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Old 12-02-2007, 09:40 AM   #8 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,534

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 54.46 mpg (US)

Appliance car Mirage - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 57.73 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,082
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My brother in-law's brother has this low/mid range e-bike:



And he's apparently ridden it more than 5000 km (3k mi.) and is still on the original batts.

But his is 36v, and has a 500w motor. And I'd say that for regular use, you'd be better off with that those specs (for longevity) than the 24v/250w on my mom's bike.

The batteries will last longest if: 1) you minimize the amount you draw them down (ie. charge @ work and @ home, not just @ home every night); 2) don't leave them sitting discharged; 3) don't overcharge them (eg. if you have a "dumb" charger, don't forget to unplug it once topped up.)

I think eBikes are a great alternative to cars for people whose commutes are bike friendy.

I just found out a the husband of a friend of mine got an ebike. Interesting story: he teaches a course about climate change at UBC, and used to drive a Civic to campus. But as their family grew, they got a minivan. At which point he said: "I'm not commuting in that!" so he got a BionX li-ion ebike kit and that's how he commutes now, rain or shine.
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
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