Why Electric Bikes?

[jjackstone]

Thanks Christopher,
I have a KMX that I plan to build a body around later this year.
JJ

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by GenKreton

Color me ignorant but why are people choosing to build an electric bike?

Another reason: e-bikes are vastly more energy efficient:

Test: 250w electric bicycle efficiency = 1512 MPG equivalent

I once owned a bike with a 49cc motor kit on it. I didn't like the noise and the attention it drew as a consequence.

[Gone4]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Another reason: e-bikes are vastly more energy efficient:

Test: 250w electric bicycle efficiency = 1512 MPG equivalent

I once owned a bike with a 49cc motor kit on it. I didn't like the noise and the attention it drew as a consequence.

Those are some pretty good results. I'm surprised it fared so much better than bennelson's electric motorcycle. Would it beat an electric scooter that badly?

[MetroMPG]

Not sure about the scooter...

But a key point to remember to keep the e-bicycle efficiency in context is the speed of the test. Bennelson's motorcycle is much faster, and the energy robbing effect of aero on bikes is massive due to their horrible Cd.

Also note my e-bike test was using electric power only. Pedal as well, and suddenly the electricity use of the thing plummets.

[bennelson]

My motorcycle goes faster, has much heavier batteries, and a pretty good size steel frame. All that makes it less efficient than an electric bicycle.

However, I also have a headlight and horn, turn signals, and other safety items - plus I think it's pretty cool.

What charger you also use makes a difference. My calculations were all based on power from the wall measured with a Killawatt meter. I found that using an old fashioned transformer charger used almost twice as much power to get the same charge as a small modern electronic charger did.

Electric bikes really are very efficient. I would think a scooter would be somewhere between my motorcycle and an electric bike.

I have seen a scooter that was technically an electric bike, as it had working pedals on it. That sounds like an ideal light electric vehicle. You could gain efficiency by pedaling away from stops and whenever else you felt like it, but you would still look like a "real" vehicle, but people wouldn't expect you to be going too fast.

I agree that 49cc engines aren't the greatest thing. I have a 49cc scooter sitting in my garage. I have really never used it because of the noise and vibration. My electric motorcycle is very smooth and quiet. The scooter sure isn't. I think I am going to sell it for funding my electric car project.

[MetroMPG]

All good points, Ben. (And I hope you didn't think I was putting down your motorcycle in the comparison - just putting the speed difference into context re: effect on energy use.)

[Christopher Jordan]

My trikes are both electric; the older one is kind of noisy, so people *know it* when it is on; but I rented a 3-wheel GoCar with a 49cc 2 stroke in San Francisco - now THAT was loud!

I do not keep specs or comparisons. Thanks for comparing numbers for 2 wheel bicycles. I would probably fail miserably with my trikes!

I like the silence on my newer trike. Speaking of Silence; I had mentioned these here somewhere: and said I thought that these trikes these were from Brazil- `wrong`; Canada - note from site - www.silenceinc.ca -

In February 2006, two Canadian companies, EBW and T-Rex , formed Silence Inc. to design and build high-performance electric vehicles. EBW Enr. is known for its patented application of electric technology in recreational vehicles. Their most popular model is the EBW-3; an electric 3-wheel go-kart able to give any power sport enthusiast an adrenaline rush. T-Rex Vehicles Inc. builds high-speed 3-wheelers using motorcycle and formula technology and precision steering for optimal handling. Also, the tremendous structural solidity, a wide front track and a balanced geometry give drivers extraordinary control.

countersTrike

[Frank Lee]

Thinking about electrics in terms of cents/mile... sure the cost of recharge is super low but is it true that lead acid batteries are good for 300-500 recharge cycles? And the replacement battery packs run several hundred dollars? So if one was to run and recharge their ev 1x daily the pack would last 1-1 1/2 years? And if the pack provided 15 miles/charge it would be 15x365 to 548 = 5475-8220 miles; $200/5475-8220 = 2.4-3.7 cents/mile excluding recharge costs.

Pay for gas always in small increments, or pay for electric now, then hardly pay anything while the batt pack is useful, then pay again later?

[Nevyn]

There are hills in my area that I have to stop and rest to climb in my current condition. Being able to climb them nonstop would be nice.

Also, licensing - none required for bicycles where I'm at. I like to ride, but sometimes I don't want to be sweaty when I arrive at a destination. Also, it's a time saver.

I don't have one built yet, but I've got a spare bike with a wrecked shifter, batteries, a motor, controller, and other associated parts....

[Christopher Jordan]

I kept asking myself. 2 trikes? what was I thinking? Took me a while to see the date. DUH! Boy, am I dumb! Yes, I still have that hub motor, slipping now; yet just as strong. That is the only survivor. I have only had 1 motorized trike for a while. That chain and gear add-on motor just wore out- by 2009 I believe. Lots of hills and distances were not what the add-on did well, but that hub motor is still in use.