eBikes: E is for Eco-Friendly
Posted by Lisa Carey
Have you heard of pimp my ride? e-Bikes gives this a whole new environmentally friendly meaning.
We all know that driving automobiles is costly. Driving costs consumers at the gas pumps and at the service centers. Driving also has a huge negative impact on the earth and her resources from fuel production to vehicle emissions. Meanwhile, drivers are working through or stuck sitting in traffic without the benefit of fresh air or exercise. Riding bikes has long been promoted as a healthier alternative for both the earth and for rider. It’s a great green idea that works for many people but not for everyone. If your most frequent trips are a bit to far to pedal all the way or your physical endurance for biking makes you hesitant to try biking as an alternative to driving, there’s a middle-of-the-road alternative called an eBike. EBikes can be used for short commutes or errands like running to the store. On a beautiful day, your gas-guzzler can stay in the garage and you can enjoy some light exercise and fresh air during your day.
What is an eBike?
An eBike is an “electric bicycle.” Electric bicycles will allow you to pedal or alternatively run your bike on battery power, making it possible to go farther and/or faster than you could on a traditional bike. You can purchase eBikes or kits to convert a traditional bike into an eBike.
U.S. Federal Laws on eBikes:
EBikes are popular around the world and especially in Canada are catching on in the United States as well. There are already federal laws in the U.S. pertaining to eBikes. Here are three to keep in mind whether you are shopping for an eBike or considering a conversion kit.
*Laws limit the speed of electric bicycles to 20 miles per hour.
*Power is limited to 750 watts.
*An eBike must also have functional pedals to be classified as a bike. Otherwise it must have tags.
Purchasing a Ready to Ride EBike
Electric bikes that can carry an adult as well as a load equivalent to groceries, are available for around $650 and up $900 depending on features. Many use a light-weight lithium battery or a state of the art lithium-iron-phosphate rechargeable battery. These green eBikes are often referred to as “pedal assist electric bikes” or “hybrid style electric bikes.” There are even “portable electric bikes” that are foldable and can be taken in trunks, RVs or airplanes. The cost of eBikes leads many interested in search of conversion kits to turn a traditional bicycle into an eco-friendly electric bike.
What’s in an eBike conversion kit?
There are four basic components included in an eBike conversion kit.
*An electric hub motor
The electric hub motor is small, lightweight, quiet. Its’ job is to spin the axles on the bike for you.
*Batteries
Batteries will vary in type, size and voltage.
*The throttle
The throttle goes onto the handle bar to allow the rider to operate the motor. There are full grip or thumb grip versions available.
*The controller
The controller is simply a black box that serves as the “brains” of the eBike operation.
As with any new technologies, the electric bike conversion journey has hit some potholes. There are many affordable and successful solutions that can be purchased with basically a plug together and go experience. On the other hand, some on-line conversion kit buyers have had less successful experiences with faulty parts and outrageous return fees. EBike conversion kits are a buyer beware product and consumers should always do their research with folks who have actually used a particular conversion kit before purchasing. It is best if you can have an in-store experience but of course that may not be possible for everyone. A local bike shop, even one that doesn’t sell eBikes or eBike conversion kits will likely know someone who has eBike experience.
Facts and Figures on Riding eBikes:
How fast can you go on an eBike?
Your eBike experience will depend on many factors including battery, wheel size, rider weight, terrain and wind but generally you can expect to go 17-19 MPH on an eBike.
How far can you go using the electric power of an eBike?
Many eBike batteries will take you up to 20 miles.
What is like to pedal an eBike without motor assistance?
Obviously there is a small amount of extra weight involved in having a motor on the bike. There is also a slight drag when pedaling due to the magnets in the motors that many eBike riders report to be barely noticeable.
So if you want to get off the black pavement, get your fuel costs out of the red and get your body leaner while you’re driving greener, an eBike may be an affordable, sensible solution for you.
Do you feel the need for speed on an E-bike? Check out this e-bike conversion that turns this bike into a 60 mph riding machine. Of course this isn’t recommended due to existing riding laws, but it does provide “speed for thought” on where next steps could go with e-bikes.
Popularity: 1% [?]
I’d like to find out what e-bike conversions kits work best. There are a lot of them on the web, but no one in my area has one or knows how to get one. I don’t want to buy something on ebay that is a piece of junk.
cyclops