Electric assistance

[Grandad]

An enquiry on behalf of a non computerised older club member who is considering some form of electric assistance.

He drives out to our meeting places and does not want a purpose built electric bike as they are too heavy to lift . He is considering an add-on motor driving the front wheel and ideally would like to be able to easily remove the front wheel and battery so that everything could be lifted into and carried inside the car rather than on a rack.

Any suggestions very welcome.

[hubgearfreak]

here's a more knowledgeable place. http://www.atob.org.uk/

[Ayesha]

Also

http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/

[[XAP]Bob]

Agreed - go to the specialists.

I'd suggest that a spare front wheel should be fine - hub motor in there makes life as easy as removing a coaster brake I *think*.

Of course he'll leave a fat cable on the bike - but one manufacturer did a bottle cage battery (saw that at earls court in '09)

[Cyclenut]

The unlikely named firm of Alien Ocean supply a hub motor conversion kit that has been recommended by a couple of CTC members, who use this assistance to keep up with their local clubrun on the hills.

[[XAP]Bob]

http://www.cytronex.com/

Them's the ones.

[Grandad]

Thanks everyone. Now to print off a lot of the info on the links.

[Cunobelin]

I "own" a couple of electric bikes and hence have some experience.

The first thing is that the 'add on" systems are not lighter and tend to be less efficient than inbuilt systems. They can also be more bulky and if carier based will afect other luggage capacity. Wiring can also be obtrusive and difficult to attach. Batteries are more difficult to remove in some cases, and in others less secure.

The true electric bikes are not light, but can be lighter than some of the add ons.

It will be an entirely personal taste, but many of the modern electric bikes will be OK. Batteries can be secured or slid in and out.

As above, do look at A to B and also look at electric bike hire as trying is often a revelation.

[Elizabethsdad]

I want to get electric assist for my main commuter bike and am currently awaiting the release of the Cytronex conversion kit. When it does come out sounds like it will fit your mates needs perfectly.

[[XAP]Bob]

I emailed them last week and they said the kit would be released "in a few months".

From what I saw at Earl's Court it's an excellent system

[catsnapper]

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/ is probably the best UK source of e-bike knowledge.

A good so called add on can be extremely efficient, not excessively heavy, and discrete, not to mention quite fast:)

A couple of slightly different examples:





Alan

[robbiedog]

Good morning Grandad, have a look at http://www.bh-emotion.co.uk/ for some light weight electric bicycles.

[malx]

I believe there is a Shropshire based shop where you can try out different types of electric bikes - does anyone have its details?

My concern is that - for those say that have health issues - electric bikes will help with the pedalling but wont help with other "fatigue" related aspects of cycling (eg wrists, hands, backs) and, because of the extra weight, may even add to the fatigue. Very happy to be corrected - so would be interested in those with more experience than me.

(My interest is for someone who was a very experienced cyclist - could knock off 2 century rides in successive days - but now, with severe arthritis, finds a day out of two 10 mile spins very tiring.)

[[XAP]Bob]

Can I suggest looking at a recumbent, with electric assist. The 'bent will reduce neck, back, shoulder, wrist etc. Fatigue to virtually nil, the asssist would help with leg fatigue...

[malx]

many thanks - indeed that's the other option