Looks like there's a lot to choose from - what are some good, inexpensive units?
Sun, 03/18/2007 - 09:14
I want to commute to work, but I can't arrive sweaty - so I'm looking for an ebike that is reliable. There are minimal hills, and I expect to do some pedalling - I don't want to ride it like a motorscooter - I just want to cruise when I coast.
What do you think of the Mongoose? The Schwinns look great and are more like what I want - something with a basket and more urban-looking, but they're expensive. Primarily, I want something that won't break down at the end of the 90-day warranty.
How fast do you like to ride, and how far is work? Can you charge at work, and do you plan to use it exclusively for your home-work commute?
I do not have any experience with current e-bikes, but did own a Currie electric mountain bike years ago. The main issue was speed. The bike just didn't assist fast enough, and I found that the weight of the electrics just slowed me down. For that reason, it might be best you do your own conversion, which is fairly easy if you do a hub motor in the front wheel. If you go that route, you can design it as fast as you like with much less expense for a target speed.
E-bikes and parts:
http://www.electricrider.com/
http://www.thesuperkids.com/
Note: There are lots of other sources for e-bikes and e-bike stuff.
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Avatar taken from http://www.electricmotorbike.org/
Anyone got one they might want to sell?
My KZ750 Project: here E.T.A. 1 mo
KZ750 Motorcycle Conversion
900 watt scooter
Pic from http://www.electricmotorbike.org/