Hi; I'm from America, doing graduate work at University of Oxford. I want to get ahold of an electric bike that goes a bit faster than 15mph. I know the legal implications. Can anyone direct me to any custom builder, distributor, etc...?
Thanks.
Cyril
my email: wohrer(at)pamho.net
I'm not sure why you think you need a custom build for that modest speed requirement. There are quite a few factory stock E-Bikes that will hit 20MPH, and at least several more that will go faster than that. Click on the ads from reputable manufacturers you see on this site and you will probably find half a dozen that will fit your needs.
In the USA, the 'legal implications' vary state to state, but the federal guidelines allow up to 750watts, and 20mph maximum unassisted speeds on level ground. Some Walmart and ToysRUs stores carry the currie Ezip Trailz bicycles, which taper off about 18mph, in good condition. Going price can be from $299-$399, depending on the store. Thats about the cheapest way I know to get on an e-bike. If you are thinking the cheap chinese scooter style e-bikes, dont walk RUN away as fast as you can. Not only is their build quality pure trash in many cases, but many states are trying to regulate them as "mopeds" or motorscooters rather than bicycles. The acid test of legality with them is can you pedal them a half mile without the motor running... in most cases you get 3 pedal turns and the arms fall off-not only inadequate but very dangerous.
In pre-made bikes, there are Currie, Giant, and Trek, all producing full bikes, along with other brands that are e-bike specific. In Kits, there's tons of them out there, from incredibly cheap to "EEK, where is the payment plan"
www.Ebikekit.com will sell you a wheel and controller. www.pingbattery.com will sell you any voltage LiFePO4 battery you specify. The controller will take up to a 60V battery.
I use a 36V 15AH Ping battery and average about 16mph on my commute with some stops and hills. With a 48V battery you will be well above 20mph on level ground depending of course on many conditions of bike/wind/road etc.
Worry about the tickets when you need to. I personally think it's going to take a big priority shift in law enforcement to give you 5mph over ticket on your ebike!
The bigger issue is safety, you do it at your own risk, I personally don't want a wreck I can't walk away from. I've seen too many bike tires and spoke failures and road hazards to trust a bike above 20mph (for long periods - down hill speeds make me nervous, I hit the brakes), but to each his own.
This approach might work. Check it out.
with WAY too many bikes..
Once more, with link:
http://www.bikemotive.com
with WAY too many bikes..
No need to reinvent the wheel, here. While that 'crank motor' setup looks interesting, it also looks like possible vaporware. There are plenty of cheap, readily available e-bikes that will do 20MPH.
I've heard many good stories of Chinese electric bikes. Many people are content with them. Do understand some are sold for 1600, while the battery alone costs 50% of their price.
The Xtreme 502 goes 20mph, and is a nice tuning bike. If you look around you might find a similar bike for $770 online, but with mounting options.
The XB-700Li is pre-mounted, more luxureous than the 502, and looks better.
It all depends on why you need one.
If it's to drive in class for 15miles per charge, for 3 years, the 700LI is a good choice.
If it's to drive cheap, the 502 is better. They need a battery change every 1,5 to 2 years.
If you prefer a more slim, economic solution, mentioned in the reply above, just get a wheel with a built in engine, and a battery, to mount on your cross terrain bike or mountain bike, or city bike.
If you want better quality, the xtreme 4000li seems a very good bike, solid, so far rated 11k+ miles per battery, no rattling after a while, but twice the price of a 700Li, and 4 times the price of a 502.