Woofie Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 I would love to electrify my commuting MTB.A simple swap out of the front hub for an electric one and the battery can easily be stored on the rear parcel tray. So even a lead acid wouldnt be a bad consideration. Ive got no issues riding the 18km each way but a motor will really help when im in a hurry to get home or to work and to use it on the hills will literally chop 15 min off my commute. Another huge benefit that no one has mentioned is that they also have the ability to regenerate power. I am less interested in the regeneration side as I am in the potential they then have as a stopping force.A electric motor under load is a great way to shed speed. Having a motor for stopping power means less maintenance on your braking system as well. The only thing you need after that is a belt drive system and you have a perfect commuting machine for all weather.
L.T.G Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 I realize it will out your budget range... retail was high 30's if I remember right.but maybe a demo will pop op somewhere sometime.. http://www.specialized.com/za/en/bikes/ebike/turbo-s/turbo-x
L.T.G Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 So what would be a reasonable e-bike for my wife?i have not looked at these at all. She had major hip surgery and cannot ride properly anymore (weak and starts to hurt).it would have to be a mountain bike and i reckon my max would R 20k. If i can convert her current bike properly that would be my first choice as she rides an XS. Any thoughts would be appreciated.post above meant for you DJ
DJ84 Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 post above meant for you DJ Thanks, Its a touch pricey and to get an XS secondhand wont be the easiest either.
DIPSLICK Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 L.T.G. do you know what that beast weighs,,, maybe its in the specs but i missed it
Pure Savage Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 On a mtb tour we did in April , 80-100 kms per day a good ( senior ) cyclist brought his wife along who was not a good cyclist but with her e bike she was able to do around 50 km per day with us untill the battery ran flat . Anyone that saw the joy on her face to being able to ride with us will never talk about lazy people on e bikes ever again .Very well put! It opens up the door for more and more cyclists, the more the merrier!
DJ84 Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 So who on the hub has done or does the conversions to MTBikes, I am dead keen on doing this and would like a bit of insight other than internet articles. Thanks.
Allrounder Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 You can also get a small petrol engine conversion kit on gumtree.
SwissVan Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 Very well put! It opens up the door for more and more cyclists, the more the merrier! Ja nee... I'm not so sure about that JA - its good to have more people cycling who would not normally consider cycling for various reasons (fitness, age, blah blah) NEE - They are pain in the arse / dangerous in the wrong hands and when they have to share cycling paths / roads with other users like pedestrians, conventional cyclists, joggers, who knows how bad it will get as they are becoming more and more popular. Here in switz authorities are reporting that the amount of accidents involving e-bike riders is increasing rapidly. I've had a few close encounters with them already and in every incident its because they move much faster then normal and are also relatively silent when approaching from behind. The law here says certain bikes (the ones with a certain capacity and capable of going over a certain speed [25kmh] I think it is are not allowed on pedestrian / bike paths but as usual cyclists don't seem to pay attention to those rules
Pure Savage Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 Ja nee... I'm not so sure about that JA - its good to have more people cycling who would not normally consider cycling for various reasons (fitness, age, blah blah) NEE - They are pain in the arse / dangerous in the wrong hands and when they have to share cycling paths / roads with other users like pedestrians, conventional cyclists, joggers, who knows how bad it will get as they are becoming more and more popular. Here in switz authorities are reporting that the amount of accidents involving e-bike riders is increasing rapidly. I've had a few close encounters with them already and in every incident its because they move much faster then normal and are also relatively silent when approaching from behind. The law here says certain bikes (the ones with a certain capacity and capable of going over a certain speed [25kmh] I think it is are not allowed on pedestrian / bike paths but as usual cyclists don't seem to pay attention to those rules An idiot on a ebike is the same as an idiot on a normal bike. I have met plenty of knobs on normal bikes that cause accidents. A knob is a knob, regardless of the device its on.
oli1234 Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 I have actually imported an e-bike not too long ago. I essentially bought a hub motor kit and a separate bike and did the conversion, which is very easy, myself Took some research to decide what the best option for my use would be; motor size (250w is the limit according to SA law before you need a license), motor position, battery size and type etc etc. The importing was a whole issue by itself. Like said, the battery just helps to take out the hills in your commute so that you don't arrive at work all sweaty. If anyone is interested in importing a bike, PM me, can help you out. Much cheaper than the ones sold in SA, and the critical parts are good quality. Will try post photo of actual bike a bit later
Pure Savage Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 I have actually imported an e-bike not too long ago. I essentially bought a hub motor kit and a separate bike and did the conversion, which is very easy, myself Took some research to decide what the best option for my use would be; motor size (250w is the limit according to SA law before you need a license), motor position, battery size and type etc etc. The importing was a whole issue by itself. Like said, the battery just helps to take out the hills in your commute so that you don't arrive at work all sweaty. If anyone is interested in importing a bike, PM me, can help you out. Much cheaper than the ones sold in SA, and the critical parts are good quality. Will try post photo of actual bike a bit laterAdd a picture!! Did you go with a lithium battery? Hub, crank or hidden down tube motor?
SwissVan Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 An idiot on a ebike is the same as an idiot on a normal bike. I have met plenty of knobs on normal bikes that cause accidents. A knob is a knob, regardless of the device its on. Jaaa BUT The knobbiness is proportional to speedThe faster the bigger
MaxUmis Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 Bike compressed.jpgFirst question: how is it that this bike stays upright?
oli1234 Posted July 2, 2015 Posted July 2, 2015 I built in a simple version of the segway giroscope that keeps it upright...its called a kickstand
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