Archive for March, 2011

Hybrid Electric Bicycles – The most green transportation available!

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

Hybrid Electric Bicycles – The most green transportation available!

March 29th, 2011

Global warming and ecological problems have made it essential for people to choose better transportation options, other than the usual gas guzzling/carbon-emitting vehicles currently on the market. Think about the havoc the gas guzzlers can create, apart from the whole energy crisis we’re facing today. Naturally it becomes apparent we’ve to go green and opt for energy efficient options. Sure, it may cost more, but given the choice, consider it as an investment for a better tomorrow. One of the best modes of green transportation is perhaps the zero carbon-emissions electric bicycle that provides a convenient and eco-friendly transportation alternative.

A green electric bicycle not only helps you to do your bit to save the world, it also comes with several interesting features you’re not going to find elsewhere. For example, ebikes are available in different sizes and designs. The folding electric bikes for instance, are best suited for riders that have space constraints. These portable bikes require very little space, are easily stored and collapse quickly and conveniently.

In terms of costs, an electric bike is MUCH less expensive than any gas-powered vehicle. Charging a typical ebike battery is less than 20 cents for a range of 12-34 miles! And interestingly, battery costs have been dropping in the recent times due to increased popularity, competition among vendors and the growing demand for these hybrid electric bicycles.

You can buy electric bicycle kits from several online vendors and consult with your local bike shop to be certain that your e-bikekit is installed properly. Ebike kits come with complete information and instructions for DIY (Do-It-Yourself) installation. Some kits come with batteries and there are a multitude of e-bike battery options available on the internet to power these e-bicycles.

Given that you don’t need to get a license or an insurance (in most US states) to drive an electric bike, the advantages with regard to savings and environmental benefit are obvious. Experts also believe that these bikes are the future of green transportation and more commuters will go for them to save costs and prevent pollution. Opt for a green electric bicycle; save money and save the planet.

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Excelling on Your E-bike Safety Tips

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

Being excited about your e-bike purchase or about converting your regular bicycle is natural. Of course you want to get right on and ride off, but before you do so, take a little time to make sure you know the do’s and don’ts of E-bike safety. After all, who wants to end up in the ER after only the first ride?

Wearing the right gear and clothing is very important in keeping you safe and adhering to the laws in your area. Safety gear includes:

• Helmet-most states require a helmet to be worn by the rider.
• Elbow and knee pads-not required but highly recommended.
• Sneakers or sports shoes that are in good repair. Make sure they have good tread or they may slip off pedals.
• Reflective patches/light colored clothing when riding at night. Safety vests are specially equipped with reflectors and bright colors.
• Sunglasses designed for motorbike riding to keep the sun and debris away from eyes.
• Gloves

Helmets have saved countless lives and more people could have been saved if they had been wearing one. Don’t buy a helmet just because it’s cheap. You may be sacrificing safety if you do. This holds true for any safety equipment. The best sunglasses are the kind that use polycarbonate lenses because they’re shatter-proof, which will prevent eye injury from a broken lens.

Gloves provide a non-slip grip, giving the rider better control over the E-bike, lessening the likelihood of an accident. They also prevent blisters and protect the hands if there is an accident. Elbow and knee pads are essential for safety. In the event of an accident, they protect you from getting severe brush burns, scrapes, and cuts. They’ll also help prevent joint injuries such as a broken knee cap, torn ACL or meniscus, and various other tendons or ligaments.

Almost everyone who has ever ridden a bike has been warned about taking even more precautions when riding at night. Riding an E-bike is no different and in fact, even more crucial to ensuring your safety but that of drivers, too. This is where reflective patches on clothing or safety vests come into play. Anything that will catch the headlights of oncoming traffic will increase the chances that the driver will see you and be able to avoid you. In addition, bright colored clothing should be worn.

As with any other outdoor sport, the proper footwear is imperative for the rider. Athletic shoes are best since they have the best tread to avoid slippage of the foot off the pedal. Wearing good shoes while riding your E-bike can prevent broken bones and torn ligaments and tendons. Some sneakers are sold with reflective strips, making them great for riding at night.

When we’re young, we think that we are invincible, but we all know that’s not true. It may not be “cool” to wear protective gear when we’re riding an E-bike, but it would be even more un-cool to have an accident and become seriously injured. Remember; safety doesn’t mean keeping just yourself safe, but those around you safe as well.

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The Incredible Folding Electric Bike!

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

Zipping around town on your E-bike is a hoot. It saves money on gas and you get some exercise, too. But what about when you want to go on a trip and still intend to ride your bike while you’re away? You may not want to fuss with an unwieldy bike roof rack or maybe you have a small car that wouldn’t safely hold the bike. If you are a frequent traveler, a folding electric bike is for you.

With folding electric bikes costing between $400 and $1500, there are many people who give pause in their consideration of purchasing a bike. Don’t let those prices put you off. When you consider that a bike can save you more than $2500 per year in gas costs, it’s easy to see where an E-bike will more than make up for the purchase price.

Those who enjoy road trips will find that taking along an E-bike will give them greater freedom in towns along the way. They can save even more gas by using their bikes to get around in cities and towns, especially while sightseeing. They’re even cheaper than public transportation. Depending on the hotel, you can just wheel your bike into your hotel room and plug it in to recharge.

Another advantage is that when you’re ready to get on the road again, you just fold it up and hitch it to the back of your car and ride away. If you don’t have a bike hitch, a folding E-bike will fit in a large trunk or the back of an SUV. Talk about convenient!

E-bikes are attractive vehicles and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Anyway you look at it a folding electric E-bike is a worthwhile purchase and gives the rider greater freedom and terrific savings. Check them out at your local bike shop today.

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Hub Motors Explained!

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Lately the news has been filled with reports about green energy sources and renewable energy. The United States, among other countries, has begun focusing its attention on these sources. Hub motors, or direct drive motors, are being investigated to see how they may be applied to various vehicles. The ebike or electric bicycle is one of the biggest users of hybrid motor.

China is the biggest manufacturer of hub motors. Electric bikes and scooters are very common there since they conserve on fuel and are helping to lower the pollution levels. With all of the crowding in China, the hub motor used on bikes and scooters helps move traffic along faster, too.

Other countries have been slower to use these propulsion devices. In the United States, the regulations governing hub motor and electric bike usage are stringent, with most bikes not allowed on city and town streets. Even more confusing is the fact that each state has its own laws concerning bikes.

Hub motors use electromagnetic fields to propel the vehicle forward. There are two types of hub motors:

• Brush motors
• Brushless motors

Each have pros and cons:

• Brush motor pros: less expensive.
• Brush motor cons: less efficient.
• Brushless motor pros: more efficient, saving money and energy in the long run.
• Brushless motor cons: more expensive to manufacture and buy.

Hub motors help scooters and other lighter vehicles be quieter, reducing noise pollution and making for quieter streets. Vehicles using hub motors are lighter because they do not require the use of a transmission, gas tank, motor, or drive chain. Hub motors are versatile, cost effective and best of all, fuel efficient.

Consider buying a vehicle that uses this propulsion technology and help conserve fuel and help the environment.


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E-Bikes In The United States – A Slow Start Now Gaining Speed

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

Although China and other areas of Asia have demonstrated the usefulness of e-bikes, the U.S. has been reluctant to embrace them. But with the recent rise in gas prices more people are turning to e-bikes for relief. And their having fun doing it.

Electric bicycle sales have increased over the past few years, but they still are slow to catch on. However, rising fuel prices seem to be changing the attitude of the American people, making them look to alternative transportation.

E-Bike Savings – Are E-bikes really cost efficient? Let’s take a look.
 The average car gets about 28-30 mpg in town. Driving 20 miles around town uses almost one gallon of gas and that’s not counting driving to and from work. Therefore, tack on another 20 miles and you’ve exceeded that one gallon mark. If you’re driving an SUV, truck, or an older, less fuel efficient car more gas will be used. With gas at least $3.50 per gallon, the person being extremely frugal with their traveling will spend at least $50 per week on gas. Riding an E-bike could save upwards of $2400 per year.

Riding an E-bike around town and to and from work will cost much less and greatly reduce emissions into the atmosphere. E-bikes are also versatile, easily switching from pavement to park trails. A rider can save time and energy by cutting through areas that cars and motorcycles cannot travel. Plus, parking in town is a breeze since E-bikes can be parked almost anywhere. It’s recommended to use a bike lock to prevent theft, however.

Efficient, handy, and fun; e-bikes deserve another look by the American public as a tool in the fight against pollution and reduction of fuel usage.

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