Stromer E-bike / Go Anywhere with Power
As E-bikes get nicer and nicer, people start to notice. Climb aboard this electric-assist bike and there are many things that will get your attention. Lots of power and stopping ability are high on the list. Easy to use controls fit right in. Add some good looks and the all-terrain capabilities, and you’ve got the Stromer E-bike.
Bob's silver Stromer Sport
Even though these are on the menu at NYCeWheels, I rode one here on the west coast. All the hype that has been going around made my expectations high. After the first block, I could see that no one was just blowing hot air about this bike. Very nicely done, this E-bike delivers the goods. I enjoyed my ride and wanted more.
Looking more like a mountain bike that a street cruiser, the Stromer eBike is at home in both venues. Outfitted with some dual-purpose tires, I am sure you could go with either extreme and be happy. The plush front suspension has a lock-out feature, and the saddle is speced to please. With some nice drive train parts, it shifted and rode well.
The control system is done nicely. Using a high-tech load sensor on the drop-out (similar to the Gepida), it has a very responsive pedelec feel. With three levels of sensitivity at your fingertips, you can tailor the power assist to match your riding style. And unlike the European E-bikes, a throttle is here to allow you to power-up when you’re not pedaling.
It uses a half throttle, which is my preference. The power is smooth, silent, and quite noticeable. The computer that controls it all works fast, adding to the great feel the Stromer has. It gives you the juice to climb steep hills with minimum effort on your part. I should know, as I climbed the steepest one in town with a smile. Coming back down was a breeze too. The disc brakes work well.
It comes in four men’s frame sizes and two for the low-framed bike. Three different colors can be had. The frame is quite beefy, and has a spot where the battery fits in to make for a sleek and sassy look. If the brushless hub motor wasn’t visible, many people would never suspect it’s an E-bike. During the ride, I got the feeling that I could tackle any obstacle and keep going.
Speaking of going, the range of this bike should be very far. The large 37 volt lithium battery, combined with an efficient control system, can work together for some long rides. I didn’t get the chance to test the range, but my experience with similar set-ups tells me it should be doable.
The specs say up to 45 miles. At the low pedelec setting and on near level ground, I think it would make it. Under normal conditions, expect 20-25, which is still a long way.
Yes, it’s true that the Stromers’ price is on the high side. Quality doesn’t come cheap. I would suspect that it will be the second E-bike for many of the people you see riding one. You know, a person who has enjoyed and loved their first one, but is ready for the next level. But if you want an aggressive and powerful bike, jump right in. I can’t see anyone being disappointed on this electric-motored bike.
If you are close to NYCeWheels, by all means stop by for a ride. You can feel the smooth, quality features for yourself. Even if you can’t try it first, you might already know that this is the E-bike for you. A Stromer bike could make a definite change in your transportation world. I am sure you have read and seen many things that are drawing towards a bike like this. Park the car, skip the bus, and feel the open air. E-bikes just put a smile on your face while you save money, and trim your body. They will also change your attitude, for the better.
Check out the Stromer electric by at NYCeWheels
E-bikes are the best, Turbo Bob
“There is nothing, absolutely nothing, quite so worthwhile as simply messing about on bicycles.”
Tom Kunich.
Turbo Snakes a Reptila-Part 3 | The Reptila gets Slimed
With more than a few miles on the odometer of this Gepida Reptila 1100, I can start shedding some skin on the details of this European pedelec. With some hissing, puffing, and poison spitting, I will lay out the story of my first week of riding this electric-motored bike. I will dictate this while I take the time to do some push-ups on a hot rock.
Bob and his Gepida at the Park
First off, I have to say that the efficiency of the Reptila is something else. It uses a fairly small battery, and puts out a lot of distance between charges. The up-to-date power system is very intuitive to your needs when riding. The torque sensor has a fine feel for your output to the pedals, and responds quickly with the motor assist. On the display unit, you can easily vary the amount of overall assist to increase your riding range, or add more power for the hills. The motor is so quiet, you can only tell when its running, by the pull it gives.
The styling is very modern. Unlike some gaudy electric bikes on the market, this Gepida has the clean line of an everyday bike. The battery rack looks like a super-styled piece from the future, not a over-sized and unusable rack with a battery mounted to it. The frame, paint, and other pieces are well finished and pleasing to the eye. Only on closer inspection, have many people realized it is a pedelec.
One of the neat features of the Reptila is the quick adjust and almost infinitely settable handlebar and stem system. Once you have found the sweet spot for this, you are set, but if many people ride it, it is easy to adjust for their fit. And with a bike like this, you will want your friends to give it a try to see what the future of bikes is all about. The same goes with the seat adjustment. The suspension seat post height is changed with no hassle. Of course, most e-bikes have this feature nowadays. I did change the seat angle some with the included hex wrench. The cushy saddle is not the type you would use for major long-distance rides, but I think most people who would order this bike, would find it just right.
Off we go. After some minor shake-down rides in my neighborhood, I was ready for the open road. My first ride was almost 25 miles. I expect the battery to hold more power as the charge cycles continue. I did use full power to attack a major hill that I try to avoid on my own electric-assist bike. After about three quarters of the way up, I was getting a little winded, so I pushed the bike to the top. That is way, way farther that I have ever made it on that hill before. On most of the ride, I left the power-assist adjustment at about half. That is a good way to maximize the range of the battery on level and near level ground.
The riding was smooth and easy. The motor's assist comes on with no abruptness. It acts as if your legs are much stronger than normal. The display unit keeps track of your speed in very large digits. It also records your trip distance, average speed and ride time. It remembers the total distance traveled (odometer) and has a two part display to let you know how much farther the battery will take you. The display has a few other features too. The Gepidas' computer is large, easy to read, and well thought out.
I felt pretty safe on the road with the Gepida Repila 1100 lighting package. This is standard equipment. The bright headlamp and tail light are run from the battery's power. It is controlled by an additional switch on the display. It even has an automatic mode that will switch in on when it gets dark, if you are in a tunnel or ?. I will report on the headlamp's power output after I get a chance to ride it at night. I am a stickler for using flashing lights on both ends, even in the daytime, but so far I have been happy with the performance of the factory lights. Gepida even included a cool bell with a nice tone and a continuously rotating button that is hard to explain. You might have to try it for yourself to see what I mean.
Oh yeah, the slimed part. I came out from a lunch stop to find the back tire flat. It was the perfect chance to off the Woods-dunlop valve stemmed tubes, and get some thorn-resistant ones. I squirted in some green goop (Slime) to reduce the chance of another flat. The Schwalbe Tyrago tires have puncture protection, but somehow the smallest piece of a stranded wire made it through to the tube. With the added thickness of the new tubes, the slime, and the American spec schrader valves, I think I will be much happier.
With a lot more riding, testing, and reporting to go, I am glad you are following this story on the Gepida Reptila 1100.
Thanks for reading, Turbo Bob.
"When I go biking, I repeat a mantra of the day's sensations: bright sun, blue sky, warm breeze, blue jay's call, ice melting and so on. This helps me transcend the traffic, ignore the clamorings of work, leave all the mind theaters behind and focus on nature instead. I still must abide by the rules of the road, of biking, of gravity. But I am mentally far far away from civilization. The world is breaking someone else's heart."---Diane Ackerman.
Turbo Snakes a Reptila (1100), Part 2-Bob Digs His Claws into a Gepida Reptila 1100
The rumble of a large truck was my first clue that my new Gepida Reptila pedelec had arrived. I was coiled and ready to strike, but by the time I had slithered out front, the driver had already opened the back door and I could spy the package he was delivering. Although large, it was not difficult for me to help him maneuver it into my garage. With a quick signature, he was gone as quickly as he appeared, and it was time to see what was inside waiting for me.
The box label confirmed it was the Gepida Reptila 1100 I was expecting.
Bob Un-packing Gepida Reptila
After opening the top flaps of the box, I lifted out the box of pieces I was to install myself. A pair of pedals, that was it. Also in the box was a pedal wrench, a set of allen wrenches, a pair of battery keys, and the battery charger. The electric bike was as close to 100% assembled as you could get. I laid the box on it's side and slid out my new bike. Setting it upright unto the kickstand, I got my first chance to see this Reptila. Very nice.
It actually took longer to remove all the packing material from the bike, then to do the final assembly. And the bike was well packed. Lots of padding was tie-strapped to all parts of the bike. It made the journey with no damage or problems. I clipped off the tie-straps in such a way that would allow me to re-use them on other projects, I'm all about recycling.
The pedals go on easily. They are marked R and L. The left side pedal has threads that turn the opposite way of normal. The pedal wrench made quick work of securing them. I do like to use a little anti-seize on the threads, but any kind of grease is better than nothing.
The supplied allen-wrench is for tightening the handlebar stem. Straighten the stem to align it with the front wheel, insert the long end of the allen wrench through the stem (there is a hole for it), and use a box end wrench or crescent wrench on the end of the allen to get enough leverage to tighten it securely. It does have to be fairly tight. That's it, the bike is assembled. We'll talk about the seat and handlebar adjustment after we start the battery charging procedure.
Your new Gepida electric bike will come with one battery and one empty battery housing. Using one of the keys, figure out which is which. As you look at the battery, you will notice one end has a button and a group of lights. This will allow you to determine the state of charge. Push the button, and the number of lights that light, will give you an idea of how fully charged it is. These lights will also show you when it is charging and when it is done. Before plugging the charger into the wall socket, plug the other cord into the battery. Make sure the battery is on a solid surface, and you can see the lights on the end. It is a good idea to wait 10-20 seconds after plugging in the battery before you plug the charger in to the wall socket. This will let the two units know they are one, and reduce chances of problems.
Once the charger is plugged into the wall socket, you will see the lights come on in sequence. When the light go out, it is fully charged. The book says the battery will fully charge in 4 1/2 hours, but your first charge might take a little longer. Also, it might take up to five charge cycles (charge and then discharge while riding), before the battery reaches full strength. Gepida gives you the option of purchasing a second battery to double the electric-assisted range. You probably won't need it, but if you do, they say up to 70 miles with a pair of batteries is possible.
If you have seen the Gepida video on the NYCeWheels site, then you will know how easy and cool the handlebar adjustment is. Find a spot you like, and change it around until it feels just right. Same for the seat height. I like the front of the saddle a little higher than the rear. Use one of the allen wrenches to change that if you like. Pinch the tires to make sure they are full. Go for a short test ride. Fiddle with the few adjustments until they are comfortable.
Two more quick things before I finish today. Setting and operating the computer / dash display is pretty simple. Check the manual on NYCeWheels website for details. Also, watch that video for a few tips. Make sure to set the speedometer for MPH, if that is your preference. It comes in KMH, which is not mine. Also, set the clock and learn to get through the other menus. The other thing is the valve stems on the tires. Mine came with European spec stems. Bert at NYCeWheels tells me that standard American spec Schrader valves will be on all future bikes he ships. These European ones are a little like a Presta valve, but work a little differently. The supplied air pump fits them fine. It wouldn't be hard to install some standard tubes, and I just might. If I do, they will be the thorn-resistant ones, filled with green goop.
So you can see, getting your new Gepida Reptila 1100 shipped to you and making it ready for daily use, is a breeze. I have over a hundred miles on my new bike already. I am loving the feel, power, and comfort of my Gepida Reptila. Plenty more on this fantastic European E-bike is coming your way soon.
Turbo Bob, San Diego CA
"Just as the idea of classic Greek culture was the most perfect harmony of mind and body, so a human and a bicycle are the perfect synthesis of body and machine."
Richard Ballantine, Richards' Ultimate Bicycle Book.
Turbo Snakes a Reptila (1100), Part 1-Bob Stalks His Prey
Another great extended test begins today. After getting my order confirmation from NYCeWheels last week, the shipping company has called to schedule the delivery of my new Gepida Reptila 1100 this afternoon. To say I am excited doesn't do justice to the word. Watching the Gepida video of Peter demonstrating this bike has fueled my fire to grasp it. If you haven't seen this clip on NYCeWheels website or Facebook page, I suggest you have a look. I am already impressed with this new electric-motored bike, and I haven't even ridden it yet.
Bob waiting for the Gepida Reptila 1100
If you've read my articles on the Brompton folding bike, then you might have a feel for the reason I titled this story the way I did. The name of this bike is just so cool. I will make every attempt to add reptile references to the titles and story lines. I am even thinking about getting a snakeskin to attach to the top tube of my new bike. I'm still debating on if a pair of large fangs on the handlebars would be too much.
So here is the bite to this series of articles. Bert is a 'nice' guy. Bert is the top Gecko at NYCeWheels. Bert knows I have been riding my E-bike for over three years. Bert thinks I can evaluate this bike and convey its quality and worth. Bert sends me the bike fully assembled and ready to ride. Bert lets me give it the full shakedown and then tell you how cool it is. Bert expects you to believe me and then you rush over to get your own Gepida Reptila 1100. Sounds simple enough to me.
Lets do this!
Since before, and after, my wife and I purchased the electric-assist bikes we have now, we have test ridden many different ones. I have reported on many of them on my own blog site. I have a long relationship with bikes and electro-mechanical things. I have devoted my life to the repair and modification of transportation machines. I think Bert is correct in thinking that my opinion on such matters can be trusted. As he, and you found in my Brompton blogs, I will tell you the straight story without the salesperson slant. I'm a mechanic, not a salesman.
Enough of that, on to the bikes. The electric motored bike I ride is the least expensive one on the market. Fairly low quality and very heavy, I have still been happy with it. I have found that most people wouldn't. They wouldn't put up with the mechanical problems I had to overcome to make it dependable. Most people want an E-bike that is built well and exhibits no problems. That is kind of a by-product of cost. I tell people you don't want the cheapest, and you don't need the priciest. Somewhere in between those extremes is the machine for you. The Gepida Reptila 1100 fits into that category. With it's European quality and it's mid-range cost, it should be a perfect fit for most people who are looking for an electric motored bicycle. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Chances are if you are reading this, you have a fairly good idea what an electric bike is and why you want one. They go by many names. I have found I like the term 'E-bike'. Also used are--Electric bike--Electric bicycle--Electric assist bike--Bike with an electric motor--Pedelec--And others. Some of these have to do with your ability to power up the motor without pedaling. There are many brands and types of E-bikes. The best and most popular use a brush-less motor in the hub of the front or rear wheel. A lithium type battery is the strongest and lightest one available. There are different type of lithium batteries, the Reptila uses a lithium-ion. But all in all, it is a bicycle, with a seat, pedals, and wheels.
So check out that video, search the NYCeWheels site for info, and follow along here as I power down on my new Gepida Reptila 1100.
In the meantime you can read Harrison's first review of the Gepida Reptila
Turbo Bob
"I took to calling my bike my friend. I carried on silent conversations with it. And of course I paid it the best attention. Which meant that every time I returned home I stood the bike upside down, searched for a clean rag and polished the hubs and the spokes. Then I cleaned the chain and greased it afresh. That operation left ugly stains on the stone in the walkway. My mother would complain, beg me to put a newspaper under the wheel before starting to clean it. Sometimes she would get so incensed that she would say to me, in full sarcasm, 'I'm surprised you don't take that thing to bed with you!' And I would retort---'I would if I had a decent room and a big enough bed.' "
Henry Miller, My Bike and Other Friends.
Cruising on the Gepida Reptila 1100 electric bike
Who knew that fouling up the print drivers at work would earn me a glorious mid-afternoon bike ride through Central Park?
Harrison astride the Gepida Reptila after his exhilarating ride
That is exactly what happened on the lovely faux-spring day we enjoyed here in New York last Friday. While the IT guy dialed in to fix my mess (sorry Bert!), I took the opportunity to take the new Gepida Reptila 1100 for a spin.
These new Gepida electric bikes came to us straight from the Budapest factory back in December. I’ve been itching to take one out ever since, and only restrained myself due to the nasty weather we’ve had. Did I really want to take this beautiful Hungarian-built machine over the dirty, pitted, salt-encrusted New York City streets?
But as I found out the notorious NYC streets would have been no match for this tough four-season commuter. The Gepida Reptila after all comes from that distant polyglot land, Europe, where the electric bicycle is taken seriously as a legitimate form of year-round transportation and where, I understand, they also have their share of snow and cobblestones.
As a result the Gepida Reptila is built to be a tough, sturdy, every day electric bike. Unlike many other electric bikes in this category, the Gepida Reptila is also light, maneuverable, and rides just like a regular bike. Don’t let the elegant classic-cruiser frame fool you: this is hydro-formed alloy – light, stiff, and strong.
Gepida Reptila, the perfect electric bike?
Probably the best thing about the Gepida Reptila is the range afforded by the combination of efficient 250w motor and the twin 6ah batteries mounted discretely on the rear rack. Gepida balanced larger batteries against the resulting heavier load and settled on a happy medium. With the second battery in place the Gepida Reptila can travel as far as 70 miles (depending on rider weight, wind, and terrain) on a single charge.
While I didn’t get a full feel on my initial ride for all the capabilities of Gepida’s proprietary console, which blinked up at me with all sorts of readings, the most important read out I noticed was the battery charge indicator: it remained at full charge throughout my 30 minute ride. Not a tick lost.
The one cycling activity I love more than test-riding beautiful new electric bikes on a lovely day is long distance bicycle touring. How would the Gepida Reptila hold up on a long-distance tour? Given the battery life, the comfortable ride afforded by the front suspension, the rear rack, the wide 8 speed internally geared hub, and the ample torque for tackling long inclines, the Gepida Reptila I think would make for a supurb bike for a supported tour. TransAmerica Trail anyone? It could probably be done on a Gepida Reptila electric bike.
Tough Electric Mountain Bikes
Two OHM Electric Mountain Bikes hit the trails
A big misconception about electric bikes is that they're all laid-back cruiser bikes, built to ride on boardwalks and nicely paved bike trails. A die-hard mountain bike enthusiast probably wouldn't consider an electric bike for a bumpy, dirt trail with lots of hills. However, there are electric mountain bikes that have fully-loaded frames and can take quite a beating on a rough trail. For an aging mountain bike rider that can't quite tackle those hills anymore, this is the perfect solution. Electric assistance can be applied when needed: on the last leg of the trail, near the top of a large hill, or throughout the ride, making it less strenuous and more enjoyable.
OHM Sport Electric Mountain Bike
One of the best electric mountain bikes on the market is made by OHM Cycles. The OHM Sport electric mountain bike is the best model in their line of electric bikes, and comes equipped with all of the bells and whistles for heavy-duty mountain bike rides. There are hydraulic disc brakes, full suspension, 27 speeds on a Shimano Deore shifter, knobby Kevlar tires, and a lightweight 48 lb frame. This is extremely light for an electric bike!
The OHM Sport uses a high-torque 350 watt motor to power up hills. It has four levels of motor assistance, as well as regenerative braking for hills. The electric system is one of the best out there, and with regenerative braking, the Lithium battery can last up to 30 or 40 miles on a single charge. As an electric mountain bike, the OHM Sport has some of the best mechanical and electrical components.
Electric Mountain Bike Conversion
This Felt 68 Electric Mountain Bike is built with BionX
Many people can't bear to part with their mountain bike, especially if it's already souped up and tough. Luckily, you can convert a standard bicycle to an electric bicycle using an electric conversion kit. One of the best electric bicycle kits on the market is made by BionX. With different motor speeds, wheel sizes, and battery mounts, the BionX electric conversion kit is the most versatile motor kits for bicycles. It's also tough enough to ride mountain trails without any problems.
Similar to the OHM Sport, the BionX system has different levels of pedal-assistance as well as regenerative braking. It's one of the best electric bike kits on the market, and is adaptable to almost any bicycle. An electric mountain bike built with BionX is sure to be reliable for years of rough riding.
Camping With a Bicycle Trailer
The appeal of a bicycle camping trip seems too good to be true. Going off to live off of the land with only the bare essentials, it seems silly to load up that SUV and tread all over nature's trails. Luckily, with some of the new bicycle trailers out there, it's easy to bring all the gear you need and just pedal a bicycle. It's 100% eco-friendly, and it's more fun than driving a car!
Burley Bicycle Trailers
Some of the best quality bicycle trailers available are made by Burley. Lightweight, durable, and easily detachable, the Burley bike trailers attach to almost any bicycle.
For a short camping trip with only one or two people, the Burley Travoy folding bicycle trailer is the best option. Carrying up to 60 lbs., the Travoy functions just like a hand-truck, and can actually be detached and used as one! Two air-filled wheels provide a smooth, maneuverable ride. The Transit Bags are a perfect fit for camping gear, with compartments to fit a tent, cooking supplies, and tools. The best part? When you're not using it, the Travoy folds up to the size of a small suitcase. Cool, right?
Electrify The Camping Experience With an Electric Bike
Pulling a cargo trailer is a lot of work on a bike. You can take away most of the effort by riding an electric bike instead! With new Lithium batteries, these electric bikes travel up to 20 miles on a single charge, and have more than enough power to pull a bicycle trailer. If the camp has an outlet, you can even charge the bike after you set up camp, or ride it around some of the trails.
This electric recumbent tows a bike trailer full of camping gear
Converting a bike to an electric bike is always a great option, and the BionX electric bike kit is the best way to keep your favorite bike, but add a bit of electric power. Attach a bicycle trailer to a BionX bike and there is little to no effort with the highly intelligent BionX motor.
Instead of loading up a truck or SUV with camping gear, why not load up a bicycle trailer? It adds the element to your trip of actually getting there, an adventure that can hardly be experienced inside the shiny interior of an automobile.
Dahon Creates a Folding Electric Bike
The Dahon Boost is a compact electric folding bike
Dahon is one of the biggest and best folding bike manufacturers in the world. They've been consistently winning folding bike competitions for quality, popularity, and convenience for years. The lightweight bikes are easy to fold, and great for city commuters, since they fold down to a small profile and can be easily stored in a small apartment.
Over the last year, Dahon has been developing their first electric folding bike. One of their lightweight folders with an added boost of electric-assist power could be really convenient and fun for the daily commuter. Finally, after a year of planning, the Dahon Boost electric bike is available to buy.
The Dahon Boost is a Top Quality Electric Bike
Skeptical of an electric bike manufactured by a folding bike company, I was surprised at the ride of the Dahon Boost when I first stepped down on the pedals. It was ultra-responsive, and gave me a proportional motor assistance based on my own pedal power. I just set the power on a controller on the handlebars, and pedaled the bike. The motor was seamless, and I didn't feel a jolt or any skipping when I started and stopped pedaling. It felt just like a regular Dahon folding bike, with someone gently pushing me along.
The Dahon Boost uses a Lithium Battery
Every bike with electric motor power manufactured today is built with a good quality Lithium battery. This allows the bike to travel for roughly twenty miles on a single battery charge. The Dahon Boost, with its integrated pedal-assist, can travel up to 25 or 30 miles, depending on the mode. Its battery is also about half the weight of other electric bike batteries, weighing about 4 lbs! Needless to say, this is one lightweight electric folding bike, with a total weight of about 43 lbs. altogether.
The Dahon Boost has the same folded profile as other Dahon folding bikes, so space is not an issue. It's one of the only electric folding bikes on the market that is portable, lightweight, and also has great range. For city commuters, there is really no better choice for a great electric folding bike.
Sanyo Eneloop Electric Bike: The Future?
The Sanyo Eneloop is $300 off for the summer!
The Sanyo Eneloop electric bike blasted on to the scene in early 2010 as a new breed of electric bike. It's considered a hybrid electric bike, or one that uses an automatic pedelec motor system. This type of electric bike is generally more efficient than a throttle-powered bike, and the Sanyo Eneloop can travel for 20-30 miles on a single charge due to its Lithium battery.
Not only does the Eneloop sport a lightweight battery and a smooth electric motor wheel, but it also has a sweet looking frame. The easy step-through frame has a comfortable, upright riding position, and it comes with fenders and an aluminum rear rack.
Since the Sanyo Eneloop electric bike debuted, it has been one of the most popular electric bikes on the market. It's also practically maintenance free, with an internal 3-speed hub, a rack and fenders, and front and rear lights that are wired into the battery.
After six months, the popularity of the Sanyo Eneloop drove it's price down to $1999, which is $300 less than the original retail price. At this price, the Sanyo Eneloop is a better deal than most other electric bikes at the same price, especially with all of the accessories included. If this is still too expensive, Sanyo has developed another version of the Eneloop without a rack and lights, and includes a sportier hybrid frame. The price on this stripped-down model is only $1699, making it one of the lowest priced Lithium electric bikes out there!
As one of the leading manufacturers of long-lasting Lithium batteries in the world, Sanyo has surprisingly created one of the best electric bikes ever made. At this price, it's foolish to look at any other electric bike.
The Sanyo Eneloop electric bike is available for purchase at NYCeWheels in New York.
Building an Electric-Powered Bike
This is all it takes to build an electric-powered bike
It's not rocket science to tell the difference between an electric-powered bike and a regular bicycle. For one, the guy riding the regular bike is working a lot harder to pedal, while the electric bike rider is smiling and cruising along. Of course, electric bikes are much quieter than gas-powered bikes, so at a glance, it's hard to tell if a bike is even electric at all! The average person, unless they have a background in electronics, probably isn't aware of how easy it is to convert a regular bicycle to an electric-powered bicycle. Believe it or not, there are only three primary components needed to have a fully-functional electric-powered bike. If you can change a flat tire, you can turn your bike into an electric bike. Let's get to it!
Electric Bike Motor
The muscle behind the electric bike is the motor. Ranging anywhere from 200 watts all the way up to 1000 watts, this is the large rotating device that helps the wheels to spin on their own. Modern electric bikes have the motors built into their wheels, like the Sanyo Eneloop electric bike or the eZee Torq electric bike. Older bikes used to have an external motor that powered the wheel using a chain, like a scooter. These older motors also used magnetic "brushes" which would wear out over time. Newer electric bike motors are "brushless," and have a much longer life expectancy.
An alternative to the brushless hub motor is the bottom bracket motor, featured on the IF Reach DC folding electric bike. This motor actually cycles through all of the gears, making it slightly more efficient than a hub motor. It also turns the pedals instead of the wheel, so the rider feels a little more in tune with the motor, rather than feeling pushed or pulled by an external force.
Most electric bikes don't need a bigger motor than 500 watts, especially for commuting. The US law sets the maximum speed at 20 mph for electric bikes, so any motor that is bigger is sort of pointless. Smaller motors tend to conserve battery life a bit better. How long should a battery last anyway? Well I'm glad you asked...
Electric Bike Battery
Over the years, there have been many different types of batteries for electric bikes. The most common battery in the last ten years is a Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery. This is the same battery used in a lawnmower, golf cart, or go kart. You've seen these at any local hardware store - they're heavy, black, rectangular batteries. On an electric bike, they don't go very far. Depending on the bike, they have about a ten mile range. Luckily, technology has improved in recent years, and there are now much lighter batteries that have a much better range.
The most recent chemical of choice for electric bikes is Lithium. A bike running on Lithium batteries can run for 20-30 miles on a single charge, and some bikes even have the ability to recharge the battery while riding. The BionX motor kit Lithium batteries even have protection circuitry built in, so it's almost impossible to damage them from extreme motor power. Lithium batteries tend to be more expensive than SLA battreries, but the life span is also two or three times as long. There is no better battery on the market today.
Electric Bike Control
How does it work? Well you've attached a battery to a motor, so we're almost there. Now you need a way to control the whole contraption. Want this thing to move without pedaling? Just add a throttle. This is referred to as an "ebike," which is practically a moped. Ebikes are nice if you don't want to ride a bike, but they tend to drain batteries quickly. The most efficient electric bike utilizes pedal-assist, or pedelec, technology.
A pedelec bike works by measuring the rider's pedal power, and then spinning the motor at a corresponding speed, based on a preset on the handlebars. Plainly, if you select "MODE 3" you'll get 50% power from the motor, while if you select "MODE 4" you'll get 100% power. No throttles to worry about, it's all automatic. Pedelec bikes are also called Hybrid bikes because they are a "hybrid" of human power and motor power. The best part about pedelec bikes is that you feel like you're still riding a regular bike, just getting a gentle push as you go.
That's it! Just three components and you can turn a bike into a full-blown electric-powered bike! There are a bunch of different electric bike motor kits on the market, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you check out the motor, the battery, and control system before buying one, because you don't want to be stuck with something cheap!
