Hybrid Electric Bicycles

85lbs + the battery (?20lb)....but the thing is more of an electric moped than bike and even a steep hill it will pull itself up even without pedaling.

 

I may be straying now from the original bike referred to in the OP, but I thought it was close enough on topic to continue. I'm still waiting for my hybridfest photos to (unusually slowly) upload to flickr so I don't have any to post at the moment, but will get some up soon.

Anyway, I've got some more information/details on the e-bike and e-scooters as I dug up the literature we picked up a HF08.

E-Bike World is the seller of this product (link shows a picture of an e-bike) with James Devine being the seller (and apparently the only one selling this particular product). In short, from what I can gather from the literature, ebike-world selected one of 3 Chinese companies to manufacture an americanised version of an electric bike that's apparently quite common in China. A web search on my part where the only similar bikes were in China. They say they selected 2 models (the ebike and escooter), upgraded the suspension, brakes, and controller that would better suit (?fat) American's needs.

These hybrid electric bikes use a 350 watt continuous (1100 watt peak) motor. The rear brakes do regen, there's a 48v (?pb acid) battery pack that is chargable on the bike or it's very easily removed for off bike charging (nice since you could have 2 batts and always keep one charged if you're riding this thing a lot). They claim up to 30 mile range. It's a low watt charger (takes ~6 hours for a full charge) that's removable...it can be kept on the bike or at home as it's pretty small. Top speed is about 20mph (max legal to keep the bike in the 'bike' class...otherwise it requires a license).

The bike is very similar in design to mopeds...it has turn signals, head light, tail light. There's a motorcycle style twist throttle. You can pedal or not..pedalling actually starts the electric motor (whether you want it to or not) when the bike is turned on, though it can be pedalled when the bike is off. Or you can just put your feet up, ignore the pedals and ride it like an electric moped. They have running lights, brake lights, rear-view mirrors, shocks, and a horn.

The e-bike has a more traditional bike style seat, the e-scooter a more motorcycle-like saddle seat. Women tend to like the styling of the e-bike, men the e-scooter. Both have a front basket available and a rear lockable cargo box (just a little too small for a helmet). The wheels on the e-bike are 18" and 16" on the e-scooter.

There's a 6 month limited warranty and they give you a free 'check-up' at 90 days (not sure I'll be able to take advantage being so far away).

The brand name on these electric hybrid bikes is EZride...but I haven't been able to find any pictures/links on google. I will post photos from HF as soon as they get uploaded. As I said above, I don't yet have my e-scooter...it's expected sometime in August...ours will be red (go Razorbacks!) and I'll post pics and a full review once we have that on hand.:rockon:

 

And that's exactly how we plan to use ours...although we hope to get a little exercise benefit from it...not our entire exercise regemine mind you, but if we're pedaling much of the trip at least it's more exercise (and less gas) than if we were driving.

 

Got my flickr photos to successfully upload finally.

This is the E-Bike (200lb capacity top speed 19mph)


This is the E-Scooter (the one we bought, 225lb cap., 20mph top speed)


And a couple photos of myself and my wife taking our test ride...remember, ours will be RED



*Note, we will wear helmets when riding, they just didn't have any out there for us to use at the time.

 

Wilco...I think they said they could take pressures b/w 35-65psi. Seems a broad range but I'll probably go with or just above the sidewall ratings.

My mind is already toying with ideas about replacing the controller for one that'll allow higher speeds and maybe the battery with some sort of Li or NiMH version for extra range and power.

 

Just to fluff out this thread, I found another seller in the US for electric bicycles similar to the one I ordered.
Veloteq

Very nice web site, lots of different models and a lot of information on each model with complete technical specs and all...everything but a price!! Found some via google and they seem to MSRP right about the same price point as the one I bought goes for at MSRP...$1250+. They have some very luxurious ones as well complete with stereo and iPod integration and such. There are several US distributors located around the country listed. They have a nice link covering applicable laws as well...basically they're treated exactly the same as a bicycle by the law in most states though some require a valid driver's license.

 

Actually an electric bike like I purchased or like veloteq sells that has a top speed under 20mph and a motor less than 750W is considered a bicycle and falls under the exact same laws as a bicycle....esp. in a progressive state like CA. In MO we have to have a valid driver's license (no motorcycle license is necessary), but otherwise also follows the same laws as a bicycle.

If it's more powerful and/or goes over 20mph on a flat paved surface with a 170lb rider then it does need a license.

 

Here's a good link to the US Regulations:
Veloteq electric bicycle and ebike products deliver the maximum electric bicycle output power permitted under U.S. and Canadian laws

And the specifics of California Law FYI...


Electric Bicycle Laws and Regulations in California
Overview: In California an “electric bicycle" cannot be capable of traveling at speeds over 20 mph on level ground using the motor’s power only, and must have not more than 1000 Watts of motor power output. Operators must obey all rules of the road, wear a bicycle helmet, and be over 16 years old. No insurance is required. No driver license or vehicle licensing or registration is required provided that the electric bicycle meets the Safety and Equipment Requirements described below.
Motorized Bicycle Electric Motor; Safety and Equipment Requirements

California Electric Bicycle Law Quick Summary:

• A driver's license is not required to drive an electric bicycle. ​
• No insurance, registration or license plates are required. ​
• Driver shall not operate a motorized bicycle if under 16 years of age. ​
• Driver must wear a bicycle helmet. ​
• Bicycle must have fully operative pedals. ​
• Power output must not be more than 1000 Watt. ​
• On level ground must not travel faster than 20mph on motor power only. ​
• Electric motor must disengage when brakes are applied or when throttle is released. ​