Elliptigo - could this be converted:

[shemozzle999]

I saw an article in the local free paper about this machine and how the user lost 15 stone in weight using one, then wondered if it could be converted to electric.

ElliptiGO Elliptical Bicycle Overview - YouTube

http://www.elliptigo.com/

http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/local/bike-without-saddle-brings-weight-loss-success-for-tony-1-5440585

 

[RobF]

Can't see why a hub motor couldn't be mounted on the front.

 

[shemozzle999]

Yes, it has a 20" 28H rim so ripe for one of Jerry's motors.

Unfortunately it looks like it has a standard ISIS BB with a splined shaft so the special cranks arms would not fit on the BBS01 mid drive.

 

[Artstu]

They do look weird on the the road, I've only ever seen one so far, weirdest bike I've ever seen.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Yes, it has a 20" 28H rim so ripe for one of Jerry's motors.

Unfortunately it looks like it has a standard ISIS BB with a splined shaft so the special cranks arms would not fit on the BBS01 mid drive.

You could chuck the rim and fit any front hub-motor.

If that's a standard Octalink BB, then you could replace it with a Cyclone free-wheeling crank, and fit a GNG gen 2.


I like the idea of that bike, but it's expensiv for what it is.

 

[RobF]

A couple of people did the London Edinburgh London ride on these to prove they are a viable alternative to an ordinary bicycle.

One of the riders commented he put in about the same amount of effort as on a bike, but went a bit slower.

 

[flecc]

Better for the knees too, the arc of movement and pressure exertion much more like that of the natural function of walking.

 

[trex]

is there any point in synchronizing electric assistance to the position of the cranks to lessen impact on knee joints? this can be done more easily on a crank drive.

 

[flecc]

is there any point in synchronizing electric assistance to the position of the cranks to lessen impact on knee joints? this can be done more easily on a crank drive.

It seems a good idea on the surface, but it might have a strange feel on the road if excessive. To some degree the Panasonic unit is like this already, the torque sensor directly and immediately controlling the motor output, so it helps most at points in the pedal arc of highest demand. However, for me that felt best in the earlier lowest power version and I find it less convincing at higher powers, the surges for me are disturbing.

 

[trex]

Thank you for pointing this out, it can produce a 'wobbling effect' in pedalling thinking about it.
Any torque sensor would sense less pedalling effort when your feet are near vertical, reducing the assistance at the wrong moment.

 

[shemozzle999]

There is a club of riders in Milton Keynes - and from their facebook site I found all this:

https://www.facebook.com/MiltonKeynesElliptiGOClub

British Heart Foundation - London to Milton Keynes Bike Ride

BBC News - Adventurer Squash Falconer on breaking new world record

Punkt


Apparently they are known as "GOers"

 

[shemozzle999]

The London to Milton Keynes Bike Ride Sunday (20th October 2013) sounds interesting - it might be a good advertising opportunity for some of the dealers to test out their e-bike range claims but I don't know if e-bikes would be allowed to participate in it.

 

[jazper53]

A JogaByke, or if you stick a motor on it Jogebyke, is this not another reinvention of something that has already reached its maximum point of mechanical efficiency and design ?

 

[flecc]

A JogaByke, or if you stick a motor on it Jogebyke, is this not another reinvention of something that has already reached its maximum point of mechanical efficiency and design ?

I think so too if viewed as competition for a conventional bicycle, it won't be as efficient, as witness the lower speeds quoted by a user.

But as a palliative for those with knee and hip joint problems, it has a place for those who wish to continue some form of cycling while minimising further damage.

It's not new of course, VeloVision magazine have featured many treadle designs over the years, plus hand cycles for those with major loss of leg function.

 

[shemozzle999]

A JogaByke, or if you stick a motor on it Jogebyke, is this not another reinvention of something that has already reached its maximum point of mechanical efficiency and design ?

Hi jazper53,

I don't know if it is the same as what you are talking about but you could try one out as you have a dealer, The JOG Shop, where you live:

ElliptiGO | Dealers in the UK

 

[jazper53]

Hi jazper53,

I don't know if it is the same as what you are talking about but you could try one out as you have a dealer, The JOG Shop, where you live:

ElliptiGO | Dealers in the UK

The 'Jogabyke' was just a made up name i thought up to describe these bikes, Elliptogo sounds like some medical condition which might require extensive bed rest.
ps There is Jog shop not far from me but I doubt I shall be visiting it any time soon, as running is something I do only as a last resort, whether, it be on foot or on a Elliptogo

 

[Scimitar]

I'd never really seen a MacMillan Bicycle before, but now I'm convinced.
Especially at 1:01 on that video.

 

[Clockwise]

I would read these 2 sections on the next link. The how long will it last is more or less a safety warning that the crank arms won't last...

Appendix A: Intended Use of the ElliptiGO
Appendix B: How Long Will My ElliptiGO Last?

Manual and Warranty

 

[shemozzle999]

Commendable and comprehensive manual leaving the user in no doubt about the recommended usage and design limitations of the device.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I forgot to mention in the other thread that they'll be showing this bike in the next episode of "The gadget Man" on Channel 4 TV