Electric bikes: Suitable Transportation? Of course, just ask Stephen Gale!
Do live in an area where the traffic congestion adds time to your daily commute to work? Have you ever wondered if there might be a better way? Perhaps there is. Watch this video made by Stephen Gale from Melbourne, Australia. He discovered that he could get to work much faster on his electric bike than he could be driving. How? Just watch the video above and it will all become clear.
To prove to the doubters out there that riding an electric assisted bicycle to work can truly be done, Stephen has organized a ride from Melbourne to Sydney, which he will perform while wearing a suit. Why a suit? Because, it proves that you can still wear a suit to work while riding your electric bike. He has a website called "Suitable Transport", get it - 'cause he's wearing a suit. Clever, huh? Wanna go for the ride too? Go ahead, you're invited.
[Source: Suitable Transport via Hugg]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rgseidl 10:53AM (4/12/2007)
Great if the weather is nice. A creative auto dealer might even decide to bundle one plus a bike rack with each gas guzzler sold, as a "green" package. After all, you can compensate for relatively low MPG by reducing your annual mileage - the reduced depreciation with help pay for the bike.
Questions: how long do the batteries last and what do they cost to replace? Is the battery easily removed/stolen? Is the electric system certified for use in a downpour?
The Schwinn web site is short on answers to all of these.
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kert 12:04PM (4/12/2007)
These things are really cheap in china, like 100-200 dollars. some cheaper ones are now on sale in UK too
http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/
You can get the lithium-powered Mistral for 500 pounds
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Michael 11:45PM (4/12/2007)
I love my electric bike! It tops out at 20 mph on flat ground. (that is without pedal assist, with pedalling I can go faster) I have 20 mile range, but I have never needed too go further than 9 miles round trip in Boise, ID. I used it all winter, the extra weight helped with grip when the snow hit, I have taken it out in a downpour with no concern as well. My batteries (lead acid) last a year for me because of daily use, but only cost $15 to replace the 24v pack. They are quite easily removed because they are held in place by velcro. And my employers are willing to let me use a outlet to charge the pack while I work and my bike sits locked up outside. The pack takes 4 hrs to charge when fully depleted.
Hope this answers your questions! If you ever have the opportunity to "test ride" or ride a friends electric bike, don't pass it up!!
P.S.
I think there is a negative stigma around "electric bike", and my solution is "Lightning Bike"!!!
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