Hoarding is exactly what the government is doing right now by filling the SPR, and frankly it's the best thing that could happen. It drives prices up. High prices encourage demand destruction. They also finance new well development. The hoarded oil gives us a buffer to fall back on once shortages become more prevalent. High prices are what we need in order to adapt to what's coming, and the sooner they happen, the better.
Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:28 pm Post subject: I'm starting to love my electric bike
After working at the same location for 21 years, I started commuting with an electric bike, have done it five times now. The bike is starting to feel like an extension of my body now, I am familiar with its nuances.
Its a 17 km trip, and it takes me an hour. So, I am not pushing it, but a big drag is all the stop lights. Second is having to be vigilant for cars turning and the like. But, the electric motor keeps it moving up smartly on hills with my assistance, I pedal but not the heavy effort, sweaty kind of pedalling.
After 21 years of this same commute, I am now seeing parts of the community I never noticed before in the car (or the bus). And, though its an hour, its just 20-25 minutes longer than by car, due to the traffic. So, I am getting a 60 minute exercise session in just 20 extra minutes.
Its so cool to go to work and back for less than a nickel. Its actually kind of fun to see the big gas station signs reminding me that gas is $1.22 a liter now.
Joined: Apr 16, 2008 Posts: 40 Location: New Zealand
Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:44 pm Post subject: Re: I'm starting to love my electric bike
What kind of bike did you buy? I've been thinking of getting one, could be a useful to compare. _________________ "I'm here to fight for truth, and justice, and the American way" - Superman
Moped
Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:54 pm Post subject: Re: I'm starting to love my electric bike
Moped wrote:
What kind of bike did you buy? I've been thinking of getting one, could be a useful to compare.
I got an I-Zip Mountain Trailz. It was demonstrator sold by a dealer from Quebec City on Ebay. I think I got a really good deal on it. Just the basics of the bike, including front shocks and disc brakes made it worth the price even disregarding the electric aspect. And, it only cost me $25 for shipping by Purolator. One big goof up on my part was not adjusting the rear derailleur properly, I think it shifted in shipment and it got munched it up on my first ride as the chain went in too close to the hub. One problem in not buying a bike at a local dealer.
Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 8:35 am Post subject: Re: I'm starting to love my electric bike
I had a friend that rode an "e-bike" back in college.
I was very skeptical and asked him how good is it?
He insisted that I give it a try and woah the acceleration was pretty amazing---> totally surprised me.
I think e-bikes have a lot of good potential in a post PO world.
BTW I'm not a fan of EV cars....they're nothing but just overpriced toys for rich yuppies.
e-bikes - yes
EV cars - no
$300 at Walmart
Chinese government statistics put the number of e-bikes at 28 million. Expected sales in 2007 will add another 30 million units, almost doubling the entire countrywide ownership in just one year.
Joined: Aug 03, 2006 Posts: 3896 Location: Graceland
Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 10:21 pm Post subject: Re: I'm starting to love my electric bike
I had one of these for a while and really liked it.
The lead acid battery didn't last as long as I would like, but it was a great tool for trips under about five miles or so.
_________________ Our window of opportunity is slowly closing...at the same time, it probably requires a spiral of adversity. In other words, things have to get worse before they can get better.
-M. King Hubbert, 1983
Joined: Dec 07, 2005 Posts: 1445 Location: Australia
Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 6:06 am Post subject: Re: I'm starting to love my electric bike
I was also considering getting one. What stopped me for time being was the thought that when I really need to start using it is when TSHTF and I then wondered if the manufacturers of the batteries would still be around.
If we have a nice and gentle slope, demand would be increasing over time. If we however have a fast crash or economical depression, I might not be able to get anymore batteries for it.
How easy is it to refurbish existing old batteries and what kind of life expectancy can a battery deliver if it is refurbished several times? _________________ Lets take a ride, and run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
You cant hide, run with the dogs tonight
In suburbia
- Pet Shop Boys
Joined: May 18, 2006 Posts: 3478 Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 8:16 am Post subject: Re: I'm starting to love my electric bike
Stokemonkey
Quote:
Performance
Top speed can exceed 30 MPH on level ground, and 20 MPH up modest hills, or be restricted to improve range and conform to local laws. Stokemonkey’s exceptional torque moves heavy loads off the line quickly, lets you walk your grocery-laden bike effortlessly up staircases, and enables you to haul adult passengers up grades exceeding 30% — the steepest streets in the world. Powered range is limited only by the amount of battery packs you carry, but to leave ample room for cargo and remain light enough for pleasant unassisted pedaling, Stokemonkey is generally most useful for trips up to 50 miles between recharges.
Peak power Peak efficiency
High mode Cadence 80 : 430W Cadence 120 : 275W
Low mode Cadence 60 : 340W Cadence 90 : 190W
It has two power settings or modes, high and low. Low mode offers the best range, and optimally supports pedal speeds (cadences) of about 60-80 RPM. High mode is for people willing to trade some range for more power; it’s best with faster cadences. Users typically set the mode to match their dominant style or performance goals, not changing it while riding.
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 7:27 am Post subject: Re: I'm starting to love my electric bike
I was wondering if anyone who has an electric bike could give me some advice. I am thinking of buying one to commute to work (6.4 miles there and back). In the UK, by law, I believe we are restricted to eletric bikes with batteries at 200w and speeds of 15mph.
My first question is: Are the bikes heavy? Being a woman would it take a lot of effort for me to pedal one of these? I can't help thinking that pedaling one, especially uphill would take a lot of energy. I have a aluminium bike and I'm not sure how much it weighs but the weight of some electric bikes is as high as 26kg!
Also with pedal assist does it accelerate you as you pedal? Would this counteract the effort needed when pedalling?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 11:14 am Post subject: Re: I'm starting to love my electric bike
here in nyc you look like a retart in an a bike first. and if they found out it was electric it get swiped. but i am dieing to use it. but it just don'st look that great in nyc. To many people hanging around. especially in jersey.
In ft luad. There is a rack on the buses where you can put a bike. When you get tired of rideing it.
Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 10:32 pm Post subject: Re: I'm starting to love my electric bike
Ayame wrote:
I was wondering if anyone who has an electric bike could give me some advice. I am thinking of buying one to commute to work (6.4 miles there and back). In the UK, by law, I believe we are restricted to electric bikes with batteries at 200w and speeds of 15mph.
My first question is: Are the bikes heavy? Being a woman would it take a lot of effort for me to pedal one of these? I can't help thinking that pedaling one, especially uphill would take a lot of energy. I have a aluminium bike and I'm not sure how much it weighs but the weight of some electric bikes is as high as 26kg!
Also with pedal assist does it accelerate you as you pedal? Would this counteract the effort needed when pedalling?
My bike weighs in at 22 kg.. Its not too bad, I even carry it up steps. But, when the power is turned off, I do notice the pedalling drag compared to my regular bike, which only weighs about 9 kg.
I am not even sure about how big my hub motor is, but I'd guess it at 200 w. My bike's top speed is 28 km/h, or 18 mph. Seems safe enough on most main road sidewalks, I have plenty of reaction time. Where I livde in suburban Toronto, the main road sidewalks here are quieter than the side road ones, as really nobody walks it seems!
I feel a lot safer on the sidewalk than the road. I once asked a policeman about how they treat the act of riding bikes on the sidewalk vs the road, and he said, that though illegal, they prefer it, having seen bad accidents between cars and bikes.
Joined: Feb 20, 2005 Posts: 2522 Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 5:13 am Post subject: Re: I'm starting to love my electric bike
Denny wrote:
I feel a lot safer on the sidewalk than the road. I once asked a policeman about how they treat the act of riding bikes on the sidewalk vs the road, and he said, that though illegal, they prefer it, having seen bad accidents between cars and bikes.
Are you insane? What about all the pedsetrians?! _________________ Peak oil is not an energy crisis. It is a liquid fuel crisis.
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