SamTexas
1 MW
Let me first say that I like speed and power just like the next guy. I own a 300zx Twin Turbo that I occasionally run up to 140mph. I also occasionally take my Ninja 500R to its redline at around 110mph. So I have nothing against speed and power.
Unless you're Lance Armstrong, your sustained speed on a regular bike is around 16mph, which happens to coincide with the European limit for pedelecs. We in the USA are lucky to get a 20mph limit. Ebike makes sense to me because it consumes very little energy and therefore good for the environment. But that little consumed energy is a direct consequence of running at a low speed. When we push the bicycle beyond 30mph to 40, 50 and higher, we lose that advantage. The bicycle simply morphs into a gas scooter or a weak motorcycle with inadequate suspension and braking ability.
I don't know how it is in Europe or Australia, but here in the USA the government does not (not yet, to my knowledge) go after high speed ebikes. Most likely because ebike is still relatively new and because not too many people are breaking the law. But if we continue to push for higher speed we will no doubt attract the attention of the law and everyone will suffer in terms of harassment, registration and possibly insurance. Not to mention the dirty/doubtful look from ordinary citizens when they see an ebike (the same look gasoline motorized bicycles get today).
Shouldn't we concentrate on better efficiency? Squeezing the most out of every battery wh. Scientifically proving the pros and cons of different motors, different propulsion systems. Pushing vendors to provide adequate and correct specs on motors. Demanding battery vendor for a complete pack with proper balancing, charging and overdischarged protections along with a realistic warranty.
Am I completely out of line here? What's your take?
Sam
Unless you're Lance Armstrong, your sustained speed on a regular bike is around 16mph, which happens to coincide with the European limit for pedelecs. We in the USA are lucky to get a 20mph limit. Ebike makes sense to me because it consumes very little energy and therefore good for the environment. But that little consumed energy is a direct consequence of running at a low speed. When we push the bicycle beyond 30mph to 40, 50 and higher, we lose that advantage. The bicycle simply morphs into a gas scooter or a weak motorcycle with inadequate suspension and braking ability.
I don't know how it is in Europe or Australia, but here in the USA the government does not (not yet, to my knowledge) go after high speed ebikes. Most likely because ebike is still relatively new and because not too many people are breaking the law. But if we continue to push for higher speed we will no doubt attract the attention of the law and everyone will suffer in terms of harassment, registration and possibly insurance. Not to mention the dirty/doubtful look from ordinary citizens when they see an ebike (the same look gasoline motorized bicycles get today).
Shouldn't we concentrate on better efficiency? Squeezing the most out of every battery wh. Scientifically proving the pros and cons of different motors, different propulsion systems. Pushing vendors to provide adequate and correct specs on motors. Demanding battery vendor for a complete pack with proper balancing, charging and overdischarged protections along with a realistic warranty.
Am I completely out of line here? What's your take?
Sam