big ebike

[ragez0r]

Greetings,

This is my first post so please allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Christopher, I live in Montreal, Canada and I've had an electric bike change my life.

Canadian made Ecoped CityGo. 500 watt motor and wow... at 35km/h this thing is zippy and is fun as hell.. since purchasing this electric bike ive sold my V8 Cadillac and switched to a Toyota Echo. Began to recycle plastic, metals and other recyclables. And also started reusing wasted water around my appartment to flush my.. well you know.

Sadly in October of 2010 i found that my Ecoped was stolen from me but fortunately i had purchaced another ebike 4-5 months prior to the theft for half the cost.
This spring im more prepared to take care of my vehicle... i bought myself a piece of crap Grand Caravan (im not saying all US cars are crap, although some are, this van was simply old) and this van will act as a shelter for my Ebike and as a paranoid measure i will even chain the bike INSIDE the van hehehe.

the store that i bought the cheaper bike at was called Fun ecycle and last year they also had this really big ebike called "la limouzine" (french province.. it cant be helped) which i was planning to buy this year but sadly the store owner has informed me that he will no longer carry that particular model. so im hoping that perhaps some of you have seen this particular model somewhere ? or maybe know how i can get in touch with the manufacturer.

One last question, does anyone know of a ebike or etrike that has a roof and windshield ? im moving to Vancouver soon and i heard it rains plenty there. if not i will wait for Sinclair X-1

im just concerned that it has open sides and only a 24V battery unless i misread somewhere.


Thank you
Chris




Regards
Chris

 

[dogman dan]

Brilliant idea, buying a cheap junk van for a garage. Here, it would have to be running and licenced to keep in the driveway, but enforcement would likely take years to find you. Just keep it looking running.

 

[Lock]

Hiya Chris...
Seems like Fun ecycle (doesn't translate into English very well... pronounces like "Funny Cycle"!)
doesn't like ya linking directly to their images, so here's a screen cap of "La Limousine":


...and yah, it's a pretty generic version of one style of China-made scooter-style ebike... Look similar?:

Or this one?:

So yah, "La Limousine" ain't so special...
Bon Chance
Lock
Toronto

 

[pdf]

I've been working with a group of undergraduate engineering students to build a BugE from a kit. They modified it a little but it is basically the same vehicle as that sold by the company. See:
http://www.bugev.net/BugE_Concept.html

One thing they did, which several have done, is use LiFePO4 batteries instead of the specified lead acid, but that is a minor difference. The design has its strong and weak points, which I won't go into here. However, it is a vehicle with a windscreen and we found that it keeps the driver nearly completely dry, even though the cabin is open in the back. It is more of an electric motorcycle than a scooter and consequently uses more power per mile, but not that much more, between 2 and 3 times what my ebike uses, and provides significant weather protection. It is not mass produced and so it is considerably more expensive, even as a kit that has to be assembled.

Anyway, if you live where it gets cold and wet and you don't have that far to go most of the time, this type of vehicle works pretty well, the students found out. Don't know if this type vehicle would work for you or not.

 

[ragez0r]

@dogman
thank you, i will be keeping the POS van in my buildings parking lot and i dont plan on keep it registered (260$+cdn a year) as long as its on property, quebec law sais they cant touch it.

@lock
thank you very much, are there any stores in Toronto that sell this model ? because there are only a handfull of ebike stores in Montreal. Or perhaps you can provide me with a website that sells this model (preferably in Canada), Thank you So much.

@pdf
Im very familiar with the Bug-E, and although one snuck through the Canadian border, it is very had to import them home. On a sidenote, id like to keep my ebikes as bicycles (32 kph and has bike pedals) as well so i wont have to plate it or register it as a motorcycle (which is VERY expensive in my province), in fact alot of quebecers try to register theyre motorbikes in Ontario to save money.
and that websites only provides the chassis. the electric motor, batteries and the other ebike guts are purchased elsewhere.
ps: i spoken to an employee of bug-e and he tells me there is no way to implement pedals in a bug-e

 

[Gordo]

@dogman
thank you, i will be keeping the POS van in my buildings parking lot and i dont plan on keep it registered (260$+cdn a year) as long as its on property, quebec law sais they cant touch it.

@pdf
Im very familiar with the Bug-E, and although one snuck through the Canadian border, it is very had to import them home. On a sidenote, id like to keep my ebikes as bicycles (32 kph and has bike pedals) as well so i wont have to plate it or register it as a motorcycle (which is VERY expensive in my province), in fact alot of quebecers try to register theyre motorbikes in Ontario to save money.
and that websites only provides the chassis. the electric motor, batteries and the other ebike guts are purchased elsewhere.
ps: i spoken to an employee of bug-e and he tells me there is no way to implement pedals in a bug-e

If you want to import a bug-e, do it under Section 9 (off road), not Section 8, IF IT HAS A VIN #. What you do with it after you import it is up to you. Just don't try to license it. :wink:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/SafeVehicles/Importation/Usa/VAFUS/list2/Section9_0.htm

We have the restriction that a vehicle on private property must still be licensed but the City Bylaw Inspector can not access the Vehicle Registration Data Base. If you glue a valid color number sticker on the plate, this is enough to fool the Inspector. If you have an out of province plate, this will further confuse them.

 

[pdf]

@pdf
Im very familiar with the Bug-E, and although one snuck through the Canadian border, it is very had to import them home. On a sidenote, id like to keep my ebikes as bicycles (32 kph and has bike pedals) as well so i wont have to plate it or register it as a motorcycle (which is VERY expensive in my province), in fact alot of quebecers try to register theyre motorbikes in Ontario to save money.
and that websites only provides the chassis. the electric motor, batteries and the other ebike guts are purchased elsewhere.
ps: i spoken to an employee of bug-e and he tells me there is no way to implement pedals in a bug-e[/quote]

Yes, the holy grail is a bike with the protection of a car! Seriously, even though I don't mind riding in the rain, I HATE putting on all the gear to make it possible. And then hanging it to dry, and then remembering to bring it, etc.

There are a couple of velomobiles with motors. They seem like sort of the worst of both worlds to me; too wide to stay out of traffic, too small to be seen in traffic, too large to put on a bike trail. However, in your area, this might be a way to go. There is a thing called a Twike in Europe that I think is pedal-able . Also I've seen some some homebuilt velomobiles with motors.

 

[Lock]

@lock
thank you very much, are there any stores in Toronto that sell this model ? because there are only a handfull of ebike stores in Montreal. Or perhaps you can provide me with a website that sells this model (preferably in Canada), Thank you So much.

Two mentioned so far are EMMO:
http://www.emmo.ca/

And Voltcanada:
http://www.voltcanada.ca/

A third would be Speedzee:
http://www.speedzee.ca/

Ya can read about Speedzee here:
http://www.ebikeriders.com/messages/boards/thread/10517769

When ya read the fine print for many of these dealers ya will find their warranties are contingent on your paying an extra "PDI" fee that can range from $50 to $200... Otherwise warranty period might be only 14 daze. And warranties are often contingent on making one or two or more scheduled follow up visits after sale, so they can tighten up all the bits that are falling off? Plus if ya are long distance how can ya get any warranty work done anyway? (And w/these Chineesy-quality ebikes ya are just about guaranteed to have problems in Year One.)

I wouldn't consider buying any of these scooter-style Chineesy ebikes unless the dealer was local to me, and can show me a parts inventory w/the talent in-house to fix mech and elect problems as necessary...
Lock

 

[recumbent]

...One last question, does anyone know of a ebike or etrike that has a roof and windshield ? im moving to Vancouver soon and i heard it rains plenty there. if not i will wait for Sinclair X-1...

Welcome to Endleess Sphere "ragezOr",

The picture you posted of the "Sinclair" looks exactly like a LWB recumbent bike, similar to mine. I've owned it for three years (7,000 kms) and it's the most practical, comfortable bike I've ever rode. They manufacture them in Vancouver for about $2,500 complete with windshield,fenders,and back-rack. The only thing you have to add is panniers and an e-bike kit and your done.

Light Rain is not a problem if your riding over 20km/h, but heavy downpours you would have to take the bus.

One warning before you plan on covering your bike with a fiberglass shell... is NOISE. Even just the windscreen reflects sound like a parabolic dish. You can hear rumbling sound from the ground/front tire noise, so i remove the windscreen in the summer, it's too hot anyway.

Otherwise, good luck with your quest

 

[spinningmagnets]

I don't want to pull you away from the goal you have in mind, but if your dream vehicle proves to be elusive, I imagine you may soon begin considering an E-scooter. If that begins to look viable to have as one of your vehicles, I have several suggestions.

If you are handy in the shop with tools, it may be a significant savings to buy a gasoline scooter and convert it to electric. I have read about some builders who bought a running scooter and then sold the entire engine/transmission on EBAY to someone with a fried engine. The end result (an engine-less but complete "glider" frame) cost only $200-ish. Or, the same scooter can be bought with a fried engine for under $500 with no risk of being stuck with an engine that may not find a buyer.

If you do eventually go that route, I highly recommend making sure to get a 150CC or larger frame, rather than the tiny and short 50cc scooters, which are un-satisfying in every way. Look for dual disc brakes, and the solid cast wheels (no spokes) which indicate tubeless tires. Larger diameter wheels always perform better then the tiny doughnut tires. The few who I have read that have done this, said it was easier than they thought it would be. Shoot for 60V or 72V, as much as your budget will allow....Just some thoughts, best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

[ragez0r]

@gordo
thank you for that info, and not to contradict you in anyway.. but i just remember asking one of he employees @ saaq and she told me that OFFICIALLY the car cannot touch the ground but its such a minor detail, the police don't care and don't bother. but thank you

@pdf
i would LOVE to own the bug-e.. it looks almost winter drivable, i wonder if Quebec will make me put the mandatory winter tires on that thing too hahaha.also the bug-e has to be assembled and i have enough trouble with LEGO haha.. again.. if i can fit PEDALS somehow then i could set it to 32 kph... i should be fine

@lock
yes thank you.. after posting my reply i did a search for emmo x550a and i found emmo.ca lucky for me they will b opening a outloot in montreal nearby where i used to live so ill be paying a visit on opening day.
as for warranty, honestly.. i could care less.. i ride it till it dies.. if its a defect ill just drag it back to the counter and ask for another

@recumbent
thank you so much for the welcome. the picture you linked looks very good especially since i need goggles to shield my eyes from the wind zipping at 30kph, but alas.. no roof, and my plans to move to Vancouver (known for its lack of snow yet constant rain during winter) may prove to be somewhat discouraging, but thank you for that photo

 

[amberwolf]

If you don't mind building your own, that LWB 'bent has a clone here: http://recycledrecumbent.com if you can weld or have a friend that can. The hardest part on that site is the seat, but you could make it out of straight tubes and skip the bending for simplification.

Lots of ways to build a full fairing, including lightweight coroplast (which you can even reuse from political ads after the elections are over).

 

[ragez0r]

@spinningmagnets
i am grateful for your suggestion, however making an electric scooter here to be ridden without a liscence plate, it needs to have pedals

heres a photo of my stolen Ecoped



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

and this is my cheap 500$ scooter that i keep indoors until spring.
[IMG=http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8393/dsc01373s.jpg][/IMG]

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

aren't these electric scooters ?

PS.. random question..say i ride the 500$ scooter around in winter.. do you suppose itll rust ? i recall my ecoped getting rust on some of the bolts because the pastic cover on the bottom got ripped off

 

[katou]

For my money, best of the bunch is Motorino. Their parts actually look like they might work for a vehicle that weighs 160 lbs. And they have ABS would you believe. Anyway, I've checked out a few, and Motorino looks like where I'd be putting my money. And they're Canadian! (I think).

Katou

 

[ragez0r]

@katou
hey thanks for the suggestion, nice looking site

Ive also noticed that no1 vouched for he UK bike ...
the Sinclair X-1.. its recumbent, electric, AND your enclosed.

i mean i know he sinclair c5 wasnt a big hit.. but the x-1 is looks flawless to me

 

[Lock]

For my money, best of the bunch is Motorino.

I have read good things about Motorino having good "scooter-strength" guts, but read also Lessssss's thread from 2006:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=22&start=0

1OcK

 

[ragez0r]

wow thank you

all of you have been simply stellar

i appreciate all the criticism and good advice