Electric Scooter Bicycles

[Fibb222]

Well, I took the Kaishan K500W, a K400, and a K25F (see website) for a test drive.

The K500W (with no pedals installed yet) was very zippy on the flat and could go up pretty steep hills at 18 km/h - 22 km/h without trouble. It had a power boost button that allowed it go faster than legal - up to 40 km/hr. If I didn't want any exercise I think this would be a good buy. The drum brakes pulsed but the dealer said they should smooth out quickly. There were some minor annoyances: The signal lights were silent and their indicators on the dash were hard to see in the sun. The carpet at my feet kept moving and would need to be velcroed down. The rear view mirrors weren't adjustable enough to give me a good view behind - might be fixable with a wrench. The biggest problem with this bike is that the batteries can't be removed easily so you have to charge them in the bike. I took the bike down a bike trail and a couple of people scowled at me, thinking I was breaking the law.

The K400 was really wimpy and stalled on the same hills that K500 climbed steadily. It also had a pretty weak suspension going over some rough roads - from the sounds of it something was hitting something it shouldn't have.

The K25F is the only electric bike I've tried so far where you are expected to pedal. The combination of pedal and motor power made for some decent acceleration and I enjoyed riding it.

My next goal is to test drive more e-bikes that require pedaling including the GWEV Super 9 and a Bionx system. I'm intrigued by the Bionx. Knowing that there is a code for the speed limiter is handy.

I'll update after I test drive some more bikes.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EricGo @ Mar 31 2007, 05:58 PM) [snapback]415705[/snapback]</div>

My only complaint is the speed regulator, but that is a US reg and has nothing to do with the setup per se.
[/b]

Check out this link for the code.

I can't wait to test out one of these. Do you have the PL-350? Do you have a throttle?

Starting from a stop, if you don't use the throttle, do you find that there is a delay before the motor kicks in? I read that some people wish there was more assistance right away.

Thanks

[Hlstone84]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Fibb222 @ Mar 25 2007, 10:48 PM) [snapback]412180[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for all the advice and links everybody. Today I went down to GWEV in Victoria to look at what they have and now I'm not so sure that I want an electric scooter type bicycle. I might get a more traditional looking electric bicycle. They are cheaper and might allow me to get a bit of a workout. I can still sit back and let the bike do the work if I want to I can power the whole thing with pedal power or any combination of the two. Google GWEV and check out the Super 9. Dorky basket and all!
[/b]

I happen to think the baskets are quite hip Im looking to buy something GWEV soon as well, for Victoria. basically just for commuting to school and work so I don't have to put up with all the crazies on the bus. Let me know how it goes once you choose a model. I just started my search and I have to admit, I do want one of the scooter types. I have a bike and I can ride that when I want to get exercise, but I may consider other options. I would hate to break down and be stuck. Let me know what you think or if you have tried out anything in particular, how the ride was and all of that. good luck!

[Fibb222]

Well this weekend I tried out the GWEV 1-5 Speed, the GWEV Super 9, the Bionx PL-250 and the PL-350 systems.

GWEV 1-5 Speed - It was noisey, weak and the first four gears were useless. And it wasn't possible to pedal fast enough in 5th gear to go faster than 30 km/h.

GWEV Super 9 - it has a little more power, but again the single pedaling gear wasn't able to propel the bike fast enough for my purposes.

Regular bike sellers say that these types of bikes usually have decent motors, but the rest of the bike's components are really cheap and will likely break down in a year or so. The flarings and body panels get in the way when trying to make repairs so the repair costs are way higher than a regular bike. And they are heavy so two technicians are often required. Generally these bikes are just too heavy and slow to commute with. And if you get a flat, how are supposed to change the tire?

Bionx PL-250 and PL-350.

I am really jacked on the idea of using a regular performance/comfort hybrid and added a Bionx system to it. On a 27 speed hybrid you can go really fast under your own power and the Bionx system can give you a boast up hills or from a dead start. The system is really well designed - very intelligent.

A regular bike is easy and relatively cheap to service too. The Bionx system is really what I need for my 40 km commute. The only problem is is the cost. A good bike and the best Bionx system together can cost you around $3000. That's 3x more than a Super 9, but I think it is worth it as the GWEV bikes just don't cut it.

[Mirza]

Great that you found a system you like! Have you considered getting a decent used bicycle? That's what I did and it worked out really well.

[Fibb222]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mirza @ Apr 2 2007, 09:35 PM) [snapback]416838[/snapback]</div>

Great that you found a system you like! Have you considered getting a decent used bicycle? That's what I did and it worked out really well.
[/b]

Well I went whole hog - since it is going to be my "car" during the work week. I got a new (2006) Giant Cypress SX. Apparently a pretty good bike.

The bike and the Bionx kit is going to put me back about $3000 CDN after taxes.

[Mirza]

Neat. Are you getting the PL-350 Lithium? If I recall correctly, it's got the best mounting setup of the different bionx combos.

[Fibb222]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mirza @ Apr 2 2007, 10:09 PM) [snapback]416854[/snapback]</div>

Neat. Are you getting the PL-350 Lithium? If I recall correctly, it's got the best mounting setup of the different bionx combos.
[/b]

Yes, the PL-350. I wanted the P-350 since it is about $400 cheaper but the battery has to be mounted on a rack at the back and that's not good. Too much weight at the back and too high up makes for bad handling.