Electric bicycles, alternative to cars?
Second and third cars for a family are becoming obsolete with the skyrocketing costs of auto insurance and gasoline. Many families are looking for alternatives to having a second or third car and electric bicycles are being viewed as a great alternative.
Electric bicycles offer you the ability to get to where you need to go quickly, safely and economically - a winning combination! Electric bicycles are much more efficient and cost-effective as compared to cars and even motorcycles.
Electric super bikes as some would call them can either assist you with your trip by offering 50% of the legwork (power assist models) or can whisk you to wherever you need to go as you steer (power-on-demand models). Electric bike kits can even turn an existing bike into an electric bicycle by adding a conversion kit for an electric bike.
Electric bicycles have improved in terms of technology to the point where they are far more economical than even the hybrid vehicles on the market. The long-life of electric bicycles and the mere pennies it costs to recharge the battery make electric bicycles a far more economical choice for anyone commuting to work, school or anywhere else you need to go.
A commuter bicycle made in commuter heaven - electric bicycles are a great choice for people in small or large cities around the globe. It is easy to travel into work on electric bicycles and you can even buy a folding electric bicycle so you can be assured to be able to take your bicycle into the office, gym, house or anywhere you want to store it rather than leaving it outside.
Electric bicycles are also safer for the environment than any car or hybrid vehicle. Electric bicycles have become very popular with many families looking for alternatives to second or third vehicles. In fact there are likely more electric bicycles on the road than you may realize.
Electric bicycles do not necessarily stick out any more than traditional bicycles. With electric bike kits, for example, you can convert almost any bike into an electric bike. But, before you rush out to order a conversion kit for an electric bike you want to make sure that your bike can be converted - there are some models that may not be able to be converted for one reason or another.
Most bike shops will let you know if your bike can become an electric bike or not and some will even do the conversion for you and test it so you know your electric bike kit was set up right.
Today's economy almost demands that people find alternative means of transportation other than buying 2nd or 3rd cars. Electric bicycles have been seen as one of the safest and most economical alternatives to traditional cars and even hybrid cars.
Rather than spend thousands of dollars per year on insurance and skyrocketing gas prices you can get where you need to go by selecting on of the electric bicycles on the market.
Alternative to Mass Transportation
Mass transit is wonderful and horrible all at the same time. Every major city and many smaller cities have elaborate mass transit systems. Though some cities boast terrific mass transit systems they are still not the ultimate form of transportation.
Many commuters complain of long lines, over-crowded buses, trains and subway, as well as long waits for a bus, subway or train to come. These same commuters feel compelled to use mass transit because they need an economic means of transportation that is quick enough to get through the traffic found in most cities.
Electric bikes are a great way to get around any city or metro-area. Electric bikes can make mass transportation a thing of the past for you.
Whether you are looking for new forms of transportation that are faster, or because you want a safer means of transportation or a more economical one - electric bikes may be the answer to your prayers.
Anyone living in a major city knows that traffic is always a nightmare. Subways usually provide the fasted transportation. Smelly, steamy, over-crowded subway platforms are sometimes unsafe, unsanitary and unwelcome. The option for many people is either take a car, cab or walk.
A car in a major city is usually more of a liability than an assistance. Cab fares are expensive and walking is not always an option. An electric powered bike is a great alternative that many people do not even realize exists.
Electric bikes are efficient and cost-effective making them a great means of transportation. Rather than waiting for a bus or subway you can be on your way quickly and easily to wherever you need to go.
If you live in the suburbs you may consider electric mountain bikes - or perhaps that is your best option because the streets in your city are not all that you wish them to be. Electric motor bikes are a great alternative to expensive, crowded trains and subways.
Electric bikes come in various types and styles and this website explains them all. For those looking for an alternate to mass transit but are concerned with leaving their bicycle unattended to, folding electric bikes may be the perfect solution because you can take them in with you and easily store them virtually anywhere.
People in major cities around the world have been looking for ways to avoid mass transportation. Some feel mass transportation is not convenient enough, others feel mass transportation is not safe enough, while others think mass transportation is not economical enough.
Electric bikes are a great way to solve any and all of these problems. People across the world who live or work in major cities, or commute moderate distances to and from work or school have found that electric bikes offer greater flexibility, more dependability, safer and more economical transportation than mass transit systems.
Rather than complain about buses, subways and trains you can put all those problems behind you by buying a reliable electric bike.
"What if I only have a mile or two to travel, and I'm looking for something electric that is light-weight and portable, something that's smaller than a bike?" Then it sounds like you should think about choosing an electric scooter. An electric motorized scooter is no electric bike, but more than suitable for basic travel needs. "What if I don't even need it to be electric? I just want something very small and light!" Then it sounds like you're in the market for a kick scooter (check out the Xootr kick scooter, as seen in 'Little Manhattan.')
Random Post:
My electric bike adventure
If you're like me, you probably suffered from all kinds of depression before you owned an electric bicycle and didn't even know why. In my case, I have something called Seasonal Affective Disorder or seasonal depression as it's more commonly known. Yes, I am quite literally SAD! This coupled with how defeated I felt when my doctor advised me to take better care of myself due to my diabetes was definitely a one-two punch for me last winter (that is, until I purchased my electric motor bicycle). SAD was something I vowed would not get me down this wintertime, not as long as I had my electric motor bike. I had made plans to ride my electric bike with the same frequency I had all spring and summer long into the decidedly less electric bike friendly winter months. I would be utterly unphased by whatever Old Man Winter put in front of me and my electric motor bicycle. Below freezing temperatures are no match for electric powered bicycles!
But then winter rolled around and it looked as if global warming took care of my SAD for me. Bright days and moderate temperatures allowed me to run down and get a newspaper in just a sweatshirt. I decided that this was a cause for celebration. I came upstairs and my wife was sitting on the couch with her laptop looking up electric motor bicycles for a future purchase. She had been so impressed by my Birdy BionX folder that she decided that she wanted an electric motor bike of her own. And who could blame her for those electric powered bicycle aspirations? Since I bought my electric bicycle, I felt like a completely new man. I think she knew electric bicycles be the best thing she's done since moving out of her Mom's house in Neptune, New Jersey around when she met yours truly. But enough about Meredith and New Jersey, this story is all about me and my electric motor bicycle!
I decided that I would take advantage of the gorgeous weather with one of my patented Manhattan adventures. These almost always involve electric powered bikes. One of my favorite pastimes is to head out to my local dealer and check out the latest and greatest electric motor bikes. I go to a little place out here on the Upper East Side of New York City called NYCeWheels and they always seem to know what the coolest new gadgets are. I hopped on my electric bike and zipped off to the shop. My favorite R.E.M. song was playing ("Shiny Happy People" for those of you who might be curious!) as I waltzed in and leaned my electric powered bike on the side wall and took in the vast selection of electric bikes in stock.
I decided to take an Ezee Quando out for a test ride (another electric powered bicycle that folds, I'm obsessed!) and I had a great time zipping in and out of the park. I brought it back into the shop with a smile on my face that was both huge and genuine. What a great ride! I might have to get one for Meredith just so we can maybe take a trip down to Florida sometime and ride around on our brand new electric bicycles. I also tried out something that has been referred to as a California electric scooter, the GoPed. In my opinion, an electric bike has it beat any day!
useful electric bike kit guide
NYCeWheels added an electric bike kit guide to their website.
You can find it here:
The ultimate electric bike kit guide.
Boy, it sure is useful! They walk you through all of the important questions step by step. I wish they had it around when I first picked out my electric folding bike equipped with the Bionx conversion kit. It'd have saved me some time during my research. The guide appears to be an ongoing project. I encourage all of you to look it over and see if you have any questions that aren't answered on it. The more feedback you give them, the more they'll improve and add to the guide, and the more useful it will be to everyone.
I always get excited by resources such as this, especially when they are dynamic and respond to the needs of the user with new updates and information. It just makes me feel like part of a community. The electric bike community grows more and more every day, so it's good to see resources for that community, with it in mind, that respond to the needs of the community.
How to Fit Electric Bikes into Your Lifestyle
Do you have a lifestyle of always being on the go or do you have a passion for the outdoors? If you answered yes to either of these questions, owning an electric bike would bring you a feeling of contentment.
Advantages of Owning an Electric Bicycle
Electric powered bikes are a sure way to maneuver around a crowded area. Sitting in traffic jams can be eliminated by riding an electric bicycle because you will have access to routes that cars and motorcycles can not reach. You would also have extra spending money from the savings you will acquire on gasoline, car maintenance, and insurance.
Owning an electric bike enables you to run errands in a shorter period of time and less cost. An electric bike is ideal for the person who has no license. One great factor of the electric bike is that it reduces air pollution. The bikes are one of the most cost effective and convenient ways of transportation today.
Electric Motor Bike for Exercising
You are probably saying, How can I get exercise by riding an electric bicycle?
An electric powered bicycle enables the rider to pedal, but with little effort. The rider can climb hills more easily and travel a longer distance. Riding in the fresh air will make you feel invigorating and will strengthen your muscles without making them ache.
Electric Bicycles for Work
Using your electric bike for commuting back and forth to work will help to clear your mind and make you feel good all day. If you are riding your electric bike to work, you will not have to worry about the issue of sweating like you did on a regular bike. You will be going faster on the electric bike and this keeps the wind chill effect greater, thus keeping you cool. When the weather is hot, you can maintain a normal speed by letting the electric motor take over. In cold weather, you can turn the motor off.
Once you have arrived at work, you will have a few minutes to relax because of the time saved by not having to ride the bus or go through the hassle of searching for a parking space.
Electric Bikes are Great for Any Lifestyle
Remember, riding an electric bike gives you the freedom to wave at your neighbors, find a convenient parking place, and enjoy the special moments in life such as rain drops hitting your face or the wind blowing your hair. Choose an electric bike to suit your lifestyle and enjoy
To learn more about the electric bike please visit the web site at: http://www.nycewheels.com/
Electric bike motor, electric bike kits
Electric bike kits are comprised of an electric bike motor, a battery pack, throttle, and charger. The electric bike motor kit should (and most do) include everything you need when you want a conversion kit for electric bike.
It is a good idea to make sure that the electric bike motor kit you are buying does include everything you will need to convert your bike to an electric bike. If the retailer does not indicate that the electric bike kit includes everything you need than you may want to ask the question before buying.
An electric bike motor kit is a great investment if you already have a quality bike that you are comfortable with and is compatible for an electric bike motor kit.
This is when it becomes really important to choose your retailer carefully. The reality is that some online retailers are just looking to make a profit and will sell an electric bike kit to anyone that wants one, whether or not it will work with their specific bike.
A reputable retailer will make sure your bike is compatible first or they will advise you before you buy your electric bike kit.
The electric bike motor and the full electric bike kit can also give you the best of both worlds when it is combined with a folding bike. A folding bike is a great way to minimize the storage space needed while maximizing your ability to obtain all the benefits of a great bike.
Some retailers offer folding bikes that are already electrified – the retailer adds the electric bike conversion kit to the bike for you. Finding a retailer that can do this is great because then you can be assured that your electric bike conversion kit is installed properly and will operate when you receive it.
Though it is relatively easy to install an electric bike motor kit on your bike, if you have the ability to hire a retailer to do it for you than you are better off. For those that cannot, you can probably install your electric motor bike quickly and easily.
Some retailers offer custom made electric bike conversion kits. If you are considering buying a custom electric bike conversion kit you again want to make sure that you are buying from a reputable retailer. We found a great electric bike motor kit at a shop in New York City called NYCewheels.
There are a number of different manufacturers of electric bike kits, the best we have tested and would recommend are made by LashOut and BionX.
Again, the most important thing to remember if you are considering buying an electric bike kit is to make sure your motorized bike kit includes everything you need to convert your bike to an electric bike – and, of course, that your bike can be converted with an electric bike kit.
eBike
The ebike is a specific electric bike manufactured by EV Global motors. The ebike is a name brand for an electric bike that is very popular. Though the ebike is a 5 year old design, it still is one of the best performing ebikes.
Since there is some confusion about the ebike, or e-bike, or electric bike, etc., it is important to clarify some of that.
An e-bike is a short term used for an electric bike. There are a number of different manufacturers and many different models of e-bikes or electric bikes. If you are specifically looking for an ebike or eBike from EV Global Motors give the folks at NYCeWheels a ring. They stock the eBike SX and the new Enviro - both using the Heinzmann motors.
If you are looking for ebike reviews, or ebike parts than you can look through our resources page to find appropriate links for these.
In terms of the eBike (the company that makes electric bikes), these German made electric bicycles are well designed and well made. The powerful ebike electric bikes are popular because they offere powerful, reliable and efficient transportation.
There is a 36 volt eBike SX which is a high performance machine that many electric bike fans considere one of the finest electric bicycles made.
Today, the term "ebike"; or "e-bike" is more commonly used as a short-hand for an electric bike. It is a good idea to make sure you understand this so you are not confused.
If you are specifically looking for an eBike model, rather than a different make or model of electric bike than you will want to clarify that with the retailer.
The better retailers will obviously know the difference between an "eBike" (manufacturer) and an "e-bike" or "ebike" a generic term used to define electric bikes, so finding a reputable and knowledgeable retailer is always your best bet to ensure you are getting the right ebike.
Electric bike, throttle activated or pedal activated?
Electric bikes come fit into two main categories. Though different manufacturers and retailers may refer to electric bikes in different ways it seems almost universally accepted in the motorized bikes industry that the difference in the two types of electric bicycles is based on how the power of the electric bicycle is initiated.
Electric bikes fall into two categories and most retailers and manufacturers label these as power-on-demand motorized bikes and power-assist motorized bikes. Knowing the difference between these two types of electric bikes is important.
Power-on-demand electric bikes are throttle activated or gear activated, it is not uncommon to see manufacturers use one or both of these terms when they are referring to power-on-demand electric bikes.
These types of motorized bikes can and will do 100% of the work for you when they are activated. The most powerful types of power-on-demand electric bikes can easily propel you up even a steep hill when activated – much to the delight of men and women in San Francisco no doubt!
The power-on-demand electric bike is great for someone who needs to travel a longer distance than they are comfortable doing on their own. Whenever they get tired they can click on the power of their motorized bike and let the electric bicycle do the work for them.
People who own the power-on-demand electric bikes comment frequently on how surprised they were by how efficient and powerful these motorized bikes are and how they can commute to work, or to school for pennies compared to what they pay for mass-transit or driving to and from work or the train station.
Power-on-demand electric bikes are also great for people who want to be able to keep up with their children or grandchildren but may not be physically fit enough to do it on their own, they can simply activate the motor of the electric bike when they start to tire.
The other primary type of electric bicycles are the power-assist bikes, also referred to as pedal activated bikes. These ingenious motorized bicycles can actually alleviate about 50% of the workload of riding your bicycle – you can go twice the distance for the same effort!
The power-assist electric bikes are quite popular for people who travel around large and small cities, or around any town for that matter and want some extra assistance so they can travel quicker with less energy.
Power-assist electric bikes make great alternatives to a second car, or over-crowded buses and subways. Imagine not having to take mass-transportation anymore because you can get where you need to go faster and cheaper with a motorized bike.
These types of electric bikes are also great for people that are trying to improve their physical fitness but need some reassurance as they begin a cycling program. The power-assist feature lets them lighten the workload and build up more stamina and strength.
Most companies refer to electric bikes in these two main categories: power-on-demand or throttle activated and power-assist or pedal activated.Need help selecting the right electric bike for you? One of the first questions people always ask is "What is the best electric bike?" When selecting an electric bike you'll also want to consider where you live, as your local environment will influence your set of needs and what works best for you. For example, if you live in California you'd want an electric bike that would be through and through a 'California electric bike.'
"What if I'm looking for something very light weight, something that I can carry with one hand. I want to take it on the train. I'd only need it to travel very short distances. I guess it doesn't even have to be electric." Then you're not looking for an electric bike, you're looking for a kick scooter! If you're not convinced that kick scooters can offer serious changes in your life, we beg you to read the following story: "What if I owned a kick scooter?"
"Out of the electric bikes, what is the lightest folding bike?" You can compare and contrast the eZee Quando, the Birdy Bionx, and the Xootr Bionx here: Electric folding bikes.
A healthy choice, the electric bike
Electric bicycles are excellent ideas to help you improve your health, lose weight and get in shape. Exercise is the key to improving your health and losing weight according to many leading publications. Electric bikes are a fun way to do so. Electric bikes are easy to use and easy to pedal: electric bikes are easy bikes, which means that you can ease yourself into your workout routine in a non-intimidating way. If you're just looking for something to ride like a motorcycle, however, you need to ask yourself if an electric bike is appropriate for your needs. Electric bikes are about augmenting human power, not replacing it, which is what makes them great exercise tools.
Almost every diet program includes an exercise program and bike riding is a great form of exercise. Riding your bike to and from work, to and from school, to and from the grocery store, or just around town can provide great healthy benefits.
Since many people are not in the shape they would like to be in it is always a good idea to start your exercise program slowly and build up stamina. Electric bicycles are a great way to build up your stamina and improve your health.
There are two schools of thought about how electric bicycles can improve your health, and help you get into shape and lose weight.
You can either buy a power-on-demand (gear activated electric bike) or a power-assist (pedal-activated electric bike) to help you lose weight - each of these types of electric bicycles have their pluses and minuses.
Some people prefer the power-on-demand electric bicycles because it gives them the confidence to start riding their bike and getting into shape because they know at any point if they begin to struggle they can click on the power and be brought back to their home or other starting point.
By using these gear activated electric bicycles you can be assured that even if you lose steam and are at the tail-end of your stamina you will be able to get back to where you need to go because the bicycle can do the work for you.
Other people prefer the power-assist electric bicycles. These electric bikes do about 50% of the work for you so you can lose weight and build up stamina by gradually building up the distances you travel, knowing that the electric bike is doing about half of the work for you - this is great for people who are not as concerned with stamina but still need that extra assistance as they work towards getting into better shape.
As you build up your stamina you can start traveling longer distances in order to improve your health, get into better shape and lose weight.
Many diets, including every leading diet in the industry will include some form of exercise. Many doctors and medical experts agree that riding a bike is a great form of exercise. It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
You may even want to discuss electric bicycles with your doctor so they understand how the electric bike can help you, especially for those just starting an exercise program.
Electric bicycles are a great way to have fun while getting into better shape, losing weight and improving your overall health.
eZee bike
The eZee bikes are in, he said without even asking who might be on the other end. Actually I have been on the phone with Bert an hour earlier when he told me this is the big day. It was around 2-3 in the afternoon and the shop on New York City’s Upper East Side was going to close at 7pm. Bert said he needs a couple hours to tune them up, I should be on the way by no later than 4pm since I could be hitting traffic coming in from Long Island at this time.
The brand new bikes are made in Shanghai by Mr. Ching’s eZeebike Kinetic Technologies. The bikes have been around in the UK for a few years now, 50cycles is the main distributor there. Nycewheels together with Electric Vehicles Northwest are the US importers of those bikes. I have been the unofficial new product tester for Nycewheels for the past year - a rough job but someone has to do it 
Bert has been talking about the eZee electric bikes for many months now and seemed very exited every time they came up – I knew it had to be something special.
Unfortunately I hit traffic on the way in from my Long Island and arrived only one hour before the electric Bike shop in NYC closes for the day. I will of course go back soon to spend a few hours on every single eZee bike.
Below are some quick notes about the four eZee bikes I rode for about 10-15 minutes each.
I will post a full review soon, I just need to get to the shop first thing in the morning and take each of the eZee bikes for a good one hour test drive.
Overall the eZee bikes are beautiful machines, top quality frames with high-end components and comfortable seats. All eZee bikes come with a choice of NiMH or Li-Ion batteries/chargers. The Battery cases are the same, so each bike can run on either one. All eZee bikes are suited for commuters and everyday use, they are equipped with lights, fenders and racks. I think they have bells and bike computers as well. The lighting system on some of them was powered by a generator and on others by the electric bikes power system, I don't have a preference there.
EZee Torq:
What a great electric bike. The eZee Torq is super light and feels like a non powered road bike. The Torq has a smaller 250 watt front hub motor with amazing pull, it just keeps building up speed – the eZee TorQ very smoothly goes to what seems to be past 20 mph. It feels like a very efficient setup that probably runs for many miles per charge. (unlike those older, heavy EV Global eBikes)
The eZee TorQ is the bike riders electric bike, a throttled bike unlike the pedal activated Giant Lite but almost as light and smooth.
EZee Sprint:
The second eZee bike I took around the block was the eZee Sprint. This electric bike also has a front hub motor but a bit more powerful than the eZee Torq. It rides very well and is super easy to use. It has one of those 7 speed internal hubs which you can shift without pedaling, this comes in handy when driving in NYC traffic. You can down shift to first gear if you get forced to stop short, on a derailour bike you have to take off in high gear - no fun at all. The bike has a smooth front suspension and handles well on rough roads and feels very save and stable. The step through frame is great for stop and go traffic and city riding. If you’re looking for a bike that does it all – this is it.
EZee Cadence:
The Luxury Cruiser of the line of eZee bikes. The Cadence uses a triple-crown-fork for a Cadillac like ride. The electric motor and battery system is the same is the Sprint and provides plenty of pull. The eZee Cadence even has a lighting system that runs of the main battery rather than a Dynamo. The Cadence is a muscle Cruiser that replaces the retired Wavecrest electric powered Tidalforce iO-Cruiser.
EZee Quando:
What a surprise, the Quando looks like a standard little motorized fold-up bike, but boy does it move. The eZee Quando uses a similar hub motor as the Torq but in the rear instead of front. This little guy has amazing hill climbing ability and top speed. I am certain this electric folding bike will take the place of many scooters for it being light, fast and has 3 times the range of most electric scooters. Some people argue that it's the best folding bike out there because of its superb electric assistance. The Quando has to the perfect New York City commuter bike. Since it's a bike that folds it will be allowed to go on all trains and buses during rush hour as well. It may not fold as compactly as the Brompton folding bike, but it holds the honor of being the most compact electric folding bike on the market. The Quando is truly a portable bike.
Sorry about the brief reviews, I will try do a detailed one for each eZee bike once I get back to Bert’s shop. In the meantime, stop in yourself for a test ride, you will be amazed by the performance and looks of the new eZee bikes electric bikes at Nycewheels.
My electric bike adventure
If you're like me, you probably suffered from all kinds of depression before you owned an electric bicycle and didn't even know why. In my case, I have something called Seasonal Affective Disorder or seasonal depression as it's more commonly known. Yes, I am quite literally SAD! This coupled with how defeated I felt when my doctor advised me to take better care of myself due to my diabetes was definitely a one-two punch for me last winter (that is, until I purchased my electric motor bicycle). SAD was something I vowed would not get me down this wintertime, not as long as I had my electric motor bike. I had made plans to ride my electric bike with the same frequency I had all spring and summer long into the decidedly less electric bike friendly winter months. I would be utterly unphased by whatever Old Man Winter put in front of me and my electric motor bicycle. Below freezing temperatures are no match for electric powered bicycles!
But then winter rolled around and it looked as if global warming took care of my SAD for me. Bright days and moderate temperatures allowed me to run down and get a newspaper in just a sweatshirt. I decided that this was a cause for celebration. I came upstairs and my wife was sitting on the couch with her laptop looking up electric motor bicycles for a future purchase. She had been so impressed by my Birdy BionX folder that she decided that she wanted an electric motor bike of her own. And who could blame her for those electric powered bicycle aspirations? Since I bought my electric bicycle, I felt like a completely new man. I think she knew electric bicycles be the best thing she's done since moving out of her Mom's house in Neptune, New Jersey around when she met yours truly. But enough about Meredith and New Jersey, this story is all about me and my electric motor bicycle!
I decided that I would take advantage of the gorgeous weather with one of my patented Manhattan adventures. These almost always involve electric powered bikes. One of my favorite pastimes is to head out to my local dealer and check out the latest and greatest electric motor bikes. I go to a little place out here on the Upper East Side of New York City called NYCeWheels and they always seem to know what the coolest new gadgets are. I hopped on my electric bike and zipped off to the shop. My favorite R.E.M. song was playing ("Shiny Happy People" for those of you who might be curious!) as I waltzed in and leaned my electric powered bike on the side wall and took in the vast selection of electric bikes in stock.
I decided to take an Ezee Quando out for a test ride (another electric powered bicycle that folds, I'm obsessed!) and I had a great time zipping in and out of the park. I brought it back into the shop with a smile on my face that was both huge and genuine. What a great ride! I might have to get one for Meredith just so we can maybe take a trip down to Florida sometime and ride around on our brand new electric bicycles. I also tried out something that has been referred to as a California electric scooter, the GoPed. In my opinion, an electric bike has it beat any day!
