I can see there is a lot of knowledge here, and I was wondering if I could tap some of it to save myself a ton of research. I REALLY want to get to work with electricity. I need to be able to go 40mph and a distance of 20 miles with some hills (work is 9.6 miles each way). I weigh 175 lbs. I don't know if this is an issue, but I'm in Colorado and it can get pretty cold. What is the least expensive conveyance I can buy to do this? I don't care what it is. If it would reduce my cost, I might be able to arrange charging while at work. Thank you in advance for any help anyone can give me! -Andrew
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An XM-3000 at $1999 + $50 delivery would work. I'd recommend you charge at work, and also that you fit a battery balancer (another $200ish).
The XM-3000 will do 40 mph on the flat with a 175lb rider.
Cold shouldn't be an issue - the Greensaver silicone batteries used in the XM-3000 are rated down to -40C.
That's the least expensive bike I know that will meet your requirements.
John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.
Some of the more frankenstien electric bikes can do that too, but most of the builders admit to having 3 thou in the thing. The only thing cheaper is going to be a regular electric bike, like the 5-700 watt brushless kits, and a 20 ah 48v battery from Ping on ebay. But the total is still going to be around 1500, assuming you allready have the bike. A setup like that will go 20 flat miles or more, but only at about 25 mph. You'd be looking at 30 minuites to get to work. One advantage of the bike strategy, is no licence, insurance, tags, etc, and you can ride on bike trails if you have good ones.
My wife made all my electric stuff look stupid, or at least expensive when she found a used roketa 150 cc scooter for $700. It will pay for itself faster than the ebike.
Be the pack leader.
36 volt sla schwinn beach cruiser
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Thank you John and Dogman for your help!!
Colorado allows you to ride up to a 50cc moped without plates or insurance, so I guess the XM-3000 one would require both, and I was trying to avoid that. And as much as I want to go electric, at that initial cost it WOULD take me quite a while to recoup the cost in savings.
Dogman, I'm liking the idea of electrifying my mountain bike, esp. if I could just bring the battery pack into work and recharge it while working. I realize I'm changing my criteria, but since I could ride it like a bike it might not take that much longer to get to work because of traffic even though it's slower. I guess I would need a setup that could go at least 20 flat miles for my 10-mile ride home since it's mostly uphill on the way home? I don't mind pedalling some, but I don't want to get sweaty in my work clothes. What specific setup would you guys recommmend and why, and where should I get it? I saw this one (www.ampedbikes.com) and this one (www.werelectrified.com). Are either of those good, or should I be looking at soemthing else? I'm not exactly an electrician!
Thanks again for all your help!!
-Andrew
I live in Colorado as well, I can attest that if you intend to ride most of the year scooters/motorcycles are not the way to go. A friend is a serious motorcyclist, electrically warmed clothes and the works, and he stops riding when the temperature gets to 20F or so. My experience with Emax was similar. With the cold and the wind and zero physical activity your ride starts out cold and only gets colder. Ten miles is a long way to go when you can't feel your feet after the first mile.
I highly recommend a Bionx kit for your bicycle. I've been through a few different ebikes and each have had their sets of problems from annoying to terminal, but the Bionx has never given me a lick of trouble. I bought mine from Electric Cyclery in Laguna Beach. I've ridden it down to -12F, but in the deepest part of the winter (and the hottest part of the summer) I keep the battery pack inside.
I don't know what part of the state you live in, but there are a few electric bike stores scattered around if you want to do a trial ride.
"we must be the change we wish to see in the world"
John, thanks again for your response. Do you have any input on my latest post? Thanks! -Andrew
Dogman, thanks again for your response. Do you have any input on my latest post? Thanks! -Andrew
Nope, sorry - I only deal with the motor scooter sized bikes.
But, personally I'd trust DaveW's advice - and what he says makes sense.
John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.
Thanks A LOT for your advice, Dave!