Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I live just close enough to work that I could take a bike instead of driving. The thing is, I sweat wayyyy too easily so I first considered a scooter. After some research, keeping up with maintenance, storage, and having to get a license if the scooter was 50cc+, I figured it wasn't worth it.
Then I came across some electric bikes. I did my research once again and found that domestic electric bikes are not as efficient as European. I got the latest model of this bike from REI[dot]com.
This bike comes with a wheel lock, a chain to lock the bike up, front LED light powered by the front wheel, and a back light that is powered by the vibrations of riding.
I just took the bike out today for about an hour (the longest I have used this bike so far) I probably road about 5 miles (maybe more) with many MANY hills and the battery still has about 3/4ths of a charge left.
Just to see how much I was being spoiled by this electric assisted motor, I turned off the battery at one point and it was so difficult. That's how you know you get your moneys worth!
Anyways, the way the bike works is that the moment you start peddling the motor will kick in and boost you speed so that you can peddle comfortably while maintaining a speed of about 15 mph. Even up hill, you may not go 15mph but you do about 5 - 10 (depends on the hill) which is awesome. While riding my bike today I passed all the other bikers on the trail while going up hill and I watched their faces becomes confused because they have no idea how I look so calm while moving faster than the rest of them. It was awesome!
The only reason why I say to purchase this bike at REI is because they have the latest models and they offer free professional assembly if you do in-store-pickup and free shipping. Their website might say that the bike is 2g's but sometimes they have a bike special of 20% off.
In conclusion, I love this bike and it seems like it will last me a long time.
EDIT: according to google maps, my bike ride was about 12.5 miles and the battery is at least 2/3rds charged
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Urban Mover Sprite Men's Electric Hybrid Bike (26-Inch Wheels)The most popular form of transportation in the world is the bicycle, but few Americans take it seriously as a car alternative. Enter the Urban Mover men's Sprite electric hybrid bike, a battery-powered bicycle that can go farther and faster than a conventional bike with little effort. The Sprite is outfitted with such traditional bike features as a lightweight, double heat-treated alloy frame, a Shimano Tourney gear set and shifter, and 26-inch alloy wheel rims with stainless-steel spokes. It's the advanced Panasonic lithium battery and powerful UM brushless hub motor that really steal the show, however. The electric assistance makes it easy to pop into town for groceries or commute across the city, because the bike's sensor detects how hard you're riding and instantly matches the effort. Even a casual peddler can maintain speeds of 12 to 18 miles per hour with a minimum of effort. And when you stop peddling, the power is interrupted immediately so that you're always in total control. It's the perfect bike for commuters tired of facing traffic jams day in and day out or dealing with the spiraling costs of car ownership.
The Sprite offers a real alternative to the social and fiscal costs of driving. Maintenance and fuel costs are minimal, with the electricity for charging the fuel checking in at about 10 cents for every 12 to 18 miles (the charger works in standard outlets and charges in less than six hours). In addition, the bike effectively flattens hills by increasing your average speed on the approach, making it simple to climb hills of up to 12 percent without collapsing in exhaustion. And although it won't keep you as fit as a conventional bike, the Sprite will get you outdoors and moving. Perhaps the most popular feature, however, is the emission-free design, which is far cleaner and greener than carbon-based transportation. And if you charge the bike using power from a wind generator or solar panels, you'll be even greener. All that plus it doesn't smell or rattle, is completely silent, and is easy to maintain.
Bike Features:
Lightweight, double heat-treated aluminum alloy hybrid frame
Fully sealed bearing system
26-inch alloy wheels with stainless-steel spokes
Shimano Tourney 6-speed derailleur gears
Shimano Tourney thumb shift gear change
Kenda K series puncture-resistant tires
Kenda self-sealing inner tubes
Suspension seat post
Sealed headset and crank bearings
Variable pedal assist control
Tektro V-type front and rear brakes
Patented locking side release battery mechanism
Handlebar mounted charge indicator
UM-V sprung gel comfort saddle with quick-release mechanism
Rear alloy parcel rack
Metallic royal blue finish
5-year frame warranty; 1-year warranty on components and battery
Specifications:
System voltage: 26 volts
Battery pack: Panasonic lithium ion 26-volt, 9 Ah
Digital battery charger: 110 to 240 volts, (50 to 60 Hz)
USA motor rating: 250 watts, 26 volts
Motor type: Brushless with single-stage planetary gearing
Motor controller type: Digital VPAC
Gradient capability: Up to 12 percent
Maximum range (VPAC motor assisted): 21 miles
Maximum speed: 15 miles per hour
Wheel size: 26 inches
Rims/spokes: Alloy/stainless steel
Brake: V-brake front and rear
Rear gear set: Shimano Tourney 6 speed
Rear parcel rack and carrier: Yes
Full-chromed ABS mud-guard set: Yes
Bottom crank size: 48T
Saddle model and type: UM-V comfort sprung gel
Frame size: 21 inches
Frame length: 72 inches
Wheel base: 45.5 inches
Weight: 43.5 pounds
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