I see the EV Stand n Ride 24 volt can come with an extra battery pack. The would be 4 12 volt 18 amp batteries. That is nearly twice the amps as the Zip Three Wheel(4 12 volt 10 amp). The Stand n Ride advertises as faster than the Zip Three Wheel, too!
1. Is the extra 2 12 volt 18 amp batteries worth $210?
2. Am I correct in thinking that the extra amps will get me faster and farther in the cold?
One internet site is misleading. Two sets of batteries cannot be installed in the Stand and Ride. So I am back to the cold with less amps than I hoped for.
Maybe I should just buy that TNG Venice that the local dealer is trying to move before winter. If it just had three wheels.....
I've ridden a couple of British Columbia coastal winters- temperatures between 0-10C or 32-50F, and snow rarely happens. So what I can say about the e-bikes, is that they probably have about 60% of the normal range at freezing, and keep in mind that this is only my oppinion based on what I've observed. At 10C (50F) I really don't notice too much difference. Something else to consider is that cold weather really dips into the total duty cycle, so it shortens the battery life in cooler temps. The dealer recommends having a warm place to charge in order to obtain a better range, if this is an issue.
Another issue I've noticed, with my scooter style bike, is stiffness at cooler temps. The bike feels like it's banging instead of bouncing, and so I usually ride a bit slower. And I definitely take the bus when it's raining!
The three ebikes I've owned have all been 48v/500w scooter style Chinese made machines. The first one was stolen, the second I could no longer get parts for, and the third is doing well. Happy trails
We’ve all heard that a million monkeys banging on a million typewriters will eventually reproduce the entire works of Shakespeare. Now, thanks to the Internet, we know this is not true.
I made a conservative decision and my new Schwinn S 750 for $319, shipping included from Superkids, should arrive tomorrow. If electric won't cut it in the Iowa cold, I've not lost anything. I can still whish around in the warm months.
I've found some 12 volt heating pads on the net. I'm thinking of building a platform and mounting an auxillary 12 volt battery (maybe a smaller marine type)to run the heating pad and maybe some lights. I'm getting an electric to help the grandkids on their one day a week advertiser route of about 300 houses. It is now getting dark before they get home from school. I can run some papers for them, deliver some, and keep an eye on them.
I am looking forward to playing around with the scooter, mounting lights, trying to keep the batteries toasty. Think I should wrap a thermometer in the battery pack? What is the absolute best operating temp?
I will keep folks updated. I'm excited.
I've had the scoot out in 30 degree weather, and it seems okay. Looks like I only need to be outside for 45 minutes to an hour at a time. I keep the scoot in the house and fully charged. I immediately put it on the charger after use. I think is is going to do the job I need done. I put a milk crate on the back and foot pegs on it.
Those narrow wheels are dangerous for an old guy. I'm whizzing along on the sidewalk to the next driveway, and ssuddenly I'm up in someone's yard trying to find a safe section to return to the sidewalk. I already wish for some suspension, but if had bought a Fusion, I wouldn't be able to afford a Honda this spring. Had a Honda Gyro for 23 years and the starter died. Japan still uses the Gyros, but they won't send a starter to America.
Got lights for $15.95 at K mart. The old folks in town smile when I buzz past. The kids wish they could get away with riding one. I got special permission from the mayor to help the grandkids on their paper routes. Get the town used to the idea.... Maybe it will be contagious. Most old folks will be happier with some suspension though. I'm just a tough old coot.
It will be more fun next summer.
One thing! I was whizzing home an the scoot just quit. I turned it off, then back on, and it ran fine. Weird how it just shut itself off. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. I hate electrical problems!
I have had the same problem with hub motors quiting unexpectly, I changed the on/off switch and solved the problem.
Also for thoes who are like me, riding in cold weather beware of condensation in your cable housings, they can freese and become unusable. An idea might be to only bring your batteries indoors and leave the bike locked outside to prevent it, It is Minus 12 Degrees C in northern Ontario today. Hope this helps
Rod
I haven't done any winter riding. Those two skinny wheels will get me hurt. I'm 62. I top the charge off once a week. Soon as the ice is gone.....
I've used the scoot about 45-50 times, and the batteries are nearly useless. I've cared for them as advised in here, and they just have steadily decreased in range. To be fair, I've used the scoot once a week to help the grandkids deliver papers. That is a lot of stop and go, but I expected more from the batteries. The batteries are just pitiful little toys. I'm thinking that I should put a couple wheel chair batteries in it, and build a cover for them. But with all of the noise coming from the gear box, I'm wondering if it is worth the cost.
Maybe I should just buy a three wheel bicycle and put a kit on it and about 50 pounds of batteries in the rear basket.