amount of power that you can use.

http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/info/buyingguide/

how much does an 1200w electric bike cost if u charge it all day?

Q. an roomate of mine has an electric bike an the electric bill jump from 280$-420 is that possible

Answer
Hi, walker. The answer u wanted depends on the cost per unit kilowatt in your country. Because, electrical energy=w*t where w is the power consumed and t is the time in seconds. If you charge your bike a whole day,it consumes 1728 kwh. If your rate per unit is 1, you have to pay 1728 for it. If u were in india, rate per unit is Rs.0.75 and you will be paying Rs.1298 for it. Did i confuse you buddy? If u want more mail me at contact me.sundar@yahoo.in

Market size and growth scooters, electric scooters and E-bikes?

Paul L

Hi, I am desperate for help on this, I have spent many, many hours I cannot spare and am all searched out, I am desperate to find market details for unit sales (totals and growth rates) for Europe, China and Taiwan for gas powered scooters, electric scooters and e-bikes, also need USA figures for dirt bikes, I am trying to plug these figures into a very small part of my thesis and it sure seems no one will give this basic information unless I pay 3 grand or so to a market research company, it cannot be as hard as I am finding surely. I also need the details for reference on where the numbers came from.

Any help will be very much appreciated.

Best regards

Answer
you have two sources:
1- in the USA, check out the dirt bike magazines, they usually have the kind of info you are looking for
2- Out of the US, you have to call the marketing and sales departments for each manufacturer and ask your questions. Some of them post their numbers of their web sites
good luck

Ebikes, Electric bike motors, Electric scooters...?

Mantis

Anyone own one? Know what's good or bad? Where's the best place to buy? Pros and Cons?

Answer
Don't know much about scooters, but, know ebikes and ebike kits pretty well.

For DIY kits, Cyclone-USA has a great chain drive kit that gives the best range, top speed and hill climbing., but it is a difficult installation.
http://www.cyclone-usa.com/

For value try a crystalyte kit, a hub motor which is always an easier install.
http://www.ebikes.ca/

For great features and reliability try Bionx kits.
http://www.birdrv.com/electricbike.php

A pretty nice prebuilt ebike is the Ezee series.
http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com

I am a support person for all of the above.

I personally own 7 ebike systems, including all of the above except for the EZee, which i get as a loaner.

for demanding applications, like tough terrain or heavy loads, got to have a chain drive cyclone. the variable gear ratio going thru your normal chain is really helpful.

But hub motors are an easier install.

Stay away from Lead batteries if you have hills to climb.

Some folks swear by the new Life04 batteries, I like NIMH, Nicad is showing very good value.

If you get an add on kit, out it on a quality comfort bike. No big box clunkers, they don't last the years of heavy high speed use.

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