Battery powered bikes
Discussion
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-x.php?_kk=elec...
Although it'll probably appeal more to you than your OH
Although it'll probably appeal more to you than your OH

BliarOut said:
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Transport I would guess
Smart Arse Transport I would guess


Maybe I'm being fick tho! With the added weight and complexity of the batteries and alternators and motors and controls. Do these modern electric bikes actually give an advantage? Do they oversome the extra weight as well as the rider? And surely when pedalling on the flat without assistance they are even more hard work?
Furberger said:
ARF! 
To the OP. Your story reminds me of the couple down the road from me. He bought a GSXR 1000 a few years back. Soon after she bought a "sit up" 125cc of some description. Every Sunday morning, used to see him roar off up the road, 5 or so mins later she'd follow. Few hours would pass and he'd roar back. And then 20ish mins later she'd follow. I bet they loved their rides into the country "together"
Whilst I appreciate you have a knee problem. Isn't there the option of riding the Go-Ped slower? And if you other half starts to push the bike, why not get off and push the GoPed alongside her?
In any case I dunno if this leccy bike is suitable? I'm not sure of your budget

http://triuk.com/product/izip-mezza-foldable
Edited by Rich_W on Friday 26th February 23:14
a guy at work commutes on one, i'll have a word with him and find out what it is etc etc
i do see him on some back roads though and he can keep a steady 25 mph on it which in my opinion is a bit dangerous as i think it only has regular bike brakes. stopping at those sort of speeds on a regular basis (with the additional weight of the batteries etc) must put a lot of pressure through the system and it doesnt appear to have particularly wide tyres.
i sympathise with knackered knees, there are a good few electric bikes out there, some good, some very bad, all i can really say is do loads of research and try them out.
i do see him on some back roads though and he can keep a steady 25 mph on it which in my opinion is a bit dangerous as i think it only has regular bike brakes. stopping at those sort of speeds on a regular basis (with the additional weight of the batteries etc) must put a lot of pressure through the system and it doesnt appear to have particularly wide tyres.
i sympathise with knackered knees, there are a good few electric bikes out there, some good, some very bad, all i can really say is do loads of research and try them out.
These seem to be the best performing options:
http://www.cytronex.com/bikes/dayone.html
Alternatively your wife could try a very light fast hybrid which will really increase her speed on the hills. I'd recommend a mid-higher spec Specialized Sirrus or Vita or similar from Trek, Giant etc.
http://www.cytronex.com/bikes/dayone.html
Alternatively your wife could try a very light fast hybrid which will really increase her speed on the hills. I'd recommend a mid-higher spec Specialized Sirrus or Vita or similar from Trek, Giant etc.
Don't really understand all the negative comments, or why the OP has to keep defending himself.
Pablo, 25mph is illegal on an electric bike, there are electric motors that will do this but they are designed for 'off-road' use. I believe the legal limit is 25kph (15.5mph) on the road from a 250 watt motor, although you are permitted to add human muscle power through the pedals to increase this. Also some modern bikes have hydraulic disc brakes and suspension and can easily cope with 25mph.
Pablo, 25mph is illegal on an electric bike, there are electric motors that will do this but they are designed for 'off-road' use. I believe the legal limit is 25kph (15.5mph) on the road from a 250 watt motor, although you are permitted to add human muscle power through the pedals to increase this. Also some modern bikes have hydraulic disc brakes and suspension and can easily cope with 25mph.
Quinney,
I don't know what your budget is but there are some small, folding, electric bargains on eBay.
I am no expert but I believe you really want lithium battery power rather than the old-school lead acid type.
I believe there is Pedelec (powered assistance) or 'Throttle' power which is no pedaling and it's all done on the twistgrip throttle, or a mixture of the two.
This guy's website is interesting, you can choose between speed or hill climbing power options or a compromise between the two:
http://electricmountainbikes.blogspot.com/2008/04/...
This is one of his bikes (not what you're after I know, but not bad):

I don't know what your budget is but there are some small, folding, electric bargains on eBay.
I am no expert but I believe you really want lithium battery power rather than the old-school lead acid type.
I believe there is Pedelec (powered assistance) or 'Throttle' power which is no pedaling and it's all done on the twistgrip throttle, or a mixture of the two.
This guy's website is interesting, you can choose between speed or hill climbing power options or a compromise between the two:
http://electricmountainbikes.blogspot.com/2008/04/...
This is one of his bikes (not what you're after I know, but not bad):

Vespula said:
Don't really understand all the negative comments, or why the OP has to keep defending himself.
Pablo, 25mph is illegal on an electric bike, there are electric motors that will do this but they are designed for 'off-road' use. I believe the legal limit is 25kph (15.5mph) on the road from a 250 watt motor, although you are permitted to add human muscle power through the pedals to increase this. Also some modern bikes have hydraulic disc brakes and suspension and can easily cope with 25mph.
well illegal or not, when i drive past i am doing >25 mph.Pablo, 25mph is illegal on an electric bike, there are electric motors that will do this but they are designed for 'off-road' use. I believe the legal limit is 25kph (15.5mph) on the road from a 250 watt motor, although you are permitted to add human muscle power through the pedals to increase this. Also some modern bikes have hydraulic disc brakes and suspension and can easily cope with 25mph.
i know modern technology on bikes is good, but its not designed to stop a bike like that at those sort of speeds on a regular basis. the brakes are simply too small and discs too thin to cope with the level of heat generated.
Quinny said:
Furberger said:
What about this:
What about it
If you can't try and contribute somthing sensible, hows about instead of trying to be a smart arse, not contributing at all....
You won't be missed
Edited by Quinny on Saturday 27th February 11:05

Where are you based? It may be possible to try some out. Trek do 3 electric bikes now, they aint cheap but you get what you pay for. As stated earlier electric bikes are now pedal assist and are limited to 25kph. But they will zoom up hills at that speed, Trek one will add upto 375% off your torque, .....which helps
pablo said:
well illegal or not, when i drive past i am doing >25 mph.
i know modern technology on bikes is good, but its not designed to stop a bike like that at those sort of speeds on a regular basis. the brakes are simply too small and discs too thin to cope with the level of heat generated.
i know modern technology on bikes is good, but its not designed to stop a bike like that at those sort of speeds on a regular basis. the brakes are simply too small and discs too thin to cope with the level of heat generated.

I do 35 to 38mph downhill on my way to work most mornings, this would be considered to be about 40mph on most car speedos (I know this thanks to the very visible digital speedo on the Renault Scenic I passed the other morning). On the flat I maintain 20 to 24mph in reasonable comfort. My bike only has cheap v-brakes and skinny slick tyres, I've never had any issues stopping and I have to do my fair share of emergency stops.
That probably seems quite slow to the Lycra lot...
pablo said:
i know modern technology on bikes is good, but its not designed to stop a bike like that at those sort of speeds on a regular basis. the brakes are simply too small and discs too thin to cope with the level of heat generated.
Sorry but that is absolute nonsense.Road racing bikes use the simplist brakes and easily exceed 25mph, they sprint well into the 30's and downhill 70+ is abtainable if you have the nuts for it.
Mountain bikes weigh more and easily hit 30mph.
Even a modest touring/hybrid bike can be cranked up to 25 with alittle effort!
Modern bike brakes can easily stop any of these as well as (if not better) than a motorbike or car- yes the brakes are smaller but the weight to be stopped is far less.
FWIW A friend of mine has a three wheel recumbent trike, he can stop it dead from 30+ in only a dozen feet, without the risk of falling over/off the "inferior" bike brakes can instaneously lock all three wheels up at 30mph.
Clearly sir, you have not ridden a bicycle for a Very long time!
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