[ausev] notes on electric bicycles

[MLAB]

Elizabeth L. Wilbur wrote:
> What do you all know about the "wedgies" being sold on S. Lamar? I am 
> seriously considering getting one.
I'd say if you are comfortable riding a bicycle in traffic then an 
electric will be easier.  The key is that you have to go at your 
bicycling in a more "vehicular" fashion, as the extra mass and power of 
an electric bike will force you more into it.  Biking in traffic isn't 
very difficult, but if you don't do it now, you should take a Road 1 
class, which are offered locally, and read some of the good books 
available on the subject.  You can also readily find an online local 
community of bike commuters who can share tips on dealing with 
particular concerns and situations.  Equip properly with mirrors and a 
full rig of signal lights.  Like I said, think "vehicular" all the way 
around. 

As with most things, you get what you pay for, and a good e-bike, with 
light and strong batteries as well as good safety features and 
weatherproofing will run you more than you think it should.  I'd prepare 
to budget over $2000, even if you find a sticker price of less, since 
you may need to further equip it for safety and practicality.  Bikes are 
typically sold as toys, but can be readily upgraded to real 
transportation.  Anyway, once you pay for it, it is pretty cheap to 
own.  A Road 1 class will introduce you to basic maintenance as well, 
which is worthwhile for keeping your hassles down and efficiency up.

As for comfort, at this point if you want an electric bike other than an 
upright "wedgie," you would have to get a conversion kit to use on a 
recumbent, which can run $600-$800 (or more, or less - largely dependent 
on battery choice).  There are no ready-made electric recumbents, with 
the exception of a $3500+ suspended delta trike (see boomerbents.com's 
annoyingly cutesy website).  I am working on a standard conversion 
package for a Sun EZ-Sport with Synthetic Transport in San Antonio ($895 
for bike alone, plus whatever for the conversion).  Conversions give you 
some authority over how nice a system you want, and if they are 
professionally done you can get a nicer product than a home-brew 
conversion.  Factory made e-bikes look nicer.  I can discuss more of 
that directly with anyone interested.

-- 
Mike Librik, LCI #929
Easy Street Recumbents
(512) 453-0438
45th and Red River Streets, thereabouts
Central Austin
info at easystreetrecumbents.com
www.easystreetrecumbents.com
www.urbancycling.com