eZee Torq owners: What range are you getting from your battery?

[rsscott]

Unless you could crimp on a new waterproof connector. I wonder if Maplins do that sort of thing?

I've had a thought:

I might try cutting the finger off a rubber glove and then cable tie it over the speed restrictor link. That way water and dirt will be kept out of the connector, but I hopefully will be able to connect and dis-connect the link through the finger of the glove.

I don't know if anyone has any thoughts on this?

Ian

 

[imellor]

I didn't want to chop any of the wiring about whilst it is in guarantee. Out of guarantee I'll probably open the control box and solder on new wires to save any joins.

Ian

Unless you could crimp on a new waterproof connector. I wonder if Maplins do that sort of thing?

 

[rsscott]

An interesting thought just popped in my head when you mention guarantee. 50Cycles do a rather cheap extended warranty so it could be some time before these bikes are out of warranty for some of us?!

I didn't want to chop any of the wiring about whilst it is in guarantee. Out of guarantee I'll probably open the control box and solder on new wires to save any joins.

Ian

 

[flecc]

Switching suggestion between turbo and restricted

The current Torqs come with a connector hanging down which is easily changed over, but not waterproof. This is easily adapted though, using a variation of Ian's rubber glove finger idea. Just get a subminiature toggle switch from Maplin, code FH00A, and solder that onto the two wires. Then pull a cut off rubber glove finger over it and bind it over the cable behind the switch. The toggle is then easily operated through the glove rubber.

 

[rsscott]

I think we are rapidly approaching the point where an FAQ section might be useful, which could be broken down into various bikes e.g.


> Pedelec Forms
> Electric Bikes
> FAQs
> Classifieds


In the FAQ section we could then have:

> FAQ
> Sticky: FAQ for eZeeBike Torq
> Sticky: FAQ for Giant LaFree
etc.

 

[Tony Youens]

What I was hoping for was a switch mounted somewhere on the bike so that I could toggle between restricted and unrestricted at will.

The guarantee period is a good point though.

Tony

 

[imellor]

How about a "Modification" forum, possibly split in to the various bike makes.

Ian

I think we are rapidly approaching the point where an FAQ section might be useful, which could be broken down into various bikes e.g.


> Pedelec Forms
> Electric Bikes
> FAQs
> Classifieds


In the FAQ section we could then have:

> FAQ
> Sticky: FAQ for eZeeBike Torq
> Sticky: FAQ for Giant LaFree
etc.

 

[flecc]

Yes, it couild be broken up, but I'm not sure whether the distiction between E Bikes and Pedelecs would work, given the switchable modes on eZee bikes which makes them either type.

 

[rsscott]

Oops, that was my typo there. It should've been:

> Pedelec Forums
......> Electric Bikes (i.e. this sub-forum)
......> FAQs (new section)
......> Classifieds

Should we have a modification forum as per Ian's suggestion or could mods be part of the FAQ for a particular model ?

Yes, it couild be broken up, but I'm not sure whether the distiction between E Bikes and Pedelecs would work, given the switchable modes on eZee bikes which makes them either type.

 

[flecc]

Difficult one that. Even the easiest modifications can need very lengthy explanation as you see on my site. Few are carrying out those mods as they've been asking for even more detail in some cases. For example, you saw my suggestion in a thread for using a motor cycle cut out switch on the handlebar for switching in and out of turbo mode, and I even suggested how one could obtain a switch, but even then I was asked if there was any more progress/info. I think a mods forum could get out of hand unless it was just suggestions, but those would be bound to trigger requests for fuller explanation.

My experience is that suggested mods always bring many demands for details, but almost always result in no further action to do the mod. The most valuable and best mod on my site by a huge margin is the twistgrip one, and it's generated plenty of interest. It's very easy despite the full description, but I'll bet no-one's done it, and that's why the usefulness of a mods forum is in question.

 

[rsscott]

I think what i'll do in the short-term is create an FAQ sub-forum which will be a locked forum containing an FAQ for each bike. I'll collate all the info and then add it to each FAQ. For lengthy items I'll just include a short paragraph with a link to the article in detail e.g. instruction page on your site (with your permission of course!)

 

[mithril]

FAQ Question

I think the FAQ is a brilliant idea. It's always useful when dealing with any subject matter and will be a well used resource I'm sure.

My only question would be is a forum the best home for an FAQ or would an area on the main site be better (with a sticky link from the forum)? Just thinking that the forum format may place restrictions on the FAQ layout - especially if adding diagrams.

Perhaps then the question of splitting the mods FAQ out becomes irrelevant as it's just another hyperlink on a page.

 

[rsscott]

I'm toying with expanding the directory on the main site to list bikes as well as retailers/manufacturers i.e. product photos, spec, price, availability etc and allowing customer reviews/ratings ala Amazon.

The forum could contain the more detailed FAQs (which I've added a section for) describing all the mods available, bike foibles etc.

The main site also has an Articles/Features section where generic articles could be presented. There will also be plenty of links pointing to other sites like Flecc's providing lots of technical knowledge.

I think the FAQ is a brilliant idea. It's always useful when dealing with any subject matter and will be a well used resource I'm sure.

My only question would be is a forum the best home for an FAQ or would an area on the main site be better (with a sticky link from the forum)? Just thinking that the forum format may place restrictions on the FAQ layout - especially if adding diagrams.

Perhaps then the question of splitting the mods FAQ out becomes irrelevant as it's just another hyperlink on a page.

 

[flecc]

No problem Administrator, link as required.

 

[rsscott]

Well, last night was very windy and unfortunately for me a direct headwind all the way Riding at full power the red light started to appear at 5 miles. I eased off the throttle a little bit and it hovered on amber but if there was a gentle incline or a particular windy section red would come on again. For the remainder of the commute I held back a bit as I didn't particularly want to have a flat battery in these conditions!

I think I'm a bit reluctant to try a 16-mile each way commute in the middle of winter without a second battery on board.

 

[urstuart16v@talktalk.net]

hi new to the forum but i have to admit being amazed at the lack of distance people are obtaining on their bikes, ihave a sprint and a torque the first time i used the torq i removed the speed limit link just because the manual said not to,big mistake great speed but no duration ,dumped the battery 10 miles from home, not to bad to cycle would not like to have peddled the sprint that distance unadaided.Imanaged 19 miles before dumping,put the restrictor link back much better. -best mileage on the sprint is 43miles-37 miles on the torq peddling and small amounts of throttle but have to admit the sprint is is far more economical even with the metal hydride battery trouble is it lacks street cred my son asks why i am riding a girls bike- cheers Stuart

 

[flecc]

As you say Stuart, the Sprint range is much better, but nearly all in this forum at present have Torqs and nearly all use them derestricted, that's why they get short ranges, typically 13 to 18 miles. Your 10 miles only on the derestricted Torq is the shortest I've ever heard of, but as it was the first trip, the battery probably wasn't run in yet. They take three or four full discharges and charges to reach full capacity.

 

[urstuart16v@talktalk.net]

deregulated torq

hi slight misunderstanding, must be the way i wrote it, got 19 miles unregulated which left me 10 miles to cycle home unaided,which is okay if you just want to belt around for an hour or so ,personally i prefer to make a day of it and explore the not so local area soduration is important. cheers

 

[rsscott]

I was recommended for the first couple of charges that once that green light comes on, to switch off the charger, remove the cable for 5 minutes and then plug back in again and charge - a kind of booster charge if you will.

 

[rsscott]

Replying to my own posts already

Last night a strong headwind again. This time the red light came on at 2 miles . Rather than ease off the throttle, I decided to hold out and kept it at full whack for the rest of the journey. A few occasions it dipped back into amber, but only when there was a break in the wind. Top speed was a bit lower, I was lucky if I could hit 20mph with pedalling. Still, the bike got me home and I'm sure the battery recovered somewhat after that battering. I'm sure the cold weather is having an effect on the battery.

Well, last night was very windy and unfortunately for me a direct headwind all the way Riding at full power the red light started to appear at 5 miles. I eased off the throttle a little bit and it hovered on amber but if there was a gentle incline or a particular windy section red would come on again. For the remainder of the commute I held back a bit as I didn't particularly want to have a flat battery in these conditions!

I think I'm a bit reluctant to try a 16-mile each way commute in the middle of winter without a second battery on board.