e-bike assault giant oil companies and high gas prices

[lfairban]

We need to do a lot of things to combat global warming and reduce the corporate power of giant oil companies, as was pointed out in the thread:

For the last time, folks, I'm begging you: NOT PUMPING GAS FOR ONE DAY IS A STUPID IDEA!

One very important component that I think has been largely overlooked is the use of e-bikes, also known as electro-assist or power-assisted bicycles.

I have been using an e-bike for years and I absolutely love it. It is great for going to the carryout, doing errands around town and even walking the dog. Actually our dog runs more than she walks when I use the bike, but you get the picture. It takes some practice and training, but it is much easier with the assist than without it, and she absolutely loves it.

Since there is a small hill right outside out house, a regular bike would require much more effort to use for going anywhere uphill from the end of the driveway. Since I am over 50, this is kind of a major concern.

Mixing with traffic is much easier since you have the acceleration from a stop light to about 15 mph that a car has.

Under optimal conditions and with maximum effort, I can beat a Harley with a passenger out of the hole and it takes him about a half a block to catch me. By the time he can pull ahead, it is time to start breaking for the next traffic light. You may not believe this until you see it, or I go thorough a long winded explanation, but I have heard other people say the same thing.

Please look at the links I have collected in My Home and Leisure Page.

[rosesaylavee]

1. bottom link is not working...

[MannyGoldstein]

2. Two extra slashes after the http: in the URL

Delete those and you're good to go.

[lfairban]

4. Link fixed.

Thank you. I don't know how I made that mistake.

The funny thing is it works from here even with the slashes.

Does it work now?

[Warpy]

3. Mine is more of an electric moped

with a top speed of 23-25 and range about the same. I've used it for four years and can get 6 months out of a tank of gas for my car in warm weather.

The acceleration is superb and I leave cars in the dust at stoplights, probably the one place that's the most dangerous for people on standard bikes due to visibility issues.

Mine is at http://www.egovehicles.com

[lfairban]

8. That one is faster than mine.

It is probably more expensive too. The elector-assist on my e-bike tops out at about 18mph and cost about $900, but I have seen them on sale for as little as $550.

There are also electric motorcycles that you can use on highways and the interstate. There are licensing issues in some states so that it is still considered a bicycle if the motor is 650 watts or less and can assist up to a certain speed.

BTW, I also use it to take the cats to the vets. We have four. I just strap a cat carrier to the luggage platform on the back. I found it makes a good carry-all.

Once when I went to the grocery, one of the associates watched as I loaded a half full basket of goods onto my bike. I pulled a back pack out of the cat carrier and stuffed the cereal boxes and some small light items into it, and put the rest into the carrier.

There are obviously other basket options.

[unpossibles]

11. does it have pedals?

those look cool, but more electric scooter than moped. I like the idea of being able to pedal to extend the range, honestly.

But regardless, it's neat to see more ebikes out there!

[lfairban]

12. Mine has pedals

The more you pedal, the further you can go before the batteries run out.

There are also conversion kits available.

Replacement Lead Acid batteries can be purchased from Radio Shack, but they charge way too much for them. Look for them online or in Battery Stores in major cities.

[Warpy]

14. No ped

so if it runs out of juice, I have to push it home. Fortunately, it's easy to push.

I live in the inner city for the convenience, though, so I haven't run out of juice yet.

Spinal arthritis and a few other lovely things have made a pedaled bike, even with an assist, beyond me. I'm just not ready for a Hoveround yet.

[uppityperson]

5. Thank you for the links.

I bought one of those cheapie electric scooters from Target a couple yrs ago, piece of junk with the business going out of business, no support or ability to get batteries, etc. I have been looking for a decent e-bike, thanks.

[lfairban]

10. That can be a problem.

Support from Curri, the company that made my bike, was almost non-existent for the first couple of years. Then they sold the company, and the new management has done an excellent job.

[rosesaylavee]

6. Link works...

Do you pedal it like a regular bike, can you get any aerobic benefit from this or does it do it all for you?

[lfairban]

9. 21-speed mountain bike with add on motor

Yes you can and you do. You can get just as exhausted as you like.

On the model I have, you can remove the motor and batteries and use it as a stander mountain bike, but I never do.

Mine is about five years old and uses Lead Acid Batteries. Most of the new ones use NiMH or Li-Ion batteries and hub motors.

[rosesaylavee]

13. Cool.

I need a new bike to replace my racer. Ha. I haven't ridden my racer for way too long anyway. Maybe I can get a trade in deal locally. Thanks for the info!

[Sherman A1]

7. Interesting - Thanks