A search doesn't turn up much here about electric bikes. I'm very interested in them, possibly to get a couple for RV-ing. I don't want folding models or recumbents.What are the decision considerations? Budget, for sure. And I don't know that answer yet. Otherwise, I see a lot of variables. Frame size, tire type, battery type. Range, speed. Etc.Anyone have first hand experience to share?How about links to good blogs, magazines, forums that can be a help to a newbie? I've found some but they are all about DIY, with a lot of discussions about which bits and pieces to use, how to roll your own controller, things like that. Which is all interesting but I need to start by reading more basic stuff first.

Check out Bion-x. These are electrics that can be installed on many bikes. I have mine on a Montague. It is a full size folding bike. Not cheap but the electric allows me to ride as long as I want and to use the level of assist needed for the terrain. The battery will last for about 20 miles.

There are three basic types of electric bikes, and they are very popular in Ontario due to not needing a license to drive, while you do need a special license for a little gas engine scooter. You have the add-on type, the bicycle type and the scooter type. Each has advantages, each has disadvantages. I immediately think of the scooter type, since that is what most people have where I used to live. Examples: http://www.scooteretti.com/ Note that even the scooters have pedals, making them technically a person-powered vehicle, hence the no license required. In Ontario if you remove the pedals it then becomes a motorcycle, believe it or not.Range is the big question, and that comes down to power and weight. You need to investigate the weight carrying capacity of the bike and get one that suits your personal needs. The light "bike" type units have a big advantage in weight but usually have smaller batteries to take away that advantage. Power in the battery is key, so look at the voltage of the battery and it's amp-hour rating, multiply the two to get watt-hours available and remember that you need to use around half the available to not harm the battery.I think they are a great option, but can be very pricey. http://smartdirect.ca/smart-electric-bikeBrian

Friend in Atlanta, had a Stromer, and it was a very cool setup and great working electric Bicycle.Here is some information:StromerMarkiemark:C

I went an made an electric bike out of the trike that I had bought my DW. She has COPD, so get's winded pretty easily. I figure this was a great way for her to "get home", if we go out on the bikes.I found an Electric Bike Kit (basically a wheel with a motor in the hub)....so it will work on any bike you have, or wish to convert....just make sure to order the correct size wheel.It's not cheap, but if you already have a bike that you like, it may be a pretty sweet option. And compared to some of the prices I'm seeing for those other "electric bikes", it'a a bargain!:)Hardest part of the installation, is changing a wheel on the front of the bike....and running the wires to the battery. It's all explained pretty well.I can't even remember if this is the outfit that we go ours from, but it looks similar. The bike will do about 30 miles an hour, and qo for quite awhile with the battery. As I said, we have it set up on the front wheel of her Tryke.....with the battery in the back basket. It works great!

Electric bicycles | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

Snowman9000
Explorer
Nov 14, 2013
Thanks folks, keep em coming.
wanda573
Explorer
Nov 14, 2013
I have an IZIP Zuma electric bike with a lithium battery that has pedal assist and throttle. It can get about 12-19miles on a charge depending on if you are riding on flat or hilly streets. I ride it like a regular bike and when I come to a hill or get tired I switch on the pedal assist. I usually ride around the campground and on bike trails. They can go fast but I don't ride mine any faster than I rode my regular bike. When I complained about having to ride a stationary bike to help my knee, my Orthopedic Dr. suggested riding an electric bike with pedal assist instead. It is so much more fun than just sitting inside and pedaling. In addition riding a bike helps strengthen your core muscles and improves balance too.

Go to a bicycle shop that will allow you to try them out. The price varies by brand and battery kind and size.
Padlin
Explorer
Nov 13, 2013
Raften wrote:
Do some careful research, have a friend that payed big bucks for one then the company went out of business. He cannot find a new battery for it.

Might want to tell your friend there are places that custom build batteries such as mto

Many times these are cheaper then the originals.
Free_Range_Huma
Explorer
Nov 13, 2013
Found this link a few months ago when I was looking at them myself.
alliemac9
Explorer
Nov 13, 2013
This is what I would consider... Rubbee

Granted, it's currently a Kickstarter project, but based on the updates it looks like they have actually been able to maintain their projected schedule. I was super tempted to order one, but don't currently have a need or way to justify it...
free_radical
Explorer
Nov 13, 2013
Id like to get one of these,if the price wasnt so high

http://youtu.be/ahr9sUnqfeM
tomman58
Explorer
Nov 13, 2013
This being a relatively new field is ever changing
Raften
Explorer
Nov 12, 2013
Do some careful research, have a friend that payed big bucks for one then the company went out of business. He cannot find a new battery for it.
Markiemark32
Explorer
Nov 12, 2013
Snowman9000 wrote:
I appreciate the notes on things to be aware of. You can't pick your nose without breaking a law these days.
But if we can get back to the questions in the OP, that'd be cool.
:)

Electric Bike Info

Reviews, Blog, News, etc...E-Bicycles

The one I have direct experience with is the Stromer, it rivals the performance of nice competitive bicycles. Also more of a $$ investment.

The Atlanta friend that had one, did group rides (30 mile loop, at real competitive speeds), averaging in the low twenties, without having any charge issues, keep in mind keeping higher speeds, meant pedaling some, it also charges some during motion times. Handled well, looks like a bike, rides like a bike, etc....

Good Luck and have fun!

Markiemark:C
Snowman9000
Explorer
Nov 12, 2013
I appreciate the notes on things to be aware of. You can't pick your nose without breaking a law these days.
But if we can get back to the questions in the OP, that'd be cool.
:)

Forum Discussion

Electric bicycles

21 Replies

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Electric

Bicycles

Electric bicycles?

Electrical assistance

Electrical outlet issues