Electric Bikes

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kotuku4

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#181171 5-Oct-2015 11:12

Hi
Just looking at E bikes. I know this has been discussed in the past.

I have a short commute to work flat, but strong Northwest winds can make it very slow going getting home in the evenings. I seldom cycle because of this. I am overweight, have a leg injury and want to use the bike more, pedal assist for faster travel and head winds. I have 4.8kW grid connected Solar PV and a 65W 12v panel, controller, batteries in the shed for charging, stereo etc.

I have an old but well looked after Avanti Explorer 700c I was considering converting.
A supplier offered a good quality front drive kit, but almost $1900. Shimano does not recommend driving power thru the mid drive section, except pedal power.

This cost leads to other dedicated e bike options such as Volto or Smart Motion or others in the $1500-2500 price range. Not really interested higher priced stuff.

Or import bits DIY options. My bike has single wall rims and added weight may not be a great idea.

Has anyone had experience with Volto v Smart Motion or other suggestions.

I'm based in Blenheim, and was looking at kit from Nelson.

kotuku4

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#1400365 5-Oct-2015 15:48

Ok i've seen a Volto TDE03Z in a local bike shop today. Looks to be well made for a low cost $1799 E bike. Probably all I need for short commutes and round town fooling around?

1eStar

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#1400735 6-Oct-2015 09:43

If I was going to convert a bicycle, I'd look closely at importing a bafang bbs02 mid-drive kit. They are available in various voltage and wattage permutations. Note that in NZ if you install a motor greater than 300w it is no longer considered an electric assist bicycle and you would have to register it as a moped if you intended to use it legally on NZ roads.

1eStar

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#1400739 6-Oct-2015 09:48

The seller of most reknown and repute who modifies the software for best riding is the link I'll add here. Sorry you'll have to cut and paste as I'm using the mobile site.

http://em3ev.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=174

kotuku4

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#1400756 6-Oct-2015 10:00

Hi I've looked at some kits, including the Bagfun mid drive systems.
Volto nzebikes.co.nz also do a mid drive kit. Although it's not recommended for my bike apparently.

My analysis the drive kit, a quality battery and charger cost is close to cost of a volto ebike, with current exchange rates.
But I have inferior brakes, wheels, battery is an unknown. And it's a kit bike, not ready to ride bike with warranty.

I was thinking the more expensive Smart motion may be better quality or more robust as was originally designed for NZpost.

But the volto should be sufficient for my use.

kiwipawl

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#1400782 6-Oct-2015 10:41

Have you checked these guys out

http://www.smart-power-e-vehicles.co.nz/

kotuku4

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#1401001 6-Oct-2015 13:51

I had some further advice that mid drive puts too much torque though the chain drive.

Small town limited options, I looked at a Smart Motion e urban 300 in a bike shop, very nice with all the fruit. An integrated rear wheel lock, nice lights, and LCD display panel. Flying cat and BH bikes prettier and much more expensive, beyond my current budget and needs.

Test rode the Volto TDE03Z - 300W, freshly assembled off the workshop stand. Nice big robust looking (compared to a standard bike), black mat finish, simple controls with led indicator lights. Three pedal assist modes/power settings plus twist grip throttle. First ride impressions, these bikes are heavy to wheel around but great to ride, be aware of speed and time to slow down.
It looks to be best valve bike out there at the moment for my use. I will add a wireless speedo and a small bag on the back. Allowing for minor maintenance I expect it will serve for four years at about $500 per year, plus a few bucks a week in charging (offset with existing solar PV, or top up now and then at work...Shush!).

It has brushless rear hub motor and I understand that you need to check the spokes regularly, especially if pushing it hard.

I welcome advice on other bikes and kits, as I expect the family of e bikes to grow in future.

1eStar

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#1401108 6-Oct-2015 16:11

It would seem you've found your commuting bike. Now your offroad bike should be a Haibike with either Bosch or Yamaha centre drive. If I could, I would!

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

1eStar

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#1401346 6-Oct-2015 21:28

https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/haibike-electric-bikes

£12999 for the nicest one...

kotuku4

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#1401471 7-Oct-2015 08:37

13,489 with all the options!. Hah only a piddly 250W motor.

Geektastic

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#1404048 11-Oct-2015 22:24

I saw a very nice one (which I have completely forgotten the name of) in which the battery was built into the tubing of the frame and it looked pretty much like a normal bike.

It was very smart but buggered if I can remember the make.

EDIT - it was a Dutch company, Vanmoof.

stocksp

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#1404082 12-Oct-2015 07:14

I must admit as a cyclist who rides to work every day, I do get sick of people on these things effortlessly going up hills past me. It's cheating !

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#1404150 12-Oct-2015 10:35

stocksp: I must admit as a cyclist who rides to work every day, I do get sick of people on these things effortlessly going up hills past me. It's cheating !

As I drive around NZ with clients, I see a lot of cycle tourists slogging up hills with bikes laden with gear that weighs almost as much as they do.

The common factor is that, despite their being on vacation and having paid to be here, not a one of them ever looks even slightly happy...!!

Best of all is the ones you see about 5km out of Haast, heading toward Wanaka. I always think "If only you knew just how far and how long it will be until you get to go downhill again...!"

kotuku4

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#1404807 13-Oct-2015 09:28

stocksp: I must admit as a cyclist who rides to work every day, I do get sick of people on these things effortlessly going up hills past me. It's cheating !

Don't get mad, get even! And yes it most certainly is cheating!

I have to take care to slow down for intersections, and more congested areas.

With a short commute with an average speed around 30km/h it's not noticeably slower than taking the car.
Except if I stop for an Ale on the way home.