The OFFICIAL E-bike(electric)/green discussion thread

[Ebiker]

Hi, folks! I'm newb here so don't expect me to be perfect here But as an e-bike rider with almost 3 years of year round experience under my belt I can tell you right away that while this is nice cool looking and properly fairly bike is not going to be as practical to go to the same Walmart or any other store for a big shopping. There's no nice wide flat floor and no nice big trunk behind you and probably no much room under the seat either, so as a workhorse for doing your weekly shopping around it's not good at all, just for commuting. As an e-bike mechanic with two years experience in Toronto and GTA I can say from the picture alone that most likely this bike is employing smaller 12 or 14AH batteries which can't provide you with any decent range except your neighbourhood unless you are a skinny girl under a hundred pounds or a poor student The motor also does not look that big. Maybe just 350 watts relabeled for 500. Instead I would suggest to get some nice larger bike with at least 20AH easy removable battery, nice standard 1500W motor relabeled to 500W and nice powerful hydraulic brakes at least on the front wheel, big trunk behind to keep your accessories like the rain coat and the bike cover, lot's of room under the seat to keep your tools and pedals, with even more room on a flat and wide floor, where you can put eventually few more extra batteries and zip-zap across TO at least couple times a day That's what I believe the e-bike should be nowadays - just like mine old and trashy Mountaineer that happily runs for almost 3 years now making up to 80km in a day

[ET4041]

I would encourage anyone interested in electric bike conversions to check out the website endless-sphere.com. Very active and a great source of information.

I found a dealer in California (Iliia of ebikessf.com) who shipped me a complete kit that I installed on my bike myself. I use it to ride to work every day 18 kms each way (from Don Mills to downtown TO) through the Don Valley and Sunnybrook Park.

It is not cheap by any means. But it is a lot of fun, I get some exercise and it is more reliable than TTC and definitely a lot cheaper and less aggravating than driving.

The trick I think is to try to find some good bike paths to get you where you're going. If it was all along city streets, I would not ride my bike.

[quikdraw]

Anyone interested in an E-bike this spring check out GoLectric Ebikes in Owen Sound. They have VELOTEQ models which are by far the best (Battery, AH, Wattage, Hydraulics, many models & colours to choose from)....and for peace of mind an extended parts AND labour warranty is available above the usual warranty.... Give Bob Prowse a call 519-371-5362 with any questions you might have and to schedule a test ride 519-371-5362 2350 8TH AVE WEST

[consumerPI]

On sale this week for $888.

QUOTE=consumerPI;11156070]Get the Walmart one. Good value for the features and price. $998 plus taxes.[/QUOTE]

[i97ww4]

my friend just bought Wasaga model ebike from tevbikes. Pretty good price compare with other retailers. Was told it is their grand opening special.

check it out:
tevbikes.ca, on bloor near dufferin station.

[riccd2001]

Any improvements? Better technology? Lower prices?

[snider]

Bumping this thread since gas prices are so high now I figure there will be more interest this season for e-bikes. I live in Ottawa and was on the cusp of purchasing one of those electric scooter type bikes for around $1000 but the deal killer was that the city recently changed the law to forbid these type of bikes on NCC pathways I live in the suburbs and cannot put myself at risk by riding on the streets all the way downtown.

Am now looking at the modified electric-bikes from http://www.igoelectric.com anyone have any experience with this company? Seems to be the best bang for the buck for lithium-ion motors, much cheaper than the Bionx or other types.