Archive for May, 2011

All about the electric dirt bike!

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

If you’re planning to ride around in style but don’t want to spend for gas or public transportation, then it’s time to get an electric dirt bike. For starters, the bike has an electric motor that eases the job of the rider. It doesn’t do away with pedaling entirely; rather it diminishes the effort, especially when you are riding up a hill.

You can ride an electric dirt bike for hours and not break a sweat. You can consider it a motorized vehicle, but you will not be faced with all the red tape of registering it. Because it does not run on gas, the special laws for motor vehicles do not apply to the electric bike.
The standard features for an electric dirt bike include:
• front and rear disc brakes
• oversized tires
• a rear mono shock
• a swing arm

The electric motor has a standard power of 500 watts, making it safe to ride for kids ages five and above. The dirt bike tires and the racing handlebars make for a very cool aspect. The seat for the regular electric bike is similar to that of the electric dirt bikes professional cyclists ride in competitions. The battery is very powerful and one charge will last for several miles.

The great design makes it very attractive for teenagers and children. Also, its geometry and relatively low speed – up to 15mph – makes it very safe. The ride is smooth and comfortable and the recharge only takes up to 8 hours. It doesn’t weigh much, so it is very easy to carry.

All in all, the electric dirt bike is a sustainable and fast means of transportation. It is cost effective and it is a good solution for personal fitness. Stay clean and healthy by riding an electric bike, and you can spend the money you’ve saved on something you really need rather than dump it for another top up a the nearest gas station; something you wouldn’t have to do with an ebike.

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How to identify a Quality Electric Bike Conversion Kit?

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

“Something is better than nothing, but nothing is far better than dribble!” pretty much defines information overload you may have to deal with when searching the net for information on specific topics such as electric bike conversion kits. But here’s the flip side, the net does provide good quality information on ebikes, you need to be patient, sort through the fluff before landing on the info you need. And yes, good quality info will go a long way, to making you understand form how an ebike works, what a conversion kit is all about to knowing when you’re getting the real deal or what to look out for.

What’s hidden inside ‘Conditions Apply?’
One has to be extremely clear with the terms and conditions hidden in the sales of electric bike conversion kits, especially in case of online purchases. A close review of discount sales of ebikes to working out the real reason behind the low rates would help you make an informed decision on whether to buy or not. For example, let’s say you come across a listing for an ebike conversion kit at $399.00 [which is a real steal], you need to work out whether $399.00 comprises one battery pack, dual motor, or friction style electric bike motor, besides verifying what other accessories come with the deal (if promised).

Quality counts, rather than Quantity!
A good quality electric bike conversion kit is ultimately contributed by nothing but standard caliber components. How to confirm the quality of the components?
• The conversion kit may get advertised as excellent quality hub motors, but checking for quality of windings used in the motors is imperative. Quality motors would be made up of thicker nylon or steel gears, which can perfectly handle heat and load pressure when compared to plastic gears.
• It is absolutely vital to check for the type of batteries used; most of the cheap conversion kits possess SLA batteries that are quite cheap in terms of costs and of course in quality too, comprise poor solder joints, controller, and thinner windings.
• Confirming the actual value of kit extras would make one decide on its worthiness.
Choosing reputed brand conversion kits is always a much safer option, but in case of other electric bike kits, you’ll need to pay attention to reviews and of course, word-of-mouth recommendations can also provide you an idea on if the product is as good as it gets!

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How Significant are the Battery Types of Electric Bikes?

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

If you’re planning to ride an electric bike in summer, having an excellent battery type to power the two wheels becomes crucial, something you may want to consider when taking out the bike for one long ride. It is a fact that the battery is the most important part of an electric bicycle, one that can decide both the price of the bike in question as well as the range, think about it. So here’s a recap of some battery types and with it, you should be able to narrow down on your choice of electric bikes with ease!

There are different battery types available in the market:

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA)
It is the most common battery type and is highly recommended for beginners and for people who are looking for cost-effectiveness. It is affordable in terms of cost, as 36 Volt 8 AH SLA costs approximately around $160. But its heavy weight and questionable durability pose disadvantageous aspects to its usage.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh)
It has got an edge over the SLA type batteries, as NiMh batteries weigh only half the weight of the SLA and last longer in terms of charges, i.e. 500-600 charges in a span of 2-3 years. This is a highly recommended option for people who choose the conversion kits to enhance the power of batteries, as most of the pre-built electric bikes come with either Li-Ion, or SLA.

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
Apart from being an expensive option, it is one of the most durable and light weight batteries available in the market. Plenty of laptops models are manufactured with Li-Ion type batteries. Three types of Li-Ion are used in the manufacturing of electric bikes:
• Lithium-Manganese (LiMnO2): It is a battery lighter in weight, but heavier in Li-Ion chemistry, used most commonly in the electric bike manufacturing. It typically ranges up to 800 charges and below.
• Lithium-Polymer (LiPo): Quite expensive compared to the LiMnO2 type, but has got a lighter Li-Ion chemistry.
• Lithium-Phosphate (LiFePo4): This is the most costly battery used in the electric bikes and one of the longest lasting types too, ranging up to 2000 charges.

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Electric bike, under the scanner!

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Having an electric bicycle can really help you get rid of all that tiring pedaling especially when you’re going uphill or carrying some extra weight. Adding an electric motor to your bike will not take the pleasure of pedaling away altogether, but it will make it easier for the user to ride on bigger distances.

If you are looking for the perfect electric bicycle, but have no idea what to check for first, here are some suggestions:
• The motor: it should give the electric bicycle as much power and stability as possible. Try to decide between speed and safety. As a fact, motors that have titanium parts are safer.
• The battery: it should be Li-Ion, as they are the batteries with the highest quality on the market. Some cost more than others, depending on how long they will last. Some batteries can last to as much as 2000 charges, others even more.
• The tires: another very important part of your electric bicycle, the tires should be thick and steady. if safety comes first, choose puncture resistant tires.
• The seat: if you are a comfort seeker, you should go for the highest quality. Get a beautiful leather saddle, filled with soft gel. You can get a traditional look and be comfortable at the same time
• The pedals: even though an electric bicycle saves you the trouble of heavy pedaling, you will still need pedals. Make sure they have a shape that allows the foot to sit comfortably on them.
• The bell: if you are a traditionalist, you might want to get a chrome bell. If not, there are bikes that have all sorts of bells. Get the one that rings best for you

Pay good attention to details and features of the electric bicycle you’re looking to purchase. Most of the bikes can range anywhere from $1500 to as much as $3000. Naturally, you’ll need to assure yourself you’re getting the real deal, so pay close attention to features, battery, etc.

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The benefits of a motorized bike / bicycle

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Have you ever wished for an easy-to-ride bike – where you didn’t have to exert yourself unnecessarily? Additionally, you wouldn’t like to ride a motorcycle because of the risks it imposes and the costs it implies. If you’re thinking along the same lines, then a motorized bike / bicycle is the perfect choice for someone like you. The concept of a motorized bike dates back from the 1800s and at the outset, seems like a complex combination between a normal bicycle and an engine.

The motorized bike has the features of both a bicycle and a motorcycle. Therefore, you can either pedal to power it or use the motor. Some models of motorized bicycle can be boosted by the engine with the push of a button, whereas others tend to start only if the newbie [You] pedals until the bike starts. This difference depends on the type of motor in use. The bikes were originally constructed with internal combustion engines, but nowadays, electric motors are more popular due to their performance and economical requirements.

Naturally, before opting for an electric bike, you need to research all the relevant info, from reviews to product features. This will enable you to narrow down the choices to a select few. Here’re a few additional points you may wish to consider – the motorized bike is ideal especially for travelling long distances rather than short ones. Do you need the “pedal as much as you like” option or not, that can help you select the bike based on your preferences.

All in all, the motorized bike is a great vehicle, especially when you consider the cost factor, the “no more gas” option and the environment factor. Furthermore, the bike can be easily assembled and does not require extensive maintenance. All you would need to do after a few rides would be to clean it, thereby ensuring both performance and quality.

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