Motorized bicycle wanted

Posted by John D on November 18, 2009, 09:17:54 PM

Here's my situation: I've recently started an 18 month assignment at Guantanamo Bay and I don't have a car. I live 3 1/2 miles from work, and I've been biking to work most days. However, the hills make the going pretty tough. I would love to own an electric bike, but new ones are pretty costly. I would have no problem recharging the bike at home and at work. Whatever I buy would have to be light and compact, or the shipping costs would be high. Also, it would have to be legal to ride here. (Bicycle laws apply). Any suggestions?

Posted by Jon C on November 19, 2009, 06:19:30 PM

Re: Motorized bicycle wanted (Reply #1)

Hi John D. I have a similar situation here.......about 3 miles to town and some major hills in between. I converted a 27" 10 speed touring bike to electric drive for about $50 (cost of a couple 6v gelcell batteries). I am using a 12v water pump motor mounted to friction drive the rear wheel with a freewheel rachet mechanism on the 1" drive roller, so the bike will operate normally when pedalled. A 12v relay switches power from batteries to motor, with a push button switch on the handle grip. One of the 6v batteries runs a 6v headlight, with a front mounted bike generator to recharge the battery. On a level straightaway, the electric drive will run the bike and allow me to rest my legs, and the electric drive is a power assist for the hill climbs. I use an external 12v charger for recharging the batteries. It works for me. :-)

Posted by Michael B on November 19, 2009, 09:50:20 PM

Re: Motorized bicycle wanted (Reply #2)

Ok John, heres another one for you, but you cant have much of a fear of death. An electric skateboard. I got mine from http://www.exkate.com/ . They aren't terribly cheap, but mine works great. Their charge controllers are not very reliable. Not a very home grown response, and may not be real great on steep hills (especially if you weigh more than 180 lbs. or so), but I enjoy mine. Good luck with your search, -m

Posted by John D on November 29, 2009, 07:23:21 PM

Re: Motorized bicycle wanted (Reply #3)

Thanks for the replies. The motorized skateboard sounds too scary for me. Jon C, your electric bike sounds fantastic! Not only does it provide power assist, it actually puts energy back into the batteries when you're going downhill. I would be grateful if you could provide additional information, particularly regarding the parts and mechanical details.

John

Posted by Jon C on November 30, 2009, 11:27:07 AM

Re: Motorized bicycle wanted (Reply #4)

Hi John D. I would be happy to share information on my electric bike with you. I posted a picture of it on my photo gallery, but for some reason the site will not show any pictures beyond page 2. If you would contact me at my email address JonChristenson @ msn.com I can send you the picture and whatever other information that you desire. Jon C.

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