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Q: Which are the best e-bikes to buy?
My current bike is on it's last legs and it's only a matter of time before I find myself looking like a member of Billy Smart's Circus as it bumps and heaves it's last breath before exploding into a pile of metal and plastic on the road. I've got my eye on one model, though I don't remember the name, it's just one i've seen around that reminds me of Batman's bike, or at least a scaled down model of it; not one he'd take out to fight crime on, but one he'd ride to the shops on when he's out to pick up some milk. But I don't know whether it's a reliable bike at all, and I guess, what with trying to save for a flat and all, i've got to put practicalities before........you know....wanting to be Batman.
So.....any suggestions and recommendations?
Maybe talk to some people who have them in the street
Simply tell the you are looking at getting a new bike and ask if the bike is any good and what problems it has given them.
Most times they will be happy to talk to you
Ref: Batman Bike, I think I know which one you're talking about. Dual round headlights, fast as ballz? I've had a few of those whip around my little BYD in traffic. It'd definitely be my choice....
. It also appears to be the choice of other expats in the area.
mArtiAn:
Yeh, I think we're on the same page, it's a pretty cool looking bike, right? Kind of a low-rider. Reckon i'll get one in black. Gonna look great when i'm wearing my red leotard and yellow cape.
That rugged little bike seems to be pretty good. However, I have had my Lima ebike for over a year and had absolutely nothing go wrong (touch wood). It went through the worst of the weather cheerfully and the batteries still only need charged after about 80k's.Unlike most things here, it's a good buy.
mArtiAn:
I've had mine for about 7 years and my only complaint (apart from the fact that it's about as powerful as an electric hairdryer), is that every time it rains the horn starts ringing and I can't turn the damn thing off. Other than that it's fine.
I think you mean the little dirt bike style, like a Honda Rukus. I like them too, but I like a plastic shield on the bike, like the old vespa styles. Some are heavier and weight really factors in when it comes to acceleration. I bought an e-bike at home similar to the one I had in China, but it weighed more and even after i modified it with a better controller, it still wasn't as fast as the one I had in China. I would look for alloy wheels, a front disc brake and 60 volt 20 amp at least, 72 volt is better and an option on the little bat bikes. I've seen guys at home mod them up to 300 volts. Also a lithium battery is a good investment. They charge faster, hold charge longer and live longer. Acid batteries are heavy about 70 lbs, lithium are much lighter, maybe 10 lbs, another factor in speed and distance. Acid batteries begin to deteroriate at 3 months and have kind of a memory, if you don't fully charge them, they think that is the full level, overcharging and heat kill them. lithium should last you 3 years. There is a silicone battery, but i don't know much about them.
sorry, but have to ring the wumao bell here on Mr. marTIan. If he'd been the westerner he claims he would know Batman is lactose intolerant.
Vyborg:
How could a Martian ever be a Westerner? Have they colonized Earth yet?
mArtiAn:
Well apparently Mars is actually a part of China, so I guess you may be right. You got me.
Scandinavian:
yes, I knew that. Mars has a very high concentration of CO2 in its atmosphere, just like China is trying to achieve in the Middle Kingdom
I had a Wuyang large-sized e-bike for a bit over 3 years, no major problems, and quite reliable. I am told it is Chinese Honda. But I started to get tired of it because of the brakes; they needed constant adjusting. So with a bonus burning a hole in my pocket, I decided to look for a "good" e-bike. I always pay attention to the brands I see most often by looking for the oldest versions I can find. When I can I ask riders about their choice, though most seem to shrug it off as "it's just an e-bike". Finally, I decided to go on a shopping trip and visit the showroom of every manufacturer in my city. I was surprised to find that they were virtually all the same, except for one. When I first saw the bike I eventually ended up buying, I just knew I had to have it. TailG (Taiwan Bell Electric) makes what they term a luxury e-bike. Large sized with many little features like 3-speeds (I don't know the correct term but it really is a way of controlling how much current is available), Siemans electric parts throughout, Lithium batteries, which is an incredible convenience when you're unable to plug in every day, puncture proof tires and electric assisted hydraulic brakes. The bike is surprisingly heavy, like a small motorcycle, yet travels at near 60 kph. Frighteningly fast when in traffic. But the way it rides is best. The dealer makes a big deal of the shatter proof light covers, but I like the remote controlled seat opener with lighted compartment inside. Every time i get on it, I think of it as something my grandfather would have loved in a car. It was expensive compared to the average price of the others (over 4,000 rmb with my old bike in trade), but I travel a fair distance to work and I just felt the need to be comfortable and fast.
