Berkeley CSUA MOTD:Entry 46772
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2025/07/08 [General] UID:1000 Activity:popular
7/8     

2007/5/27-30 [Science/Electric] UID:46772 Activity:nil
5/27    Nice electric hybrid bicycles:
        http://www.electric-bikes.com/bikes/bikes.html#Charger%20Bicycles
        At 30MPH, eGO is my favorite out there.
        \_ At 30mpg, driver's license should be required.
        \_ Isn't a powered bicycles sort of not the point?
        \_ if it has a motor, it's not a bicycle.
2025/07/08 [General] UID:1000 Activity:popular
7/8     

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www.electric-bikes.com/bikes/bikes.html#Charger%20Bicycles
ElecTrec Electric Bike Here's the next big step in electric bike price/performance. Imagine a bike similar to the well-regarded pre-2006 Currie bike with a full suspension frame, a better battery system, a motorcycle-style kickstand, better drive system, and superior quality throughout! Like the Currie, the ElecTrec has a lot of torque, independent human and electric drive systems, and a drive system that freewheels when not in use. The electronics shut the motor off at 80% battery discharge to avoid a full discharge (which really shortens the life of lead-acid batteries). The ElecTrec is an 8-speed bike that uses standard bike parts. Seats, handlebars, brakes and other non-electric parts can be found at a supercenter or bike store. The 2007 ElecTrec succeeds the highly popular LashOut bike. Improvements over the LashOut include: * a high-end 600-watt MAC Hi-Torque Brushless Motor that "climbs hills like a mountain goat". Powerpack Motors offers high performance brushless motors that are compatible with the ElecTrec electric bikes. The external controllers require 36 or 48 volts (36V and 48V provide higher torque and speed), so you'll need to think about batteries, wiring and chargers also. For those on a tight budget, the Synergy Cycle offers an alternative to the ElecTrec. Using a similar design, the Synergy Cycle evolved earlier and doesn't incorporate the new ElecTrec features listed above. Although the Synergy Cycle will undergo major changes soon (the new models will use a hub motor), most parts are compatible with the ElecTrec. Charger Bicycles Unlike other designs that have a "throttle" or on/off switch, the Charger responds to pedaling. The half-horsepower (sustained power rate) electric motor uses programmable "torque-sensing" electronic controls to boost power in direct proportion to the rider's pedaling effort. The torque measurement system, a patent pending technology called the Impulse System(TM), communicates with the Charger's on-board computer to provide additional power to the rear wheel. to add half, add equal, or multiply by up to 3, or 4 times your own effort. Originally priced at $1,500 ($1,700 with RockShox), the Charger allows for a range of up to 40 miles with assisted speeds of up to 20 miles per hour--the legal maximum assist speed in most States. Beyond this speed you're on your own as the motor freewheels with no drag. The Charger can be fully re-charged in 4 hours via the on-board charging system. Other features include: easy-to-use seven-speed Shimano Nexus shifting system; a two-chain drive system to ensure positive drive in all conditions; and easy quick-release for detaching the 24-volt drive system and its batteries. Because it powers through the gearing system, the motor assist works well climbing hills and speeding along the flats. A five button membrane switch allows you to enter a user defined PIN to turn on the system. Select Standby mode (no assist) or levels 1 through 4 At any time, use this keypad to check the state of charge of the battery pack. The system will automatically turn itself off after a period of idle time. This automatic electronic locking discourages theft and 'joy rides'. The battery-and-electronics pack is completely removable. Just pop the battery pack off the bike and lock your Charger bike to the closest bike rack. When choosing between a Charger and a ElecTrec/Synergy Cycle, consider what type of cyclist you are, the range you need to cover, planned use, and terrain. Although another LEV may fit your particular needs better, these e-bikes combine comfort, speed, and range to create a practical substitute for most car trips. They're "state of the art" until the next major change (full enclosure to protect the rider from the elements). As your commute or travel distance approaches and exceeds ten miles, we encourage you to try a betterbike. They represent the state-of-the-art and can offer a no-pedaling speed of 20 mph for 20 miles. Other betterbikes offer speeds up to 30+ mph and distances exceeding 100 miles. This increased range and speed (compared to conventional e-bikes) results from streamlining + extra batteries. Reclined seating reduces the wind drag which is - by far - the biggest hurdle to faster e-bike speeds. Increased safety comes from being closer to the ground (hurts less when you fall) and having your feet in front (no head-first crashes). The bigger battery load increases possibilities in both range and speed. Combining higher speeds with Barcalounger comfort enables most folks to cover twice the range they would go on a conventional e-bike. When looking for an e-bike, too many people concentrate on the motor, when the bike is far more important. The bike's comfort, handling and riding characteristics determine whether or not your e-bike is a pleasure or a pain. EcoSpeed offers kits to convert various recumbent bikes. They offer kits for the EZ-1, EZ-3, and Sport models from Sun, and the Gold Rush and Tour Easy models from Easy Racers. Although higher priced than the ElectroPortal offering, these mid-drive kits allow for customized gearing and higher performance. Day 6 Bicycles offer safety and comfort similar to a recumbent but with the look and feel of a standard upright bike. The extended wheelbase and forward-positioned pedals allow riders to easily place their feet flat on the ground. Although it comes with a standard bicycle sadle, a medical grade seat with padded back and lumbar is also available. The swept-back handlebars combined with feet-forward position provide a surprisingly comfortable ride. the weight of the motor plus the rake of the forks causes "oversteer" with a front-mounted hub motor. Primarily designed as a commuter vehicle, the Aerorider's electric drive assist supports speeds up to 50 km/h but can be limited depending on national legislation. Because it has 3 wheels and full bodywork, the driver is not obliged to wear a helmet. Giant Bicycle Company is one of the world's leading bicycle manufacturers. Giant is consistently rated very high by US bicycle dealers, and the only bicycle industry company on the Forbes 200 List of Outstanding Companies Worldwide. The Lite (pictured on the left and also available in a step-thru model) incorporates a pedal-activated drive system by Panasonic, the #1 electric bike manufacturer on the huge, sophisticated models Japanese market. The system is highly intuitive (as you step gently on the pedal, the power rushes in), offers strong torque for take-off, hills and assists up to 19 mph (depending on rear sprocket choice). The nominal 240-390 Watt Lite performs comparably under power with 400-500 Watt ebikes due to its superior design, efficiency, leverage (motor driving through 5 speeds) and light weight, while providing up to several times the range of most lead-acid batteried bikes. Range is exceptional due to system efficiency, the motor driving through 5 gears, and advanced NiMH battery technology. It offers exceptional ease of pedalling in power-off mode, and weighs only 39 lbs without its 8 lb, quick-release pack. htm The Suede E (pictured on the right and also available in a slope model) differs from the Lite in these ways: It has the cruiser look, of course. The SuedeE comes with a 7-speed derailleur shifter rather than a 5-speed internal hub. It is powered by a US-designed front hub motor, versus the Lite's bottom bracket-placed motor. The SuedeE offers a 9AH (versus 65AH for the Lite) NiMH battery--and VPC (variable power control). htm The Suede E incorporates Giant's patented VPC (variable power control) system for three easy and intuitive operating modes: * Step lightly on the pedal and power rushes in as long as you pedal lightly (aka "ped-elec"). Touch one of the brake levers and you are back in ped-elec mode. These new "e-hybrid" bikes offer the feel, handling and ease of pedalling associated, until now, only with a quality pedal-only comfort bicycle. eZeebike (eZee) The eZeeBike has been a successful and sought-after line of e-bikes in Europe that are now available in the United States. Range of 30 miles and top assisted speed of 20 mph is possible with the three standard (non-folding)...