Archive for May, 2010
Electric Bikes Provide New Riding Options
Remember when we were kids and we rode our bikes everywhere?The sphere of our world was defined by how far we could ride and a new bike was the ultimate badge of honor.If you wanted to go someplace, you got on your bike and went and if you couldn’t reach it by bike, then it probably wasn’t really necessary.Now, try climbing on a bike and see how far you can get today.
As a man born in 1951, my bike was my first, best and only form of transportation until I was a college sophomore.Once I acquired an automobile, the bicycle was soon forgotten.Lately, with the high cost of fuel and maintenance of a car, not to mention stratospheric purchase prices, I have begun to once again look to a bicycle for short -range transportation.
I purchased a ten-speed bike at a garage sale for $35 dollars a thought that I would soon be on my way zooming about the way I remembered.Dream on buddy.At 58, despite having always been physically active and going swimming several times a week. I found that I was just not up to it.Basically, I lacked the stamina, muscle strength, flexibility, and just about everything else needed to ride a bike for transportation.By the time I arrived at my destination I was hot, sweaty, sore and stiff.Perhaps eventually I would be able to get past this point but it was going to be a struggle.
Fortunately, I had a brainstorm and recalled reading about something called electric bicycles.A little googleing and viola!a dozen websites popup containing information about electric bicycles, more than I ever wanted to know.
Apparently the most common type of electric bike uses what is called a "hub motor."This is a motor that is actually part of one of the wheels and uses opposing magnets to cause the wheel to spin.An electric bike consists of what is basically an ordinary bicycle with a hub motor, a battery pack, a controller box and a throttle.These bikes come in a large variety of sizes, styles and prices.There is also a variety of battery options available ranging from ordinary lead acid to high tech lithium.Still another option is to build your own bike from a kit.This is the option I chose.
I purchased a 350 watt 36 volt motor kit from Worldwide Electric Bikes.I chose this company for a number of reasons including price, options, and the all-inclusive nature of their kit.This kit came with a lithium ferric phosphate battery(LiFePO4), special brakes that cutoff the motor while braking and recharge the battery and a three speed internally geared front wheel motor.I chose a front wheel motor for it’s extreme ease of installation.When it arrived, everything was in one box including wire ties, nuts and bolts and a battery rack.The only thing I ended up needing to add was one bolt for the battery rack.
I installed this kit on my $35 garage sale 10-speed bicycle in one afternoon.The most difficult aspect of the installation was making sure everything seated the way I wanted it to.I followed the directions on Worldwide Electric Bikes website and with minor adjustments (which the website indicated would be necessary) everything went together the way it was supposed to.By using a kit I saved several hundred dollars and wound up with a great bike.
I began riding my newly reconstituted vehicle that same afternoon and the difference was extraordinary.I continued to pedal and get my exercise and the motor is almost as quiet as an ordinary bike.However, now I can take hills with ease, travel ten or more miles without breaking a sweat and using the bike for short-range travel is a pleasure not a pain.In fact, I have to fight my wife and daughter over it.The fact that being electric, it gives off no emissions, doesn’t use imported oil, is inexpensive and easy to use is of course a big plus but personally, I just think it’s really, really cool.
These vehicles could go a long way towards relieving traffic congestion and air pollution in our cities and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.Long a transportation staple in Asia and Europe it’s only a matter of time before they become commonplace in the United States.
Author: Steven Bodenstein
Eletric Bike Ready for TTXGP Competition
Considering it’s an electric bike, it’s pretty incredible that it sounds as good as it does. MotoCzysz has also released it’s first video of the bike on the track. Nothing too extreme, but you can see that this bike can move fast.
Electric Bikes -N- Scooters
T3 Motors makes electric cars along with their electric scooters / electric bikes. These bikes are designed for police and security purposes and in my opinion, they have a cool futuristic look to them.
Electric bikes
In addition to the various races and vehicle categories — including all sorts of really fast-looking recumbents with fairings — this was the second yea fef r of the ePower Challenge, which is a series of races for electric assist bikes.
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What Are Electric Bikes?
Though electric bikes are not a new invention, they are new to many people. With everybody constantly trying to find a better way to be green this is a trend that is on the rise. The point of an electric bike is to allow you adequate transportation without harming the environment. It makes getting around so much easier and convenient compared to walking but it is not harmful to the earth. Many people are not familiar with how an electric bike works. It really is quite simple though. This type of transportation can be a great alternative to the use of fossil fuels in regular cars.
Electric bicycles are often called e bikes. They allow you to get around much easier with less work. The act of pedaling the bike is assisted by a motor. Of course some pedalling is still required for it to be efficient. However, the use of a bike makes transportation much faster and easier. This is a great solution for those who seek a better alternative to driving a car. It does go much faster than a regular bicycle. By using an electric bicycle you can go at least twice as fast as a regular bicycle. Even those who do not ride a bike often will see a significant difference in speed and how much easier it is to use.
There are many different types of e bike. Some of them require that you do pedal as well but many allow you to speed up by using controls on the handlebars. If you are not sure what type of bicycle is best for you then you should gather information before making a purchase. Of course, it is also important to know all legal requirements for your area regarding the bicycles. These bikes also come with varying speed levels so take care to check this as well.
If you plan to use an electric bike for short distances then you will not need one with a lot of power or speed. If you plan to use it for plenty of travel or for hill climbing, you will want one that is faster and has more driving features. Sometimes this mode of transportation requires additional licensing so be sure you have it all in place before taking it out on the road. Legal requirements for these bicycles are not the same everywhere. Always consult your local authorities first if you are not entirely sure.
You can buy an electric bike already put together or you can pay to have someone put it together for you. There are also kits you can purchase in order to do it yourself. But if you do, always make sure it is done correctly to avoid injury or causing any kind of safety issues. Most of these bikes have rechargeable batteries and that is how you renew the power source. Electric bikes are a fantastic solution for going green and reducing the amount of fossil fuels used. They are certainly worth looking into for those interested in making this kind of change.
For more on wholesale electric bikes.
Author: Levi Quinn
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Electric Bike Laws
Just like with any motorized vehicle, electric bikes also must follow specified laws. If you have an electric bike and do not follow these laws, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble. Drivers of any kind of motor vehicle have a lot of responsibility to uphold. Electric bikes certainly are no exceptions to these rules. It does not matter where you live, electric bike owners need to know what the laws are. If you plan to buy an electric bike always make sure you are responsible and follow all safety and legal requirements.
It is important to remember that laws always change from place to place so be certain to find out all laws that apply to your local area. If you are not sure of the laws then get in touch with your local authorities because they will be able to assist you. Also, if you plan to take your electric bike into a different country or city, be sure to double check the laws there as well. Safety equipment is very important for those who wish to drive and own an electric bike. There are all kinds of items required by law such as helmets and various pads for knees and elbows.
Even though electric bikes as are just like regular bicycles they are often classed much the same as motorcycles. This is because they have an engine. That means the rider does not have to manually move the bike by pedalling. This often leads to plenty of confusion for those that mistakenly assume the laws. Laws can literally change by state or province. There are some places that do not allow the use of electric bicycles on the roads at all. This means that you can face a serious fine if you disobey this rule. The last thing that you want to happen is to be pulled over by a police officer while illegally riding an electric bicycle.
If your area allows the use of electric bicycles then there are certain standards that may apply. For instance, the bike may have to be a specific weight to be legal. There may also be rules as to how fast the bike can go. Most of these laws apply to bikes that were properly and legally manufactured. This means that you cannot turn your own bicycle into an electric bike in most places.
There are many other factors to be taken into consideration when it comes to electric bike laws. Helmets are almost always mandatory. Such things as driver’s age and insurance can vary from place to place. It really is the responsibility of the electric bike owner to find out exactly how the law affects them. Being a safe bike operator will pay off. Choosing to operate an electric bike is serious. However, it is also a great option for the environment. Avoid facing fines or trouble by doing the right thing. Keep all of your facts straight and use your electric bike according to local laws. It should be a convenience not a hassle or a safety hazard.
For more information please visit wholesale electric bikes.
Author: Levi Quinn
Quantya electric bike
Quantya electric bike Official Q&A thread - Discuss Dirt Bike, General Discussion, and General topics in the Dirt Bike forums at Dirt Rider Magazine.
TidalForce Electric Bike
Electric Motion Systems, designer of the E+ electric bike, has teamed with Matra, the French light electric.
GoCyle Electric Bike
Want to save some energy while making the commute to work? The GoCycle is a possible alternative. The electric bike weighs a mere 16.2kg and can go for about 20 miles before it needs recharging. That will take you only about 3 ½ hours.
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