Electric bikes

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 29 Jul 2012, 17:29

As a one off, your idea may work, but if it got popular, I'm sure TPTB would see it as a source of income, or find some way to regulate it.

Little John · Post by **Little John** » 29 Jul 2012, 17:30

JohnB wrote:As a one off, your idea may work, but if it got popular, I'm sure TPTB would see it as a source of income, or find some way to regulate it.

You can bet on it....

JavaScriptDonkey · Post by **JavaScriptDonkey** » 29 Jul 2012, 18:36

stevecook172001 wrote:I've just read something very interesting on the web. Apparently, the government is scrapping the requirement for MOT and tax for all vintage vehicles. Therefore, I could conceivably get hold of a vintage Velo Solex and seriously extend the seat post and handlebar stem and the only thing I would be looking at would be vintage bike insurance.

Vehicles pre-1960 will be MoT exempt from September.

Vehicles pre-1973 are already Tax exempt.

You will still be subject to the various RTA requirements for a motor vehicle it's just that it doesn't need an annual test.

Also,

Electric vehicles
"Vehicles run by electricity will need to be taxed in the ‘electric vehicle’ tax class. The electricity must come from an external source or an electric storage battery, which is not connected to any source of power when the vehicle is moving."

Little John · Post by **Little John** » 29 Jul 2012, 18:40

JavaScriptDonkey wrote:
stevecook172001 wrote:I've just read something very interesting on the web. Apparently, the government is scrapping the requirement for MOT and tax for all vintage vehicles. Therefore, I could conceivably get hold of a vintage Velo Solex and seriously extend the seat post and handlebar stem and the only thing I would be looking at would be vintage bike insurance.
Vehicles pre-1960 will be MoT exempt from September.

Vehicles pre-1973 are already Tax exempt.

You will still be subject to the various RTA requirements for a motor vehicle it's just that it doesn't need an annual test.

Also,

Electric vehicles
"Vehicles run by electricity will need to be taxed in the ‘electric vehicle’ tax class. The electricity must come from an external source or an electric storage battery, which is not connected to any source of power when the vehicle is moving."

Vintage vehicles, so long as they are fit to drive according to their original specifications, automatically fall under the RTA requirements as a function of being road legal vehicles at time of production and initial sale

Also, I am pretty confident that the above "connected to any source of power when the vehicle is moving" is referring to an actual source that is not part of the vehicle. That's the only way that the first and second part of the sentence make any sense. In other words, an on-board generator falls under "external source or an electric storage battery" and so, logically, cannot fall under "connected to any source of power when the vehicle is moving",

Post by **clv101** » 29 Jul 2012, 18:46

Time to buy a 1950's Land Rover, with a modern diesel engine transplant?

Little John · Post by **Little John** » 29 Jul 2012, 18:48

clv101 wrote:Time to buy a 1950's Land Rover, with a modern diesel engine transplant?

I'd recommend sticking with the original engine if possible due to the likely much higher tolerance for WVO.

imakebiodiesel · Post by **imakebiodiesel** » 01 Aug 2012, 10:15

Most electric bikes are standard sized conventional frames with an electric kit. They are not much good for tallr people. In any case you are paying a premium price for a cheap Chinese bike.
You would be better to convert your existing bike, its really not difficult.
Another option might be to build a pusher trailer, an electrically powered trailer that pushes you and your bike when you need it. I have provided a link to the Atomic Zombie site that sell plans for all sorts of weird and wonderful wheeled devices. I have a friend who built one of their recumbent bikes and found the plans very good and easy to follow.
http://www.atomiczombie.com/CycleBully% ... ailer.aspx

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 01 Aug 2012, 17:01

That is excellent. I want one.

SleeperService · Post by **SleeperService** » 01 Aug 2012, 20:35

I'm quite interested in that idea but have a question. Is the power on all the time to the trailer wheel or is it switchable? I'm thinking of stopping and extending the range here.

imakebiodiesel · Post by **imakebiodiesel** » 01 Aug 2012, 21:23

The power controller is connected by a cable to a throttle on the hand grip on the bike. So when you want help you turn the throttle and the electric power comes on gradually. If you release the throttle or touch the brake levers the power is cut off.
You would some sort of plug and socket arrangement so that you could detach the trailer when you dont need it.

Little John · Post by **Little John** » 01 Aug 2012, 22:09

SleeperService wrote:I'm quite interested in that idea but have a question. Is the power on all the time to the trailer wheel or is it switchable? I'm thinking of stopping and extending the range here.

That merely comes down to the controller you use. These kind of hub motors usually come as off the shelf plug and play kits, so shutting off the power should come as a standard feature

I've just bought the plan off that site and downloaded it. It's a pretty damned good plan. Nothing left to interpretation. Also, the construction has been set up deliberately such that you need the minimum of tools to complete.

Very nice.

imakebiodiesel · Post by **imakebiodiesel** » 02 Aug 2012, 00:15

I believe their plans are very good and use the minimum of expensive tools and equipment.
I have posted a link below to the type of electric kit needed to complete such a trailer. 250w at 36 volt will be powerful enough for most needs, although a smaller wheel would be needed.
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/8Fun-26-Ebike-El ... 4ab3228865 Im not recommending this particular one, just posting it as an example. If you live in Ireland I would recommend buying it from a local dealer like Goeco who will provide a decent backup service.

Little John · Post by **Little John** » 02 Aug 2012, 05:52

imakebiodiesel wrote:I believe their plans are very good and use the minimum of expensive tools and equipment.
I have posted a link below to the type of electric kit needed to complete such a trailer. 250w at 36 volt will be powerful enough for most needs, although a smaller wheel would be needed.
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/8Fun-26-Ebike-El ... 4ab3228865 Im not recommending this particular one, just posting it as an example. If you live in Ireland I would recommend buying it from a local dealer like Goeco who will provide a decent backup service.

What do you reckon to "GoldenMotors", the Chinese firm? They are all over the internet and they are massively cheaper than the motor you have linked to. Also, I am six foot five inches tall and weigh a bit over sixteen stone. I am aware of the legalities involved, but a 250 watt motor is simply going to be unfairly insufficient for someone my size and weight.

imakebiodiesel · Post by **imakebiodiesel** » 02 Aug 2012, 10:02

I went to the golden motors site and entered the same details as my own kit, the price they quoted incl shipping was 830 us dollars. Mine cost 600 euros here in Ireland.
I find 250 watt motor sufficient for my use. Im 6 foot and 14 stone. I cycle about 15 miles per trip. A 500w motor will provide you with more maximum power but will use up your battery power more quickly. so you may need a larger capacity battery.

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 02 Aug 2012, 10:11

imakebiodiesel wrote:http://www.ebay.ie/itm/8Fun-26-Ebike-El ... 4ab3228865

Heh heh: "This kit includes all the parts you need to convert your normal road or mountain bike into a green electric bike." So adding electric gubbins and batteries 'greens' your transport!

Beware of spin absolutely everywhere, including your wheels.