Electric bikes

A few days in, impressions.

It isn't a cruising battery, soft pedal allows this but yields quick drain. Better is to get the accel boost then work a bit to keep it above speed until needed. My energy is saved on the stop start of city riding but once upto speed a gentle effort is worth making to keep it rolling above motor limit. P2 of 5 seems optimal mode. I tried derestricting the speed which was huge fun but the air battery doesn't make it a sensible move, nor does the law, unfortunately. Overall, a good bit of kit within its capabilities I reckon.

Has anyone bought a 12v bosch charger? I'm looking for one, to charge bike when away in van but can't see one.
Maybe in need an inverter.

Unless you have a very large leisure battery or a powerful solar system, I think it would run down your battery very quickly. But I see no reason why you couldn't run the normal Bosch charger (probably not the 6A one) off an inverter.

I have a big solar array. 550w solar and 200ah of batteries.

I'll check the watts on the charger and get a suitable inverter. Seems cheapest.

Are there any decent and cheap alternatives to sur ron style bikes ? Ali express is a minefield but the local hoods look like they’re having a blast whizzing around

A bit late for me but Skarper are claiming that pre-orders are about to open for the first production run. No details on web yet, just an update to the mailing list, linking this not very informative video..
https://vimeo.com/859011096/49a33de19f
(won't imbed on here but it does exist)

Looks very low faff but I'm sure it'll be a spennier than other bolt ons.

£1295, £100 for an additional rotor, 50km range on eco.
Feels like a hard sell but maybe Sir Chris and the ease of fitting will help people get over the price?!
https://www.skarper.com/product/exclusive-email-offer

I have zero experience with electric bikes and a little old lady of my acquaintance, namely my 67 yr old sister, has asked me what bike she should get. She lives near Stogursey , Hinkley C area, Somerset and I've not seen much in the way of any hills where she will be riding. She just wants to potter about the local villages. I got her a 700C hybrid bike late last year but I don't think she's used it. Basically do you have recommendations for 20" wheeled, plump tyred bike. Folding probably not required because she probably couldn't lift it. 26"or 28" wheeled suggestions would be good to, as I really don't know what she wants to do on it or how much she wants to pay. I was going to suggest she buys new as you don't know how good a second hand battery is or when its going to explode.

I got my mum a step through Ridgeback with steps and electronic automatic alfine, idiot proof. Sure there are many other options now but it did.
Rack on the back, panniers on the side. Mudguards. Perfect for about town and to the shops. Kickstand.

Step through and kick stand (as @skinny suggests) would be a must I would say if weight of the bike is an issue. Maybe even a double kickstand to help with loading/unloading shopping etc. Other than that, I would go for something from one of the brands for fear of battery/charger safety with the cheapos.

Thanks both. She has a Halfords in Bridgwater so she can test out her preferences then we'll see what we can get. I would go for a chubby tyred, 20" wheeled Engwe, or similar, if I was buying but she's not that adventurous.

My dad is close to spending big cash on a Moustache ebike from Fully Charged. Any opinions or experience? Thanks

Got the front rack adapters so my electric build is complete* light e-cargo for shopping, allotment, & commuting.

'* the rack is at a much jauntier angle than when last fitted (offset pictured) so needs a bit of fettling, plus I will likely add a basket & nice rolltop bag upfront if I can find a combo that fits with the swytch battery holder & works for me.

2 Attachments

Apparently Swytch is coming out with a cheaper, bigger wired battery system that will have up to a 40km? range.

My sister got one. It's OK.

They already had that, thats what the older kits are.

Not from what I read, but maybe you're right.

I bought my FIL a Samedi 2nd hand a couple of years back. It's been brilliant. Just for pottering about Dorset villages but he now regularly rides places so it must be ok. I rode it across London once or twice and was great fun. I don't have anything to compare it to, but the fact it had a half decent sram groupset on it, and not oem shimano brakes meant it felt like a 'proper' bike. Fork was a bit shit though.

Not sure I'd buy one full price, but that goes for any ebike

They mention it at the end of this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWgi7WAUvb0&t=46s

I have the older kit, bigger battery and range around 35-40km

Im guessing they a bringing it back as its been hard to get shops to sign up to be dealers for the 15km kit

Is yours wired?

Wired?

You watched the video from 11:30 on?

We found an immaculate 2nd hand Friday which my dad is delighted with. Massive upgrade from the Batribike monstrosity he's been on

Too much velcro faff though.

Tbh 15km is enough for my circumstances at present. It was great pedalling home this evening after a late finish, hungry & thirsty, into a strong headwind with Swytch carrying me home in 25 mins without breaking sweat. Ordinarily those kind of commutes are 40 minute soul destroyers.