Showing posts with label motorized bicycle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motorized bicycle. Show all posts

7/03/2012

Currie EZip Trailz Men's Electric Bike Review

Currie EZip Trailz Men's Electric Bike
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
After three test-rides, and having contemplated retro-fitting one of our existing bikes with a Currie electric drive, we decided to go ahead and purchase this bike. As the adage goes, "you get what you pay for" - which is certainly the case with this bike. I didn't expect top-of-the-line componentry, but I did expect better functionality with certain aspects of the build.
As I've ridden it around town, I found that the shifting is a bit clumsy - even after numerous adjustments to the derallieur. I was also aware of the total weight when I purchased it - nearly 70 lbs when one battery is installed - and have come to the conclusion that it is NOT a bike an average person can easily ride around without frequently using the electric assist; it's really a tank (even compared with my Xtracycle loaded with 50 lbs of groceries). I also was sad to discover that my Sunlite pannier could not be attached to the non-battery side of the rear rack because the hooks (on panier) are not set wide enough apart to span the battery placement gap. Another everyday annoyance is the fact that there is no quick-release lever on the front wheel making it a pain if you need to remove the wheel (flat, transport, etc.).
Maybe I can overlook most of the above, but the real headaches came when I got a flat on the rear tire. There is nothing - in Currie's documentation or on their website - that gives any indication on how to remove the rear wheel when you need to replace a tube. I searched forums and everywhere else I could, and came learn that in order to remove the rear wheel, you have to REMOVE THE ENTIRE MOTOR ASSEMBLY - which is not a simple procedure. And, since the motor/drive housing is hardwired (rather than having a plug-in connection) you have to figure out a way to support the motor while it is hanging disconnected from the wheel. This was the worst flat-repair job I have ever had to deal with - and definitely not something that could be accomplished out on the road, even if you had all of the tools you end up needing. I immediately went and replaced both tires with puncture-proof (resistant) tires - and if you are considering buying one of these bikes, I would definitely recommend you have this change made, preferably before you take delivery.
Bottom line: So far the electric assist modes have worked well during riding. It is a heavy, clumsy bike - and really meant to be ridden with the electric motor engaged most of the time, rather than without. I'm not convinced that the distance ratings are accurate. I suspect a more truthful average is 15-18 mi/per single battery. I am totally not impressed with the support or documentation offered by the manufacturer (Currie), and I see alot of room for small but significant improvements on the basic bicycle (quick releases, please!!!). Worth the $500? ... the verdict is still out for me. I think you can buy a higher quality commuter bike for a similar pricetag - it all depends how much effort you are looking to save riding an ebike.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Currie EZip Trailz Men's Electric Bike



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6/24/2012

Currie EZip Eco Ride Electric Bike Review

Currie EZip Eco Ride Electric Bike
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Wow, what a fun bike! This bike provides much more than I expected....it is sturdy, well manufactured and fun to use. The battery charges easily and allows you to travel great distances: roughly 20 miles per charge. The bike was easy to assemble and has been a very reliable mode of transportation since I bought it. It has allowed me to get outdoors on a regular basis, to exercise more and to rely on my car less. I couldn't have asked for anything more! I would definitely buy this for a friend or loved one.

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6/13/2012

Urban Mover Sprite Men's Electric Hybrid Bike (26-Inch Wheels) Review

Urban Mover Sprite Men's Electric Hybrid Bike (26-Inch Wheels)
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

Click Here to see more reviews about: 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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6/10/2012

Urban Mover Glider Mountain Electric Bike (26-Inch Wheels) Review

Urban Mover Glider Mountain Electric Bike (26-Inch Wheels)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I feel I have to warn people about this bike, which I bought largely for its good looks - yes, it leaves other electric bikes in the shade. Although I bought it less than two years ago, I have got less than 40 miles out of it. The battery (not lithium as advertised) is supposed to do at least 20 miles; in my experience, it did no more than 15 and cycling it home on wet evenings into a headwind was not funny. The power guage on the battery didn't work - ever - and yes, I should have sent it back immediately but I didn't. Instead I went back to an ordinary bike (I have been a cyclist all my life which may colour my view of this bike).
When I tried to cycle the Urban Mover again, the battery had completely died. So I got it replaced. The new one was no better. Add to that a very uncomfortable saddle, handlebars that can't be adjusted, and only five gears; any cycle over 10 minutes was a pain not a pleasure. What you have is an OK if heavy 5-gear bike which should cost about $300 bumped to many times more than that because it is electrified. To say I am annoyed at having wasted so much money is an understatement. I am not at all convinced that battery technology is good enough for any bike yet - even the top of the range batteries are very heavy and of uncertain reliability. Any one considering buying one should also try a quality road bike for comparison. They may find themselves surprised at how easy they are to cycle.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Urban Mover Glider Mountain Electric 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 Glider electric mountain bike, a battery-powered bicycle that can go farther and faster than a conventional bike with little effort. The Glider is outfitted with such traditional bike features as a lightweight, double heat-treated alloy frame, a Shimano Tourney gear set and shifter, and 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 Glider 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 Glider 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 alloy frame
Fully sealed bearing system
Kenda puncture-resistant tires and tubes
High-quality Tektro V-type brakes
26-inch, double-rim, multi-terrain wheels
Advanced Lithium battery by Panasonic
Patented side-loading locking battery
Shimano Tourney gear set and shifter
Powerful UM brushless hub motor
Sports gel saddle
VPAC advanced motor control system
Professional telescopic front suspension
Mono sports ABS MTB mudguards
Special semi-matte black paint 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: 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
Gear shifter: Shimano thumb shift
Bottom crank size: 48T
Saddle model and type: UM-V sport gel
Frame size: 19 or 21 inches
Frame length: 72 inches
Wheel base: 47 inches
Weight: 43.5 pounds



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5/30/2012

E-Zip Mountain Trailz Electric Bicycle, Model# EZ-MT8-BL Review

E-Zip Mountain Trailz Electric Bicycle, Model# EZ-MT8-BL
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Assembly: I've never assembled a bicycle before, but some assembly is required for the e-zip. I managed to put it together in about 3-4 hours, and someone with experience could probably do it in 1-2 hours. Some parts of the instructions aren't terribly clear, but not too much assembly is necessary. The electric components are already installed, so it's just a matter of putting together the handlebars, front wheel and brakes, and seat.
Range: The claim is that this bike has a range of 18-24 miles, but I don't think this is accurate. My bike will go about 13 miles before the engine appears to run out of energy. The battery indicator says that there's still almost half the energy left in the battery at that point, as there should be, but it acts as though it's run out of juice.
Fortunately my bike commute is just 13 miles, so I can manage with the reduced range. A couple of times when I haven't put as much effort into pedalling, it's run out of juice on me after just about 10 miles, and it's a tough bike to pedal without the electric motor going as it's so heavy. As long as I put some decent effort into pedalling and go a little easy on the throttle, it will get me the 13 miles. You actually don't want to go much further than that anyway, because sealed lead acid battery life is significantly reduced when the battery is discharged more than 80%.
Performance: On my regular mountain/road hybrid bike, my commute takes about an hour, averaging about 13 mph. On this electric bike, the commute takes about 50 minutes averaging about 15 mph. The ride takes significantly less energy, as the throttle makes pedalling much easier. Accelerating and climbing hills (and going against a headwind) in particular are a piece of cake in comparison.
The bike has 7 gears, but I only use about 4, if that many. Most of my ride is spent in the lowest gear going at about 17 mph. If I'm climbing a hill I'll probably drop it down a gear or two until I reach the top. As I mentioned, the motor is engaged with a throttle on the right handlebar, below which is a battery level indicator (full/half/empty). The battery attaches into a slot on either side of the rack on the back of the bike (only 1 battery is provided and necessary). The bike is pretty heavy (50-60 pounds), especially with the heavy lead battery on board. The charger is included and the battery is removable, so you can take it off and bring it with you for recharging.
Battery: Recharging usually takes me 4 hours. The charger claims it takes 6-8 hours, but that's probably if the battery is fully discharged (and you don't want it to be, as that will reduce the battery lifetime, as mentioned). It costs about 0.2 cents per mile (2 cents per ten miles) to recharge the battery, so it's practically free. The battery should last 150-300 charges, and costs about $100 to replace. You also want to recharge it immediately after use to maximize the lifetime of the battery. When I get to work I bring the charger and battery inside and recharge it at my desk, and do the same at home.
The only complaints I have are that I wish the range were a little better and the bike were a bit lighter. A few of the parts are a bit on the cheap side (like the seat), but easily replaceable with better parts if you're so inclined. For $350 I really can't complain. An electric bike conversion kit on its own will cost close to $300, and a regular mountain bike on its own will cost on the order of $400, so $350 for a combination of the two is great. I didn't find any other electric bikes for under $500, so this bike is a great value as long as you don't need to go more than 13 miles at a time.

Click Here to see more reviews about: E-Zip Mountain Trailz Electric Bicycle, Model# EZ-MT8-BL

All-terrain bicycle boasts a mountain-style steel frame. Reaches a top speed of 15 MPH and has up to 20 mile range with normal pedaling! For ages 13 and up; not to exceed 240 lbs.

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5/13/2012

IZIP Trailz Enlightened Men's Medium Review

IZIP Trailz Enlightened Men's Medium
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've had this Trailz Enlightened IZip bike for a month now an have been riding it almost 20 miles a day commuting to work. So far, it's been great!
I heard a redesigned model will be coming out soon for 2011 so they are selling the remaining 2010 models for a grand now. Keep in mind a battery replacement costs half the price of the bike so I hope it lasts at least a few years. The Lithium batteries are supposed to last a lot longer and handle more charges so it should be fine. It comes with a year warranty from the manufacturer for bike and battery. The manufacturer has been very helpful over the phone answering questions.
I got caught in a heavy rain storm a week ago and was worried it might damage the bike but it worked fine in the rain and since. I was thinking I might caulk the bottom of the bike a little to make it more waterproof but I haven't gotten around to it yet.
It has 21 gears, disc brakes, front shocks, and really looks like a regular bike. I don't think anyone suspects it's electric assisted. Oh, and it's really quiet. The electric assist on this bike is just an assist, you have to pedal but it does about half the work for you. Even though it's heavier than a standard bike, if the battery goes runs out it works fine as a regular 21 speed bike to get you home.


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8/14/2011

SCOOTER Accessories BAG w/light and bell Review

SCOOTER Accessories BAG w/light and bell
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(More customer reviews)
it very help full and strong to carry very heavy little items every where you go with a bike or electric scooter, the bag will fit you electric scooter more then all other bags', buy it and you be more then happy with it you see, buy from amazon and get it faster

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