[ausev] notes on electric bicycles

[Elizabeth L. Wilbur]

You are generous, Mike,

At my age i would need a trike, and I  will get back to you after I get a
car. I think I will go for the car first. I was just hit last night and
though it wasn't serious, I need time for my knee to heal.

Otherwise Austin is a good city for cycling and most drivers are careful
about bikers. They are more careful with scooters too I notice. Gasoline
cars though are fair game for other drivers and a easy ego "en-flamer".

Thanks for all your info.
Faithfully yours in far South Austin


On 2/11/07, MLAB <mlibrik at earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> 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
>
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>
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