Electric Bike Motor Kit: Front or Rear Wheel Drive?
Biking across the country with an eZee conversion kit
Picking out the best electric bike motor kit can be difficult if you're not really sure how an electric bike operates. There are electric bike kits with different kinds of batteries, controls, and motors. Picking out the best kit requires a basic knowledge about how each component works. Getting past the quality of each part, there are certain aspects of an electric motor kit that depend on the preference of the rider. For example, is an electric motor better in the front wheel or in the back wheel of the bike? Neither choice is better than the other, but there are certain advantages to each one.
Front Wheel Electric Bike Motor Kit
The front wheel motor is a common piece of the electric bike motor kit, because of the ease of installation. Just remove the front wheel and pop on the new motor wheel and you're finished! Usually, these types of motors work with a throttle-based electric bike motor kit, such as the eZee Bike Conversion Kit. It feels a bit like getting "pulled" by the bike, rather than "pushed," but with the weight of the rider and battery in the back, it's a nice equal weight distribution.
Another advantage of the front hub motor is the ability to install internal hub gears inside the back wheel. This type of low-maintenance electric bike, with a front hub motor and rear hub gearing, has practically no problems as an everyday commuter bike.
Rear Wheel Electric Bike Motor Kit
A Trek bike with a BionX electric motor kit
The rear wheel motor is a great choice for electric bike motor kits that utilize a pedal-assist mode. Since the motor is attached to the gears, a torque sensor can actually measure how hard the rider pedals the bike. This is utlizied in the versatile BionX electric bike kit. With a pedal-assist bike, the added pedal power takes much of the strain off of the battery, and the bike can travel much further on a charge. On a BionX bike, there is an option to push a throttle for an added speed boost.
Rear wheel motors tend to feel like they're "pushing" you, rather than "pulling," which doesn't change the feel of the bike too much, but tends to be easier to power around sharp turns.
Ultimately, the location of the motor is up to the preference of the rider. Some people enjoy the front wheel for its easy installation and ability to work with a rear hub, while other people like the torque sensitive rear wheel and "pushing" sensation.
Both options are available at NYCeWheels as electric bike motor kit options.
Building an Electric-Powered Bike
This is all it takes to build an electric-powered bike
It's not rocket science to tell the difference between an electric-powered bike and a regular bicycle. For one, the guy riding the regular bike is working a lot harder to pedal, while the electric bike rider is smiling and cruising along. Of course, electric bikes are much quieter than gas-powered bikes, so at a glance, it's hard to tell if a bike is even electric at all! The average person, unless they have a background in electronics, probably isn't aware of how easy it is to convert a regular bicycle to an electric-powered bicycle. Believe it or not, there are only three primary components needed to have a fully-functional electric-powered bike. If you can change a flat tire, you can turn your bike into an electric bike. Let's get to it!
Electric Bike Motor
The muscle behind the electric bike is the motor. Ranging anywhere from 200 watts all the way up to 1000 watts, this is the large rotating device that helps the wheels to spin on their own. Modern electric bikes have the motors built into their wheels, like the Sanyo Eneloop electric bike or the eZee Torq electric bike. Older bikes used to have an external motor that powered the wheel using a chain, like a scooter. These older motors also used magnetic "brushes" which would wear out over time. Newer electric bike motors are "brushless," and have a much longer life expectancy.
An alternative to the brushless hub motor is the bottom bracket motor, featured on the IF Reach DC folding electric bike. This motor actually cycles through all of the gears, making it slightly more efficient than a hub motor. It also turns the pedals instead of the wheel, so the rider feels a little more in tune with the motor, rather than feeling pushed or pulled by an external force.
Most electric bikes don't need a bigger motor than 500 watts, especially for commuting. The US law sets the maximum speed at 20 mph for electric bikes, so any motor that is bigger is sort of pointless. Smaller motors tend to conserve battery life a bit better. How long should a battery last anyway? Well I'm glad you asked...
Electric Bike Battery
Over the years, there have been many different types of batteries for electric bikes. The most common battery in the last ten years is a Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery. This is the same battery used in a lawnmower, golf cart, or go kart. You've seen these at any local hardware store - they're heavy, black, rectangular batteries. On an electric bike, they don't go very far. Depending on the bike, they have about a ten mile range. Luckily, technology has improved in recent years, and there are now much lighter batteries that have a much better range.
The most recent chemical of choice for electric bikes is Lithium. A bike running on Lithium batteries can run for 20-30 miles on a single charge, and some bikes even have the ability to recharge the battery while riding. The BionX motor kit Lithium batteries even have protection circuitry built in, so it's almost impossible to damage them from extreme motor power. Lithium batteries tend to be more expensive than SLA battreries, but the life span is also two or three times as long. There is no better battery on the market today.
Electric Bike Control
How does it work? Well you've attached a battery to a motor, so we're almost there. Now you need a way to control the whole contraption. Want this thing to move without pedaling? Just add a throttle. This is referred to as an "ebike," which is practically a moped. Ebikes are nice if you don't want to ride a bike, but they tend to drain batteries quickly. The most efficient electric bike utilizes pedal-assist, or pedelec, technology.
A pedelec bike works by measuring the rider's pedal power, and then spinning the motor at a corresponding speed, based on a preset on the handlebars. Plainly, if you select "MODE 3" you'll get 50% power from the motor, while if you select "MODE 4" you'll get 100% power. No throttles to worry about, it's all automatic. Pedelec bikes are also called Hybrid bikes because they are a "hybrid" of human power and motor power. The best part about pedelec bikes is that you feel like you're still riding a regular bike, just getting a gentle push as you go.
That's it! Just three components and you can turn a bike into a full-blown electric-powered bike! There are a bunch of different electric bike motor kits on the market, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you check out the motor, the battery, and control system before buying one, because you don't want to be stuck with something cheap!
Alternative to Mass Transportation
Mass transit is wonderful and horrible all at the same time. Every major city and many smaller cities have elaborate mass transit systems. Though some cities boast terrific mass transit systems they are still not the ultimate form of transportation.
Many commuters complain of long lines, over-crowded buses, trains and subway, as well as long waits for a bus, subway or train to come. These same commuters feel compelled to use mass transit because they need an economic means of transportation that is quick enough to get through the traffic found in most cities.
Electric bikes are a great way to get around any city or metro-area. Electric bikes can make mass transportation a thing of the past for you.
Whether you are looking for new forms of transportation that are faster, or because you want a safer means of transportation or a more economical one - electric bikes may be the answer to your prayers.
Anyone living in a major city knows that traffic is always a nightmare. Subways usually provide the fasted transportation. Smelly, steamy, over-crowded subway platforms are sometimes unsafe, unsanitary and unwelcome. The option for many people is either take a car, cab or walk.
A car in a major city is usually more of a liability than an assistance. Cab fares are expensive and walking is not always an option. An electric powered bike is a great alternative that many people do not even realize exists.
Electric bikes are efficient and cost-effective making them a great means of transportation. Rather than waiting for a bus or subway you can be on your way quickly and easily to wherever you need to go.
If you live in the suburbs you may consider electric mountain bikes - or perhaps that is your best option because the streets in your city are not all that you wish them to be. Electric motor bikes are a great alternative to expensive, crowded trains and subways.
Electric bikes come in various types and styles and this website explains them all. For those looking for an alternate to mass transit but are concerned with leaving their bicycle unattended to, folding electric bikes may be the perfect solution because you can take them in with you and easily store them virtually anywhere.
People in major cities around the world have been looking for ways to avoid mass transportation. Some feel mass transportation is not convenient enough, others feel mass transportation is not safe enough, while others think mass transportation is not economical enough.
Electric bikes are a great way to solve any and all of these problems. People across the world who live or work in major cities, or commute moderate distances to and from work or school have found that electric bikes offer greater flexibility, more dependability, safer and more economical transportation than mass transit systems.
Rather than complain about buses, subways and trains you can put all those problems behind you by buying a reliable electric bike.
"What if I only have a mile or two to travel, and I'm looking for something electric that is light-weight and portable, something that's smaller than a bike?" Then it sounds like you should think about choosing an electric scooter. An electric motorized scooter is no electric bike, but more than suitable for basic travel needs. "What if I don't even need it to be electric? I just want something very small and light!" Then it sounds like you're in the market for a kick scooter (check out the Xootr kick scooter, as seen in 'Little Manhattan.')
Electric bike motor, electric bike kits
Electric bike kits are comprised of an electric bike motor, a battery pack, throttle, and charger. The electric bike motor kit should (and most do) include everything you need when you want a conversion kit for electric bike.
It is a good idea to make sure that the electric bike motor kit you are buying does include everything you will need to convert your bike to an electric bike. If the retailer does not indicate that the electric bike kit includes everything you need than you may want to ask the question before buying.
An electric bike motor kit is a great investment if you already have a quality bike that you are comfortable with and is compatible for an electric bike motor kit.
This is when it becomes really important to choose your retailer carefully. The reality is that some online retailers are just looking to make a profit and will sell an electric bike kit to anyone that wants one, whether or not it will work with their specific bike.
A reputable retailer will make sure your bike is compatible first or they will advise you before you buy your electric bike kit.
The electric bike motor and the full electric bike kit can also give you the best of both worlds when it is combined with a folding bike. A folding bike is a great way to minimize the storage space needed while maximizing your ability to obtain all the benefits of a great bike.
Some retailers offer folding bikes that are already electrified – the retailer adds the electric bike conversion kit to the bike for you. Finding a retailer that can do this is great because then you can be assured that your electric bike conversion kit is installed properly and will operate when you receive it.
Though it is relatively easy to install an electric bike motor kit on your bike, if you have the ability to hire a retailer to do it for you than you are better off. For those that cannot, you can probably install your electric motor bike quickly and easily.
BionX electric bike kit
Again, the most important thing to remember if you are considering buying an electric bike kit is to make sure your motorized bike kit includes everything you need to convert your bike to an electric bike – and, of course, that your bike can be converted with an electric bike kit.
More and more retailers offer custom made electric bike kits. If you are considering buying a custom electric bike conversion kit you again want to make sure that you are buying from a reputable retailer. We found a great electric bike motor kit at a shop in New York City called NYCewheels. Click here for details on the BionX electric bike kit.
A healthy choice, the electric bike
Electric bicycles are excellent ideas to help you improve your health, lose weight and get in shape. Exercise is the key to improving your health and losing weight according to many leading publications. Electric bikes are a fun way to do so. Electric bikes are easy to use and easy to pedal: electric bikes are easy bikes, which means that you can ease yourself into your workout routine in a non-intimidating way. If you're just looking for something to ride like a motorcycle, however, you need to ask yourself if an electric bike is appropriate for your needs. Electric bikes are about augmenting human power, not replacing it, which is what makes them great exercise tools.
Almost every diet program includes an exercise program and bike riding is a great form of exercise. Riding your bike to and from work, to and from school, to and from the grocery store, or just around town can provide great healthy benefits.
Since many people are not in the shape they would like to be in it is always a good idea to start your exercise program slowly and build up stamina. Electric bicycles are a great way to build up your stamina and improve your health.
There are two schools of thought about how electric bicycles can improve your health, and help you get into shape and lose weight.
You can either buy a power-on-demand (gear activated electric bike) or a power-assist (pedal-activated electric bike) to help you lose weight - each of these types of electric bicycles have their pluses and minuses.
Some people prefer the power-on-demand electric bicycles because it gives them the confidence to start riding their bike and getting into shape because they know at any point if they begin to struggle they can click on the power and be brought back to their home or other starting point.
By using these gear activated electric bicycles you can be assured that even if you lose steam and are at the tail-end of your stamina you will be able to get back to where you need to go because the bicycle can do the work for you.
Other people prefer the power-assist electric bicycles. These electric bikes do about 50% of the work for you so you can lose weight and build up stamina by gradually building up the distances you travel, knowing that the electric bike is doing about half of the work for you - this is great for people who are not as concerned with stamina but still need that extra assistance as they work towards getting into better shape.
As you build up your stamina you can start traveling longer distances in order to improve your health, get into better shape and lose weight.
Many diets, including every leading diet in the industry will include some form of exercise. Many doctors and medical experts agree that riding a bike is a great form of exercise. It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
You may even want to discuss electric bicycles with your doctor so they understand how the electric bike can help you, especially for those just starting an exercise program.
Electric bicycles are a great way to have fun while getting into better shape, losing weight and improving your overall health.
