I recently bought a factory electric bike with a 500w currie rear drive hub motor and tranzx bl17 battery. While I can't say that I'm thrilled with the bike's performance and the lack of support from the dealer, overall I've had a very pleasant experience with my first electric bike. I just wish the claimed range of 25-45 miles per charge was more accurate. Level four will get me around thirteen miles before the battery is flat. Level one assist with a bike loaded for work and my weight (220 lbs) will get me twenty one miles. That's a little too close for comfort considering my commute is nineteen miles one way. Charging the battery at work isn't a problem.
The dealer washed their hands of it as soon as it was loaded into my car. I explained the issue and asked for my money back. No luck there. None of my options were very appealing and just seemed like a money and/or time suck. I could disassemble everything and send it the factory for inspection and possible repair, upgrade to one of their higher line bikes (another $1500 and a restocking fee), or buy additional enhancements to the bike to increase the range (lower profile tires, etc). That $300 markdown makes a lot more sense now. Meanwhile I'm stuck with a bike that turns into a lovely paperweight should I decide to be lazy.
I've been looking around for an online resource to buy a second battery but haven't had much luck. I'm curious to see if anyone else might be able to point me in a better direction. Any insight is greatly appreciated.
The dealer washed their hands of it as soon as it was loaded into my car. I explained the issue and asked for my money back. No luck there. None of my options were very appealing and just seemed like a money and/or time suck. I could disassemble everything and send it the factory for inspection and possible repair, upgrade to one of their higher line bikes (another $1500 and a restocking fee), or buy additional enhancements to the bike to increase the range (lower profile tires, etc). That $300 markdown makes a lot more sense now. Meanwhile I'm stuck with a bike that turns into a lovely paperweight should I decide to be lazy.
I've been looking around for an online resource to buy a second battery but haven't had much luck. I'm curious to see if anyone else might be able to point me in a better direction. Any insight is greatly appreciated.