Posts Tagged ‘electric bikes’

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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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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Motor – the heart of your electric bike!

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Traffic congestion, a greater sense of responsibility towards Mother Nature, rising oil prices, greater maneuverability, and a host of other reasons are making people turn towards electronic bikes and electronic bicycles from the traditional gas-powered two-wheelers. Few in today’s world would want to get stuck in a miles-long traffic jam with a 300 pound chopper that drinks gallons of gas just to pull itself a few miles. Electric bikes are the future, and awareness is on the rise regarding this new breed of vehicles.

However, the most important component of an electronic vehicle is its motor – and they come in all shapes and sizes. Electric bike motors vary from a mere 200 watts to 1,200 watts and depending on your requirement can be tuned and fine tuned. The power of the motor will also depend on the bike frame and its other components such as shock absorbers, pedals, tires and so on.

Electric bike motors are reliable, silent, and affordable and as mentioned earlier, the torque depends on the power of the motor. It is the heart of the vehicle and as such, should be the most important component to be considered while buying an electronic bike. A number of companies manufacture these motors and one will have a plethora of options while choosing a motor for his/her bike.

Electric bike motors come with easy-to-do and do-it-yourself kits, complete with video demonstrations and diagrams. But since most motors are designed for plug and play, they are fairly easy to assemble and integrate with the bike. Just integrate the motor with the wheels, clamp on the battery pack, place the ignition switch and check the fuse. That’s as simple as it gets. Some do-it-yourself kits even boasts that you can assemble the whole thing is a matter of minutes!

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Electric Bicycles…Greener Than You Think!

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

E-Bikes are a recent development in the world of motor biking but the concept has been around for over a century. Until recently with inexpensive gas in high supply many people were unaware and unconcerned with the advantages of electric bikes. However, with gas prices rising to record highs all over the world and pollution rising to alarming levels, the importance of electric powered bikes has been gaining momentum. As the name suggests, electric powered bikes run on rechargeable batteries. And you may surprised to know that a battery-powered e-bike is actually even more efficient and less environmentally offensive than conventional human -powered cycling.

Common sense and intuition may lead one to think that conventional bicycles cause zero pollution and consumes very little energy; but this isn’t the case. It’s not that pedal power isn’t insanely better than an automobile when it comes to saving energy and the planet but, believe it or not, electric powered bikes are even better!

Human-powered cycling consumes human energy and we eat food to gain that energy. That said, the energy produced by a human being is just 1/4th times the food consumed. In other words, a person will have to consume four pounds of food(fuel) to produce one pound of energy. On the other hand, electric motors are much more efficient in converting energy than the human body. A motor’s conversion rate, on average is 3/4th of the amount of fuel. In other words, for four pounds of fuel, a motor can produce three pounds of energy. And even when factoring in additional energy spent on manufacturing the motors, electric powered bikes, on average consumes six times less fuel than their conventional counterparts.

Therefore, in terms of environmental savings, there is not a more efficient vehicle than the electric bicycle. E-bikes also cut down on noise pollution levels as they are completely silent. In the future as our cars, SUVs and other gas guzzlers are replaced with electric powered bikes and other electric powered vehicles, the world will benefit and so will you. If you’re commuting by gas power for trips less than 20 miles and you’re concerned about the future of energy consumption and the health of our planet, please consider an electric bike as a viable clean-energy alternative; they’re greener than you think!

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Things you need to know about electric bikes!

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

If you’re into “save the environment”, you must have heard about electric bikes that are available almost everywhere. An electric bike in simple terms is basically a type of bicycle that comes equipped with an electric motor. The motors range from 200 to 1000 watts of power and about 12-34 miles per hour top speed.

These bikes are powered by rechargeable batteries and their average range is about 20 miles. To meet the growing demand for such bikes, many manufacturers are developing them in different designs and sizes. Interestingly, to ride an electric bike you don’t need a license or insurance in most states. However, you should know that some states follow their own set of rules when it comes to permitting youngsters ride these bikes.

Hub motors are commonly used in these bikes and they can be used either on the rear wheels or in the front. The benefit of installing such motors is that these do not require any maintenance and also produce no sound. So, you get to save a lot of money!

Since these bikes are powered by batteries, the choice of battery plays a very important role. Sealed lead acid (SLA) is the most commonly used battery that powers these bikes. It is a cost effective option that provides high amp hours. But the SLA batteries are quite heavy and do not last as long as the lithium polymer or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.

Building an electric bike from a bike kit is the best option because you get to purchase the bike at the right price and also ensure that it delivers best performance. Electric bike kits are the best value if you want an electric bike. A proper kit will offer you various features, a powerful motor, a high-quality battery pack and your choice of controller with different functionality choices . In addition, you will get complete instructions to run and maintain your bike.

Environmental upside, affordability, convenience and common sense are a few of the reasons you need to at least consider leaving your car at home and opting for an electric bike for that next commute or errand run!

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E-Bike Conversion Kits are Highlighted on Good Morning America

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Electric bike conversion kits offer commuters an affordable, practical and fun way to get to work and Americans are starting to take notice. No other form of transportation offers the convenience and freedom that an electric bike does.

Lambertville, NJ (PRWEB) May 26, 2010 — National Bike to Work Day brought much needed coverage to the idea of using bicycles as an alternate form of transportation. E-bikes in particular got a boost from GMA’s Sam Champion who says “E-bikes are not cheating because we’re talking about using a bike for more than exercise…” During the broadcast of Good Morning America, headlined by the Jonas Brothers, Jason Kraft of E-BikeKit™ continued to press the relevance of the electric bike to the American commuter by reminding them of the 0 carbon emissions and the cost savings of about $1400 a year.

Electric Beach Cruiser
Electric Beach Cruiser E-BikeKit

See Good Morning America’s coverage here.

The complete E-BikeKit system includes a wheel with a high quality hub motor, a battery and all the necessary components to convert your bike to electric. The system is engineered to comply with federal guidelines so it requires no insurance or licensing in most states. The price of entry is also getting lower; full systems start at just $598 making them accessible to most of the American work force.

No other form of transportation offers the convenience and freedom that an electric bike does. Typically a car commuter needs to make car payments, buy gas, insurance, oil changes and parking. For all of that expense they are rewarded with traffic jams and congestion. All of that disappears when you ride an e-bike. The cost of ownership is just pennies a day and parking is never an issue. The electric motor makes pedaling easier giving more people the ability to enjoy the health benefits of biking to work and that’s just part of it. In 2009 50% of household trips were less than 3 miles in length (2009 National Household Travel Survey, Bureau of Labor and Statistics); the e-bike rider can make short work of those local trips and soak in some sun while they’re at it.

Established in 2008 the E-BikeKit™ company provides a high quality electric bike conversion system that will make bicycle commuting a real possibility for many people. Collaborating with experts in the fields of cycling, engineering, electronics and EV Battery solutions the E-BikeKit™ company has molded a finished product of the highest quality. The E-BikeKit™ is proving to be the best alternative to expensive electric bikes currently being unveiled in the United States. E-BikeKit’s goal is to bring the electric bike to the mainstream empowering people of all ages and physical abilities to go green and commute clean.

Mark Mahoney
Marketing Manager

E-BikeKit™
Toll FREE: +1 866.882.EBIK (3245) Ext.805

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Best Buy has made a good decision betting on the future of the electric bike

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Best Buy has made a good decision betting on the future of the electric bike but certain things have to happen for them to win both short and long-term.

In the short-term a spike in gas prices or a “new worsening” in the broader economy could increase the sale of low-end e-bikes. In the long-term and if they expect to sell more e-bikes and high-end models, they will have to follow the lead of Trek and others in campaigning for an overhaul in the attitudes of the American consumer with regard to the bicycle as a convenient and comfortable form of transportation.

The majority of Americans still can’t comprehend commuting by bike. They just don’t see a bike as a means of getting from point A to point B. But get them to ride an e-bike and the mind and heart begin to open up to the possibility.

If Best Buy and others can convince enough prospective buyers that bicycles aren’t just for exercise anymore then their early bet on the future of the electric bike may pay big dividends.


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