I rode my electric bike today. I looked at various brands, Izuma, and ebike. They cost about $2K with a lithium ion battery. I purchased for the 1KW Magic Pie kit. It was about $400 for the motor and about $400 for the LiPo 36 volt 10 amp hr. battery. It runs well but it will never compete with a gasoline engine. It is heavy about 60 lbs, the range is limited, and it takes time to recharge. My friend has a two cycle 50 cc gasoline energy conversion and the power is about the same. The 2 cycle gasoline engine is fickle. The electric motor has a wider range in which it delivers usable torque. The two cycle engine only costs only $150. A four cycle gasolie engine at about $400 would be better, less fickle, and have a wider range in which it delivers toque.
I am glad I got the 1 KW electric. I am large and the 250 watt European bike would have not preformed. It my first experience with electric. The kit went together well. I had some trouble with the free wheel. I have a bike shop take it off. The cutting bit must have been worn out in China because the freewheel would not twist completely on the motor's shaft. I had to hone the treads with the shaft of an old freewheel and a pipe wrench. I added a plastic spoke guard to the assembly. The spoke guard rubs and squeaks a little. I still have to tweak the derailer because the chain clicks in a few gears. I know not how to do this well. I will let you all know how it goes as I get some experience with the bike in this up and coming spring. Frank -----Original Message----- From: Jed Rothwell <jedrothw...@gmail.com> To: vortex-l <vortex-l@eskimo.com> Sent: Mon, Mar 11, 2013 4:53 pm Subject: Re: [Vo]:New electric car to compete with Tesla? -recharge stations Brad Lowe <ecatbuil...@gmail.com> wrote: My 2 cents on electric cars... One, I don't think we have to wait for "quick charging" to be invented for electric cars to be a good value as a second car. I've been driving a Nissan Leaf for about 3 months. My wife uses it to go to work and I use it when I can. I am jealous! How much did it really cost, after tax breaks and whatnot? The website is unclear about this. - Jed
