Electric Bikes -N- Scooters Blog

Archive for the ‘Electric Bikes’ Category

For a simple $100,000 , you can get this futuristic looking Tron bike-a-ma-thing.  Its quick to Charge and can take you a good range before needing another charge.

“Wired reports that the $100,000 bike charges in an hour and has an estimated range of around 80-100 miles on a full battery.”

Full Article Here

Well, it looks like over in the U.K. they are testing out a new electric bike.  Its made by Zero Motorcycles and they have some pretty cool bikes on the market.  They have Dirt bikes, Street and Dual Sport bikes which blaze and are all electric. Well, the London Police are traveling the country side encouraging motorcycle safety on these little babies. Me personally, wouldn’t mind having something this energy efficient to drive around town with. Check out the News Article

Reason One: Gas Prices

It is no secret that gas prices have been creeping up over the last five years. No matter what the President, Congress, the Senate or any other office in Washington seems to do they don’t have control over the people that own the oil companies.  As a matter fact, over the last five years there has been constant excuses from the fossil fuel companies around the world as to why oil prices have been going up. They have cited everything from hurricanes and bad weather to having an overabundance of oil and no place to store it as excuses. It used to be we have a shortage, now they are saying that prices have gone up because we have an overage!  The point of the whole thing is, we will never know for sure exactly why they keep raising prices other than the obvious reason: to increase profits for rich people.  I mean, at the end of the day what other conclusion can you come to? So, moving from fossil fuel based products and transportation is the obvious answer to keeping them in line. Until people around the world to grasp this concept and use it there probably won’t be much of a change in the way oil prices move up.

Reason Two:  Economical Transportation

There is no secret that you can actually save quite a bit of money by writing an electric bicycle, especially if you are able to ride it to work. In America most people drive considerable distances to get to work, however if you’re living in a city or town where your within relatively close driving distance, you can save quite a bit of money by using electric bicycle. One of the reasons that the electric bicycle is so attractive as far as riding a bike to work is concerned, is that you can ride and use electricity to help you get to where you work at arrive at work without being tired and sweaty.  This is because the electric motor assist in most electric bicycles will take much of the strain off of you and therefore you will not arrive at your place of business exhausted and reeking of perspiration.

Reason Three: Health Reasons

Another great reason for writing a bicycle, even when it is electric, is so that you can get a certain degree of exercise and fresh air. When you are pumping the pedals of a bicycle that you are getting an aerobic workout that will help your heart, lungs and leg muscles get much-needed exercise. This is especially important if you work in an office where you are seated all day.  You can get exercise on your way to work and on the way back from work merely by writing electric bicycle, and as I have stated in the last paragraph under Reason Two you can still get exercise without getting too tired and arriving at work with perspiration all over you.  So having fresh air and getting a little exercise is great for you and you can easily, this with electric bike.

Reason Four: Promoting Green Technology

I don’t particularly believe that human beings are causing global warming, however, that does not mean that I do not care about the environment. Personally, I hate the idea that we are polluting our atmosphere, water and everything else you can think of and writing an electric bicycle is promoting green technology and therefore creating new ways in which we can use natural resources to power our way to work and other places.  Actually, you can use power from the sun to charge solar panels which in turn can create enough electricity to power an electric bicycle. You can then ride electric bicycle to where ever you need to go off of the energy that the sun can create, and this is known as sustainable energy.  Sustainable energy is great because it is free, creates no pollution and is available to everyone that is willing to invest a little money.  Over the next 10 years, because of the popularity of electric bikes around the world, there will be great advances in electric batteries and other sources of energy that we can store and use without creating loads of pollution which will damaged our atmosphere in our general environments where we have to live.

Reason Five: Being Different

Many people would not consider this to be much of a reason, but I do. I want to be a part of something new and different without spending an arm and a leg. I want to be a part of movement which will keep our environment cleaner and people healthier.  I want to show people how to have fun while doing all of these things and teach them a way to do things the will make their lives further enriched. This is why I promote electric bikes and electric scooters and I hope you’ll join me in this movement.

Electric Bikes -N- Scooters

Every now and then, I like to highlight different websites and organizations that are trying to further the advancement and education of electric bikes, electric scooters and a host of other electric vehicles. One such organization is the Light Electric Vehicle Association.  Founded in June of 2008 by an electric vehicle expert Ed Benjamin, the Light Electric Vehicle Association’s goals are to analyze track and standardize data about electric vehicles within their industry and to help develop a cogent method of recording this data in the form surveys. Not only that they are working with government to help develop and standardize performance criteria involving electric scooters, electric bikes and other electric vehicles. Not only does this Association tried to fill these goals but also provides a forum for networking and discussion within the industry.

The just last week the Light Electric Vehicle Association was at the Interbike electric bike exposition which occurred in Las Vegas at the Sands Expo and convention Center. During the Expo the Association held classes on how to sell electric bicycles, ship batteries, how legal issues affect electric bikes and United States and a host of other subjects that were worthy of mention.  Clearly, this organization is trying to be a leader in an industry which is clearly emerging as an important factor in transportation throughout the world.

If you decide to check out their website, and possibly get involved in their organization offers, you will find a site that is dedicated to the political furtherance of electric vehicles throughout the world. You can also become a member of this organization so that you can actually become involved in the political process of furtherance of electric bikes and electric scooters if you so desire. Even though this organization has not been around for a very long time, they seem to have emerged as a leader in terms of organizing the industry’s political power. If you are passionate about electric bikes and scooters then you should take the opportunity to join the ranks of electric vehicle owners around the world and become a member of this organization.

To find out more about this great organization, click on this link: http://www.levassociation.com/

I may have mentioned on this blog several times that just about the entire planet is moving towards the use of electric bicycles as part of their transportation infrastructure. For

Picture Courtesy of NYCE Wheels

instance, all across Asia, electric bicycles are now replacing regular bicycles as the preferred method of pedaling transportation and the trend has been tremendous. Actually, if estimates are correct approximately 120,000,000 electric bikes are now on the roads today.

Due to the fact that America has a much different infrastructure the many of these countries, because people drive long distances to get to work, electric bikes have not caught on quite as much as other electric vehicles such as electric cars and electric motorcycles. However, with the rise of gas prices in all sorts of environmental concerns, electric bicycles are being viewed by Americans in a much more serious matter than ever before.

Ed Benjamin, who is the founder of the Light Electric Vehicle Association, says, “electric bikes are very energy efficient and the idea that the best way to get around it sit in your automobile. However there are an awful lot of places where that just doesn’t work.”

There are basically two types of electric bikes that are on the road today, pedal assisted and full electric power. The difference between the two is quite simple, with full electric power all you have to do is twist the throttle if you so desire, while pedal assisted electric bicycles are the type wherein you need to pedal it in order for the electric motor to kick in and assist you.

While the thought of purchasing an electric bicycle may be very attractive to some people, there are a few considerations that must be taken. For example, you need to consider how far you’re willing to ride electric bicycle to where you need to go. If you’re living in a major city or metropolitan area elected bikes are a viable way of getting through traffic and around a lot of the problems that traffic causes. However, you are sacrificing facing the elements as well as the protection that an automobile to give you. However, as I stated before, electric bicycles are not a viable method of transportation when you have to drive almost an hour to work as most Americans do. They are usually more practical when you have to go just several mouse to work and because the electric motor is there to assist you, you probably won’t wind up showing up at work all sweaty and out of breath.

Also, another consideration is the price of these vehicles. You can pick up electric bicycle from a vendor such as Walmart, Best Buy, or quite a few online vendors that sell and ship electric bicycles, but in the $400-$1000 range these electric bicycles are not of the highest quality and you will sacrifice some performance and maintenance issues if you purchase one of these. Not only that, but the full power e–bikes are quite a bit more expensive than the pedal assisted and you will have to pay anywhere from 2000 $4000 to get one.

However, with the employment of Americans waning right now as well as gas prices that are beginning to rise every day, electric bicycles may be a future alternative to people who cannot afford to drive long-distance is anymore. However, having said that, it will only be a matter of time before we find out whether or not America will embrace electric bicycles as the transportation of choice.

We’d like to thank NYCE Wheels Electric Bikes for the opportunity of using their photograph.

If you are a person that has purchase one of the outstanding Optibike electric bicycles, then you may have noticed a troublesome issue.  That issue would be that because Optibikes are such high quality electric bicycles, and that they  have such a sleek, mountain bike design, there is a problem; the batteries are hidden in the frame of the e-bike.

Because the electric batteries have been hidden in the frame of these great electric bicycles, it is a bit of a problem trying to replace them.  So, after reading several posts from frustrated individuals and Optibike electric bicycle riders,   we have decided to post our own page on how to replace the batteries on one of these units.  Please bear in mind, it was no easy task trying to find information on how to do this.  as a matter of fact, we had to piece information together from various blog posts, forum posts and other sundry information sources that touched on this.

After we assembled this information, we took the batteries out of an Optibike to see just how accurate the information was.  the result was a good informative page on how an Optibike owner would be able to take out and put batteries into.

As with all projects, it would be wise to consider the task at hand before starting it.  You need to consider that you will need a certain amount of time to replace these batteries and that means dissembling the back of the  frame of the e-bike itself.  This may require that you give yourself a lot of extra time  in the process.  You will also need all of the proper tools to carry out the project as well, so make sure that you have everything you need.

We believe that we have given you the best possible instructions on how to replace these batteries, the only thing you will  need to do is read it thoroughly and foll the directions as best as possible.

To get started on replacing the Optibike batteries, click here: http://www.electricbikesnscooters.com/optibike_battery_replacement.html

One of the best ways to get an electric bicycle is to build it yourself.  There are many reasons for this, predominantly most of the cheaper, low-end electric bikes on the market are not very high in quality and these are the electric bikes most people will buy when purchasing an electric bicycle for the first time.  Usually, the motors are weak and the components are made in foreign lands and are shipped to you as well as the fact that the batteries may not be top quality as well.

So, if you are new to the slam-bang, live on the razors edge, laugh in the face of death world of electric bicycling, then  building your own electric bicycle may be for you.  Now, if you have never built an electric bicycle before, don’t worry, we have that covered. Er…Well, we know someone that has it covered.  Say hello to Mr. Greg Davey.  Greg has written a rather extensive e-book on how to build an electric bicycle that is better than your average e-bike that you would purchase, minus the usual high cost associated with a good, high quality unit.

It appears that Mr. Davey has done extensive research as to a cogent method of building an electric bike step by step and it has taken him the better part of two years to put the manual together.  It would also seem that Mr. Davey has perused the “For Dummies” books because he has written and detailed how to build an ebike in the simplest of terms so that people that don’t know much about mechanical objects, like electric bicycles, will be able to build their own relatively easy.

Not only has he written a highly detailed and efficient document that explains everything in a step-by-step manner, but he also takes the time to show you how to save money and purchase the right components so that you don’t waste precious dollars on the entire project.

People that have already used the e-book on building an electric bicycle, seem to have very positive and up-beat reviews on the work and Mr. Davey is so positive that that you will like and use his book, he is giving a part of it away for free.  If you are interested in taking a gander at this electric bicycle building book entitled, “How to build a 50 mph Electric Bike,” go to this website: http://www.fastelectricbike.com/

Electric bike owners in other cities might want to take note about recent developments in Colorado. This year at the International Bicycle Exposition (Interbike) that took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, the City of Ft. Collins was recognized with an award.  The city was selected as the most “bicycle friendly” city in the U.S.  The League of American Bicyclists awarded the city the accolade because the city of Ft. Collins has taken great measures to create bicycle friendly areas within the community.

Apparently, Ft. Collins has tried to integrate bicycling into its infrastructure with bike – to – work days and more convenient bicycle parking its more prominent areas of town.  Much of the award was based on these upgrades and changes that affected the residents of Ft. Collins in terms of health, civic responsibility and even economic growth.

It would be interesting to see how far the city could take this idea and run with it, perhaps much like Europe that has bicycle paths running everywhere in most countries.    In many places in Colorado, where people are very physical, and do a lot of hiking and cycling, there are bicycle paths that lead throughout the country side.  Places like Vail, Breckenridge and other areas of recreation already have massive biking integration built into their infrastructure.

As an electric bike enthusiast, would be nice to see if cities like Ft. Collins could try to integrate electric bike facilities and charging stations as well, which would also reach out to another subculture of partially green society: electric bicyclists.

However, as you well know, introducing anything new into a society requires money, and with the current state of affairs of most American communities and local governments, these are difficult times.  So, it may be awhile before we will see a lot of progress in integrating electric bikes and scooters into a bicycle friendly community like Ft. Collins.  Only time will tell.

Photograph Courtesy of NYCE Wheels

The Electric Bicycle Has Evolved

In the last 20 years there have been radical changes in the electric bicycle. There are now more electric bicycles produced around the world than there ever has been in history,  and there has been almost a 60% increase in electric bike manufacturing plants worldwide. So, it should come as no surprise that the electric bike has evolved to a higher level, and that evidence comes in the form of a great new electric bike called the eZee Torq II. With a speed range of up to about 20 miles per hour and a distance range of approximately 30 miles, this electric bike will probably replace your car on shorter errands and commutes.
The eZee Torq II A Comfortable Ride yet Able to Handle Rough Roads
One of the best benefits of the eZee Torq II is the fact that it is such a comfortable ride.  Consumers have praised its comfort on rough roads where there are potholes and cracks. This electric bike has even been used by delivery people who work on the road almost 8 hours a day! Not only is it a comfortable ride on regular roads, but it is also a great off road electric bike as well.  Fashioned after European-style electric bicycles, this e-bike has an alloy frame which keeps it light and efficient at around 60 to 62 pounds with the battery on board. So, its performance and comfort are very competitive in the electric bicycle market.
Getting an Aerobic Workout without Killing Yourself
As with most electric bikes this is what is known as a pedal – assisted electric motor, which means that the motor will kick in when you need it at higher speeds and going up inclines. The 700 peak watt motor can run on 350 Watts continuously while smoothly accelerating to higher speeds, and as a matter of fact, owners of the eZee Torq II have praised its quick acceleration while maintaining a smooth ride.  Another one of the reasons this is such a popular commuter bike is the fact that you won’t wind up getting to work all sweaty and out of breath.  However, it can also be a great workout bike because you can really push yourself with it while still getting a great aerobic workout.
Consider the Benefits of the EZee Torq II and Decide
When  you consider the benefits of riding the eZee Torq II electric bicycle, you will see that even though it has tons of features as well as the benefits and advantages it will give you and your lifestyle, it will change the way you view transportation. You will swear that you can do without your car or, at least you will use your car a lot less while saving money and creating a healthier lifestyle for yourself.

Most Important Features at a Glance
Battery: 36V 10 Ah lithium ion with electronic battery management
Charger:     Automatic Smart charger, maximum charge time 5.5 hours
Brakes:  Shimano Nexave with a disk brake in the front and a roller rink in the rear
Speed: 20 mi./h
Range: 30 miles approximately
Weight:    59.5 or 62 lbs including battery
Frame:    Road bike with a Al alloy 6061
Motor    Brushless Servo motor, 700 watt peak / continuous 350 watt

Where to Purchase an eZee Torq II Electric Bike and Get More Information: NYCE Wheels

In my opinion, it is always a cool thing when a celebrity gets involved in the electric bike or scooter industry. In this case, we are talking about electric motorcycles and the celebrity that is getting involved in them is Jackie Chan. Brammo, an electric cycle company based in Ashland, Oregon is planning on selling its electric motorcycles in Hong Kong and Singapore. Brammo has been making state-of-the-art in high-tech electric motorcycles for quite some time. Two of the more popular models are the Brammo Empulse and the Enertia.  Apparently, in the case of the Empulse, it was the winner of the 2010 Electric Motor Cycle of the Year Award.

In order for Brammo to make a major splash in its Asian markets, the company is teaming up with the famous actor, stuntman, martial artist, and quasi – comedian Jackie Chan to help promote these products. However, it is not like the company had To really court, Mr. Chan because he is already a big fan of electric vehicles.  If you live in Asia for any period of time, you will probably notice that most people are already writing plenty of electric scooters and electric bikes and the trend has been moving in the direction toward electrical vehicles more and more every day.  This is because, of course, gas prices are rising but also many of the governments in countries where the infrastructure is much more dense and the population is higher that these places must consider alternative energy vehicles in order to accomplish what they need to have done for their people.

So, Jackie Chan is writing an electric motorcycle and he plans on helping the Oregon-based company promote their vehicles across Asia. Once again, East meets West in a way that is mutually profitable and we hope, will help technology advance in the next several years.

If you want to see the news video about Jackie Chan promoting the great Brammo electric motorcycle, you can click on the picture above, or click on this link: Jackie Chan rides a Brammo!