Posted on 09/29/2016 1:56:35 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
Last month I reviewed an e-bike for the first time: The Elby. (Short for “electric bicycle,” get it?) It was my first introduction to the world of pedal-assist electric bikes, and I was instantly smitten. I described this product category like this:
The electric motor on an e-bike basically amplifies the power of each pedal stroke, making easy work of hills and headwinds, getting you going faster, and giving you the chance to rest occasionally without slowing down.
Legally, an e-bike is a bicycle. So unlike a motorcycle, you don’t need a license, don’t have to be 16, don’t have to register it, don’t have to fuss with a bunch of laws.
(Excerpt) Read more at finance.yahoo.com ...
Why e-bike? Why not just moped? Electric instead of gasoline, but still a moped.
A moped looks dorky.
try riding an e-bike while smoking an e-cigarette
The e-bike has smart controls
I like the concept. I think more people will buy them once the prices come down. The $3,500 price-point is steep for most. Also, for those in the city, you would want a secure place to stow them when you get to where you are going.
Around 1958 our cousins gave us three old Whizzer bike motors. I think these must have been made in the 30s as they were pretty old even back then.
My older Brothers and I eventually got one working motor and attached it to our Western Flyer bicycle. That bike was also probably from the 30s.
It was actually pretty fast. I can recall my best friend riding on the handle bars and it would still climb a steep hill with no trouble.
The starter eventually quit working and you had to start it by pushing the bike fairly fast then engaging the engine. One time it cranked before I could leap on it and ran into a tree, pretty much destroying it.
I wonder if an electric version would sell well now. Just add it to the bike.
You can also learn the lasso trick and just hook on to a car driving by, maybe a bungee so you don’t get the shock. The way cars are now that would take some real skill and be a crowd pleaser.
Two downfalls.
1)Rain. E-Bikes don't like rain. A 48 volt lithium ion battery that puts out 500 watts for three hours does not respond well to a water soaking. I don't like showing up for work soaking wet either.
2)Unexpected carrying of items related to my job. Several times I had to ride home from work and then drive the car back to bring home electronics, cases of heavy items.
Other than that I recovered the purchase cost in six months, my health is better, I feel better, and when you arrive at work you feel like getting busy. When you arrive home you don't flop on the couch and crash.
*Also, you will get flat tires. The torque on the drive wheel tends to really make a hole if you hit a sharp object in the street.
Costco is selling a e-bike for $1,200
e bikes are great
In Louisiana:
To operate a moped on Louisiana roads, you must have a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement. Drivers with learner's permits who are between 15 and 16 years old are restricted to operating their moped within 3 miles of their primary residence, unless they are traveling with a parent or guardian.
Defined differences:
1) Electric bicycles have pedals and provide a form of exercise. Most mopeds do not have pedals and do not provide exercise.
2) Mopeds in the USA often require a driver’s license and insurance and some form of registration. Electric bikes do not require a license or registration or insurance.
3) While Mopeds can often travel on street bike lanes, they cannot travel on sidewalks and park in bicycle areas. An electric bicycle can travel on bike lanes and paths and park in bicycle areas. An electric bicycle is considered a bicycle.
4) An electric bike, when configured as a mountain e-bike can travel off road on trails. A moped cannot, as it is designed for city streets.
5) A moped is generally allowed to have a top speed of 30MPH, while an electric bicycle is generally limited to 20MPH with motor only power (can go faster if the rider is actively pedaling)
By definition, a moped is constant motor on with pedal assistance if available(?) An electric bike is pedal powered with an e-motor available to come on. Frequently, the design is for the motor to work only WHILE the rider is pedaling.
Yep. I had one. Got tired of buying expensive batteries for it when you can buy a 4 stroke gas engine for the same price as the batteries. I got 9,000 mi on that motor now. The same laws apply to gas bikes as electric bikes.
I think he still wants to ride a bike, but it is getting hard for him to do hills or the wind.
The thing flies. If I pedal fast enough to keep a top speed and full throttle, I run about 30mph. For this reason you must have hydraulic disc brakes and know street conditions! A pot hole at 30 mph on a bicycle is very dangerous. Regular caliper brakes will not do much braking at 30mph.
A bright strobe running light front and back is a must. I also have a GPS.
Motiv has electric bikes starting around $1750 and an extended range model for about $2150. Beach cruiser style with 6-gears. I’ve been wanting to get one for a while. Might have to talk Two Kids’ Mom into getting his & hers models.
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