Electric Bikes

Electric bikes [E-Bikes] are basically a mix between a bicycle and electric scooter with the motor making pedaling easier, especially when going uphill or against a strong wind. Riding it is like riding a general bike but without as much work. The economic benefits of E-Bikes are obvious and you could easily save 75% of gas spending by using an E-Bike.

If you drive around 5000 miles per year commuting, your gas spending is about $1125-$2000 per year. An E-Bike basically saves 75% of your gas purchases ($1,125 to $2,000) in the first year, enough to cover your investment even for a high end bike. I just bought 2 of them for me and my wife. The main factor for us was more physical – to get exercise and riding a regular bike was getting to be 'pain' - literally!

The E-Bikes are easy to use and they are fun a blast to ride. We did not go high end ( meaning the $1500 range ) instead opted for the E-Zip at Walmart for $350. Amazon also has them for a good price. The E-Bikes can be equipped with all the safety devices you want for riding and can be upgraded with better, lighter batteries that will last longer and have more power.

There are also many different types of kits out there that will allow you to upgrade a mountain bike you already have. From my reading it is best not to have a real light bike and also not have front suspension. Now I think that would depend on whether you got the rear or front motor hub wheel with the kit.

Try the WILDERNESS CONVERSION KIT – A Complete 600 watt 36 volt - Electric, Brushless Hub Motor Power Bicycle Kit

The Wilderness Conversion Kit is the most economical means of transportation that I have found. Go to Target or Wal-Mart and pick up the bike that will meet your needs. Take it home and within an hour or two you'll be Electrified!

Description: Motor mounted in wheel, lighted thumb throttle, controller unit, key switch, battery pack, smart charger, bike rack.

Hub Motor: 600 Watt, 36 Volt DC Gearless, Brushless

Throttle Type:Variable Speed Throttle

Push Button Switch: Push Button Switch

Battery Pack:Sealed, 12 Volt DC, 12 Amp Hour Lead-Acid Gel-Cell Batteries (x3)

Electronics:Electronic 50 Amp Speed Controller Unit

Wheel Sizes Availablity: 20, 24 or 26 inch Front Tire with Front Wheel Drive

Top Speed:Top Speed: 20+ mph

Range:Average Range (Distance) per Charge: 30+ miles. (Rider weight contingent)

Charger:Automatic Soneil Charger: 2 Amp@36vdc 110-220 Volts

Averge Recharging Time:4-6 hours

Payload:Payload Capacity: 300+ lbs. (U.S. Pounds)

Weight:Gross Weight of Kit: 46 lbs

Features:Brush-less motor, 50 AMP meaning you will never have to change the brushes inside it. Brushless motors are more power-efficient than brushed motors, and this one will increase your range by 30 % compared with a similar power-rated brushed hub motor. This motor runs on 36 volts instead of 24 volts, so even though it is rated at 600 watts (continuous power output - 750 watts peak output)

Other Kits that may be of interest:

http://www.bike-elektro-antrieb.ch

http://www.bionx.ca

http://www.crystalyte.com/

http://www.cyclone-usa.com

http://elationebikes.com.au

http://www.texaselectricbikes.com

http://www.powerstream.com/

But overall we like the e-zip. I am looking to buy extra batteries and will probably upgrade to a 36V (over the 24V that is stock on these). Maybe down the road, we will look at a more higher end version but right now - for how often we use them - paying 1500 dollars seems a bit too high. If your a regular commuter and plan to use an electric bike as a primary means to get to work, etc. then you may want to look at those. For us, we have now been going out on bike rides which we never would have with a regular pedal bike. The past couple of years my knees have been getting worse with arthritis and truthfully,I think I am too out of shape to tackle any hills with a regular bike!

Anyway try one out – get some exercise and best of all – have some fun!!!!!