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E-bikes could be the electric revolution cities need

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Re: E-bikes could be the electric revolution cities need

#11

Post by ericol »

A while ago, I was seriously considering buying a bike (A regular one, 110 CC). I didn't because there's no way in hell my partner will let me ride it for the main purpose that I wanted to buy it for, take our 6 yo to school (as I wanted to buy it mainly for that, as riding a bike is much faster in the city where I live, Buenos Aires).

I just went to the site where I do all my purchases, and that same bike is at the same price tag as an ebike of medium quality.

I reckon this country is a little particular when it comes to economics, but buying an ebike is far from cheap around here. Until that changes, the bulk of people will use just regular means of transport in this country.

Besides that, I do think that electric vehicles are the best way to move around for distances in the low miles.

Re: E-bikes could be the electric revolution cities need

#12

Post by josefresco »

nkingsy wrote: post #6

I ebike 20 miles for work every day and live it. I don’t use my ebike for small errands because it’s too easy to just rip expensive stuff off of it while locked up. Also, the picture shows a rider with no helmet which is insane. I wear a motorcycle helmet and leathers. The speed limit for ebikes on roads in CA is 28, which is deadly with even a normal bike helmet. Finally the article says that the new models are ligh…

Link for those interested (as was I): https://www.bafangusadirect.com

Re: E-bikes could be the electric revolution cities need

#15

Post by Callmenorm »

I think e-bikes will be very successful, but you have to get the product into the people's hands. It's hard to know what an e-bike is like until you try it. They are so fun, and getting fresh air will almost certainly make you more happy.

But trying to convince people of that without putting them on an e-bike is kind of hard.

Re: E-bikes could be the electric revolution cities need

#16

Post by stefan_ »

denimnerd42 wrote: post #5
MaupitiBlue wrote: post #3

Thinking of converting an old trek. Anyone have thoughts on front / rear wheel drive?

the rear frame is much stronger than the front fork so a rear wheel drive is what i'd recommend unless you have a sturdy steel fork. come join our discussion at the ebike discord https://discord.gg/6fRvwSx

Motor forces are entirely insignificant over what wheels, fork and frame experience when you are hard braking (primarily, of course, through the front brake).

No, the bigger issue with front drive is that the front wheel has less weight over it (so significantly less traction) and that should it ever lose traction, you are more or less guaranteed to crash while the rear wheel slipping is perfectly recoverable. This is exacerbated since a human motor knows not to turn the power on going through a turn in the wet, but e-bike motors don't bring any such intelligence.

Re: E-bikes could be the electric revolution cities need

#17

Post by retrovm »

guelo wrote: post #13

Why are ebikes a revolution while mopeds have been around for decades? It seems like they fill the same niche.

You need a special license for mopeds in many jurisdictions, they weigh 100+ pounds, double what an e-bike weighs, and because of the fuel system you can't really just carry it up the stairs and leave it in your kitchen at night.

Re: E-bikes could be the electric revolution cities need

#18

Post by siffland »

I ride a motorcycle to work almost everyday (today's 47 degree ride was a bit brisk) and i have to say, drivers don't look out for bikes, and this is a major city (San Antonio).

My big issues with motorized bicycles are lanes to ride and rules of the road. I see people riding them on sidewalks, in streets, and in bike lanes. It is almost like people on motorcycles who ride in the break down lane or lane split (both of which are illegal in Texas).

We already had/have a HUGE problem with the escooters, people getting run down by kids on the sidewalks and riding them in traffic downtown.

I am for this 100%, but please put down infrastructure and some sort of rules of the road and enforce it.

Re: E-bikes could be the electric revolution cities need

#19

Post by nkingsy »

retrovm wrote: post #10
nkingsy wrote: post #6

I ebike 20 miles for work every day and live it. I don’t use my ebike for small errands because it’s too easy to just rip expensive stuff off of it while locked up. Also, the picture shows a rider with no helmet which is insane. I wear a motorcycle helmet and leathers. The speed limit for ebikes on roads in CA is 28, which is deadly with even a normal bike helmet. Finally the article says that the new models are ligh…

Helmets are for sports. Ebikes have a ~50% market share in Belgium where approximately nobody wears a helmet ever. It's really not an issue.

Sure with a 250w ebike and no cars go nuts.

I have a 1500w motor and share a road with semi trucks

Re: E-bikes could be the electric revolution cities need

#20

Post by sp332 »

retrovm wrote: post #10
nkingsy wrote: post #6

I ebike 20 miles for work every day and live it. I don’t use my ebike for small errands because it’s too easy to just rip expensive stuff off of it while locked up. Also, the picture shows a rider with no helmet which is insane. I wear a motorcycle helmet and leathers. The speed limit for ebikes on roads in CA is 28, which is deadly with even a normal bike helmet. Finally the article says that the new models are ligh…

Helmets are for sports. Ebikes have a ~50% market share in Belgium where approximately nobody wears a helmet ever. It's really not an issue.

Are Belgians really doing 28 MPH on a regular basis?
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