electric bike advice?

Eddie

hi guys i was curious about a few things and thought, "well i might as well ask", so here i am. lets say you dont finish your battery, are you still supposed to charge it every night? ar am i supposed ot let the battery drain out? and what type of brake should i have, the regular v brake or the disk? ive been told both ways so im not sure which one is better... last but not least, i was told that the company "Gold Model" was very good but not so known, but i was wondering is mabye someone knew if it is good and what are its bad sides? the more information the better:)

thanks
Eddie

Answer
Batteries in an electric assist bike are similar to those in a cell phone. They will last a LOT longer if you drain them down to near zero & then recharge again.

For general purpose riding, disc brakes are NOT needed. Disc brakes are only needed under the most adverse conditions - such as mud, muck & a LOT of rain.

Good electric assist bicycles cost about 2K or more. For that same amount of money, you could buy 3 or more really good "fitness bikes".
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes-road-fitness-cadent-cadent-2

I wouldn't own an electric assist bike. What happens if the battery should go down miles from home? You are stuck pedaling a VERY heavy bicycle home again. Meanwhile...a fitness bike or even a road bike is very light & geared to climb hills easily.

Electric Bikes?

Q. Hi, for next christmas I was hoping to buy an electric bike.

However I dont know where I could get one from.

If you could please give me some links, advice, whats needed and costs for them I would be most greatful.

Thanks!
thanks alot...

Answer
There is no one "best" ebike for all situations, dont let anyone tell you different. There are many factors to consider, such as: the bicycle frame, your price range, your performance needs, your installation requirements, and after market service needs.

So lets take some well rated ebikes (all of which I have sold and still service) and compare them:

Giant suede-e (no longer sold, a few still available new, still have service and parts) a little low on power for big guys hauling large loads in tough terrain, BUT VERY Reliable and pretty light weight. Un modifiable. Turnkey- no installation issues and no service or parts issue. $1.1k

Cyclone Kit currrently sold on the internet and a few places across the US (Including me in Colorado) GREAT power. Can be a pain to install, so you have to have a specific bike for it to fit, and someone to help with or do the install unless you are pretty darn good with tools. good value, can make slight modifications, parts available, but not much service.

Bionx Kit, 36v more power than than Giant suede-e, lots of nifty hard to find features, Very bicycle-like for a kit, fairly pricy, easy install, parts available, some service. unmodifiable.

EZee bikes and kits, pretty reliable, good parts, some service, can be either a kit or a turnkey bike. moderate performance. a little pricey, but not a lot. minor mods.

Crystalyte. can be anything you want it to be, not real bicyle like. Lots of parts and internet service advise. reasonable price, controller less than the most reliable. You install- easier than a cyclone, harder than a bionx.

If you need the best performance for the money and you can work with tools and pick out your bike, then Cyclone might be best.

For today total turnkey, maybe an EZEE.

Really want to retain the bicyle feel & arent having extremes of demands- try Bionx.

With all ebikes, all connections are the biggest reliability issue, next are throttles then controllers unless stated above.

You will need to look at some discussion groups to get the best lowdown for your situation.

try:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/power...

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/index.p...

a few good shops:

http://www.birdrv.com/electricbike.php

http://electricvehiclesnw.com/

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Is buying an electric bike and selling my car a good way to save money?

Q. I don't leave the city much and have free train travel through marriage

Answer
Definitely! You can save A LOT of money, you save money from not using gas, getting into accidents, getting tickets, car repairs, etc.. Cars cost A LOT of $$$, and could also cause A LOT of problems.

I want an electric bike kit?

I want to chang my bike into an electric bike with a kit i can spend 200-400 dollors. I want atleast 15 mph

Answer
you could buy a ready made electric bike for that money.
( )

good luck

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start the bussiness and earn money by electric bikes?

want to start my own bussiness,so i want to take agency of electric bikes and cycle ..is it good for me ..and tell me all types of things and process and investments about this work and if it is not good than what shold i do ...plesee tell me thanks...........i m 29 and living in jabalpur {madhya pradesh }

Answer
You can start on this forum to get an idea of how to build powered bikes http://www.motoredbikes.com

What is the best economically priced electric bike for hills ?

Fred E

Under $800

Answer
The better the battery the better the performance of an electric bike. Lead acid batteries are the mainstay to electric bikes in the lower echelon. Lead acid batteries tend to be heavy, bulky and good for relatively short bursts of power then they die. Nimh batteries can better sustain a drag on its power, it tends to be lighter, less cumbersome to manage and the service life of the charge out lasts lead acid batteries by a long shot. Then their are the lithium ion batteries. For the moment they are proven and the best of the best. Most laptop computers use lithium ion batteries. These batteries are better tied to higher performance, lower discharge rates, higher charging capacities, thus higher discharging capacities, not as bulky relatively slim and a reliably stronger pedaling assist as compared to its peers.

The price point for the electric bikes in the US is directly related to the type of battery. Electric bikes from Currie that can be purchased at a big box store can be purchase below the $800 price point with a lead acid battery. Giant and Trek both use lithium ion batteries. Their bikes are priced from $1800 to 2,600 USD. The long view would be how lucky are you to purchase a less expensive bike for $800 and you will get a trouble free 5 year service life. If you have to keep putting money into this great idea we know as an electric bike to keep it on the road, then the return on investment will be delayed or may never come. If you purchase two bikes at the $800 price point and allow for inflation of 5% or greater due to increased consumer demand and the product cycle of improvements; the cost of the two bikes within a 3-5 year period equals the original cost of a Giant or Trek sample from jump.

Best.

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I want an electric pocket bike!!!?

Ba Gurk

I want one fast, and so far I've only found one that go's 30 mph... but they have stopped selling it right now. i was hoping one of you could tell me a website or place that sells similar ELECTRIC POCKET BIKES.

Answer
"Pocket bikes", electric or gas, in many locations are legally classified as "toys" from a legal and traffic perspective. That means that they are illegal to operate on the streets. And on sidewalks and trails too.

Non-pocket ebikes that are legal on streets are full sized bikes and are limited to under 20mph, and 750 watts which very few have.

In many locations, one must be 16 years old and have a drivers license to operate a legal ebike on the streets.

So that is why you are having trouble finding them; good retailers don't like being sued for selling inappropriate products.

Some of the above will be true for gas and electric scooters and other products too.

Check your local laws for what are legal products (for you) before parting with your money and getting into problems because some dealer did not tell you what you needed to know..

Sorry.

how fast do electric bikes go?

Pavelly

What is the top speed an electric bike can go?

Answer
It depends on how much money you want to spend. On the e-bike forums some people have gotten over 50 mph. On an affordable level a 1500 watt (2 HP) motor properly set up could get you up to 30 mph.

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Is buying an electric bike and selling my car a good way to save money?

greentigre

I don't leave the city much and have free train travel through marriage

Answer
Definitely! You can save A LOT of money, you save money from not using gas, getting into accidents, getting tickets, car repairs, etc.. Cars cost A LOT of $$$, and could also cause A LOT of problems.

I want an electric bike kit?

David

I want to chang my bike into an electric bike with a kit i can spend 200-400 dollors. I want atleast 15 mph

Answer
you could buy a ready made electric bike for that money.
( )

good luck

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how fast do electric bikes go?

Pavelly

What is the top speed an electric bike can go?

Answer
It depends on how much money you want to spend. On the e-bike forums some people have gotten over 50 mph. On an affordable level a 1500 watt (2 HP) motor properly set up could get you up to 30 mph.

start the bussiness and earn money by electric bikes?

want to start my own bussiness,so i want to take agency of electric bikes and cycle ..is it good for me ..and tell me all types of things and process and investments about this work and if it is not good than what shold i do ...plesee tell me thanks...........i m 29 and living in jabalpur {madhya pradesh }

Answer
You can start on this forum to get an idea of how to build powered bikes http://www.motoredbikes.com

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What form of transport is cheapest and efficient?

best electric bike for the money image

Anna

Hi!

Wondering if anyone has any ideas. I have M.E pretty bad and need some form of personal transport as i can't walk very far anymore.

I don't have enough money to learn to drive/insure a car so have been considering either a scooter or an electric bike....or any other form of transport you can come up with!!

My budget is up to £700, and I only need to make fairly short journeys, say up to 10 miles :)

Ideas really welcome! Thanks!

Agent Ginger

Answer
Not sure how bad you have M.E. but what about a electric push bike will keep you fit and if you get tiered switch too electric and go with the flow! On another note visit Forever Freedom products on the web there is a Aloe drink which could help your M.E. I know it has with others.

What motorbike is better the razor dirt bike mx 350 or the razor pockot rocket?

likestoget

I know that the pocket rocket is an older model but it goes faster, charging takes less time and you get an extra five minutes out of it. The other bike though is newer more expensive and more popular is there something about it that is better which should I get?

Answer
Please dont buy ANY brand of " pit bike " or electric bike.

Save your money and buy something like a Honda CR80.

Like all pit bikes / electric, they are cheap and nasty and built very poorly just like all that other Pacific rim stuff.

A bike like a CR80 will last for ever, cheap parts, great machine to learn the basic mechanic skills, and are a great stater bike to learn how to ride on.

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What form of transport is cheapest and efficient?

best electric bike for the money image

Anna

Hi!

Wondering if anyone has any ideas. I have M.E pretty bad and need some form of personal transport as i can't walk very far anymore.

I don't have enough money to learn to drive/insure a car so have been considering either a scooter or an electric bike....or any other form of transport you can come up with!!

My budget is up to £700, and I only need to make fairly short journeys, say up to 10 miles :)

Ideas really welcome! Thanks!

Agent Ginger

Answer
Not sure how bad you have M.E. but what about a electric push bike will keep you fit and if you get tiered switch too electric and go with the flow! On another note visit Forever Freedom products on the web there is a Aloe drink which could help your M.E. I know it has with others.

What motorbike is better the razor dirt bike mx 350 or the razor pockot rocket?

likestoget

I know that the pocket rocket is an older model but it goes faster, charging takes less time and you get an extra five minutes out of it. The other bike though is newer more expensive and more popular is there something about it that is better which should I get?

Answer
Please dont buy ANY brand of " pit bike " or electric bike.

Save your money and buy something like a Honda CR80.

Like all pit bikes / electric, they are cheap and nasty and built very poorly just like all that other Pacific rim stuff.

A bike like a CR80 will last for ever, cheap parts, great machine to learn the basic mechanic skills, and are a great stater bike to learn how to ride on.

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What is the most reliable, cost effective, electric bike on the market today?

best electric bike for the money image

Peace69

I really like the Schwinn electric bikes (Continental etc), but I was wondering if someone knew of a cheaper alternative. I don't think I want the SLA battery packs. I would like a smaller and lighter alternative and have a decent range (20 miles or more). I would even consider doing a bike conversion if I could have newer lighter equipment

Answer
Try just a regular bike. Electric bikes are harder to transport, maintain, and still cost money to operate. If you get into shape they aren't much faster than a regular bicycle.

Is there a electric bike that is bigger then a pocket bike?

Nic K

I'm 14 years old and I need something to get around places. I checked websites for an electric bike that is bigger then a pocket bike but smaller then a real motorcycle. And please don't say a bike. Can some one solve my desperate problems?
No like a motorcycle that is smaller then a real one but bigger then a pocket bike

Answer
Dont bother with electric bikes or pit bikes.

Save your money and buy a PROPER bike like a CR.

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Can I use motorcycle batteries with electric bicycle?

best electric bike for the money image

Valerka

Just want to save money on gas by going to work and back home (almost 40 miles per day) I don't mind putting a few batteries onto the electric bike (to meet the voltage). Do you think that is possible?

Answer
You will have to do a little research yourself, but a quick look it seems that a electric hub on a regular bicycle, capable of 15-20 mph, capable of 10 miles, would take a pair of 10AH 12V SLA batteries. For your capacity you will be looking at a pair of automobile batteries.

What form of transport is cheapest and efficient?

Anna

Hi!

Wondering if anyone has any ideas. I have M.E pretty bad and need some form of personal transport as i can't walk very far anymore.

I don't have enough money to learn to drive/insure a car so have been considering either a scooter or an electric bike....or any other form of transport you can come up with!!

My budget is up to £700, and I only need to make fairly short journeys, say up to 10 miles :)

Ideas really welcome! Thanks!

Agent Ginger

Answer
Not sure how bad you have M.E. but what about a electric push bike will keep you fit and if you get tiered switch too electric and go with the flow! On another note visit Forever Freedom products on the web there is a Aloe drink which could help your M.E. I know it has with others.

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Can I use motorcycle batteries with electric bicycle?

best electric bike for the money image

Valerka

Just want to save money on gas by going to work and back home (almost 40 miles per day) I don't mind putting a few batteries onto the electric bike (to meet the voltage). Do you think that is possible?

Answer
You will have to do a little research yourself, but a quick look it seems that a electric hub on a regular bicycle, capable of 15-20 mph, capable of 10 miles, would take a pair of 10AH 12V SLA batteries. For your capacity you will be looking at a pair of automobile batteries.

What form of transport is cheapest and efficient?

Anna

Hi!

Wondering if anyone has any ideas. I have M.E pretty bad and need some form of personal transport as i can't walk very far anymore.

I don't have enough money to learn to drive/insure a car so have been considering either a scooter or an electric bike....or any other form of transport you can come up with!!

My budget is up to £700, and I only need to make fairly short journeys, say up to 10 miles :)

Ideas really welcome! Thanks!

Agent Ginger

Answer
Not sure how bad you have M.E. but what about a electric push bike will keep you fit and if you get tiered switch too electric and go with the flow! On another note visit Forever Freedom products on the web there is a Aloe drink which could help your M.E. I know it has with others.

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How do I convert my standard kick start pit bike to electric start?

best electric bike for the money image

A54D

Hi, I am okay with kick start but I want an electric start too, do I just need to buy an electric stator pale or is there anything else, I want to install my alarm immobiliser kit, the alarm I can hook up someone but it has a electric start button which is cool as I can start it up from the remote, please tell me what I need to do.

Answer
Save yourself time and money and buy a bike with those items built-in.

What do you think about people riding their bikes instead of driving cars?

crystal sp

well i am 21. i dont have my license. i dont want a car unless it doesnt need oil. i dont mind riding my bike, but some places i cant ride my bike. i dont know how to chain up my car when i'm going to the mall, movies, or the grocery store. i feel in ways i am trapped into buying a car. anyone else feel like this? riding my bike helps with saving gas, but i can't ride my bike 30-40 miles. i can't ride my bike to work either.

Answer
At 21 Years old, insurance is going to be real expensive. At a point in your life when its hard to make decent money, Real smart people watch the value they get for their expenditures.

So, here are some tips:

consider bimodal transportation, using mass transit coupled with bike riding, either along with biking or instead of biking.

carpool and pay more than your share.

Make friends at the retailers you frequent, so they are supportive of you riding your bike.

Don't take your bike to the movies or any event schedule for multiple hours.

Join a bike club where people have learned how to overcome some of these obstacles. Tell your bike shop your goal, ask them to put you in touch trying the same things.

Dress nice, keep your hygiene outstanding. Have a little " travel care kit" for emergencies, (handy wipes, deodorant, even some cologne)

Share with your friends what you are trying to do as an experiment. gain their support.
Barter for combined shopping trips with them, maybe buying a lunch or a couple beers.

Make car shopping trips with them for heavy items, or frozen items. Make it easy and entertaining for them to support your efforts.

If this doesn't work take a cab or public transport for big/heavy items.

Learn bike mechanics and work on friends bikes for barter.

consider an electric assist bike, consider a trailer.

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How do I convert my standard kick start pit bike to electric start?

best electric bike for the money image

A54D

Hi, I am okay with kick start but I want an electric start too, do I just need to buy an electric stator pale or is there anything else, I want to install my alarm immobiliser kit, the alarm I can hook up someone but it has a electric start button which is cool as I can start it up from the remote, please tell me what I need to do.

Answer
Save yourself time and money and buy a bike with those items built-in.

What do you think about people riding their bikes instead of driving cars?

crystal sp

well i am 21. i dont have my license. i dont want a car unless it doesnt need oil. i dont mind riding my bike, but some places i cant ride my bike. i dont know how to chain up my car when i'm going to the mall, movies, or the grocery store. i feel in ways i am trapped into buying a car. anyone else feel like this? riding my bike helps with saving gas, but i can't ride my bike 30-40 miles. i can't ride my bike to work either.

Answer
At 21 Years old, insurance is going to be real expensive. At a point in your life when its hard to make decent money, Real smart people watch the value they get for their expenditures.

So, here are some tips:

consider bimodal transportation, using mass transit coupled with bike riding, either along with biking or instead of biking.

carpool and pay more than your share.

Make friends at the retailers you frequent, so they are supportive of you riding your bike.

Don't take your bike to the movies or any event schedule for multiple hours.

Join a bike club where people have learned how to overcome some of these obstacles. Tell your bike shop your goal, ask them to put you in touch trying the same things.

Dress nice, keep your hygiene outstanding. Have a little " travel care kit" for emergencies, (handy wipes, deodorant, even some cologne)

Share with your friends what you are trying to do as an experiment. gain their support.
Barter for combined shopping trips with them, maybe buying a lunch or a couple beers.

Make car shopping trips with them for heavy items, or frozen items. Make it easy and entertaining for them to support your efforts.

If this doesn't work take a cab or public transport for big/heavy items.

Learn bike mechanics and work on friends bikes for barter.

consider an electric assist bike, consider a trailer.

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do you need a licence to drive a Vespa or another small gas powered bike?

best electric bike for the money image

D D

I would like to know if I will need a licence before purchasing a gas powered bike, I think the electric bikes are not worth the money since they usually take about 5 hours to recharge and can only go a short distance on a charge.

Answer
Well in your state the law says...Oh...what an idiot I am. You never said what state you are in. Never mind.

Can I use motorcycle batteries with electric bicycle?

Valerka

Just want to save money on gas by going to work and back home (almost 40 miles per day) I don't mind putting a few batteries onto the electric bike (to meet the voltage). Do you think that is possible?

Answer
You will have to do a little research yourself, but a quick look it seems that a electric hub on a regular bicycle, capable of 15-20 mph, capable of 10 miles, would take a pair of 10AH 12V SLA batteries. For your capacity you will be looking at a pair of automobile batteries.

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