Long distance commuting

[Mussels]

I would like to commute to work by bike but the long distance means I have only recently looked into it and found it is viable with battery help. My concern is battery range and what happens if I run it flat regularly as I gather some batteries don't respond well to that.
The commute will be about 23 miles each way, mostly flat and going uphill at either end (Dartford to London). I want to get there quickly and on some days with little effort so I'm thinking of the Wisper 905 or the Ezee Torq, the hills mostly aren't steep so I'm confident I can supply the extra effort needed for these bikes.
The Torq seems to be the popular choice on here and is faster, so I would be confident buying that but the low battery capacity worries me. If I often take it to nearly flat then will I be causing myself a problem and killing the life of the battery, or do the new range out deal with this OK? I can take the charger with me so the 23 miles will be the most I need to do.
So is the Torq my ideal machine or am I better off with the Wisper and it's higher capacity battery?

 

[frank9755]

Of the two a Wisper is probably the better bet. An unrestricted Torq would be faster but 23 miles is going to be right on the limit of range for a new battery, and as the battery ages it will be falling short. The Wisper battery would easily manage that distance.

Frank

 

[flecc]

For two reasons I think the Wisper is the one for your fairly long trip.

First there's the additional capacity which ensures you will be able to complete your journey over time. All these batteries lose capacity as they age, so even when one is sufficient initially, it might not be several months later.

The other reason is your requirement for a fast journey. The Wisper can be run in a higher speed mode to give a few mph extra, so that suits as well.

P.S. Snap! Just seen Frank's reply!.

 

[moon]

I use my wisper for a 24 mile round trip, and as I have gotten fitter am arriving at work with a full battery

I would suggest you buy a second charger and charge the bike at work...

 

[Mussels]

I borrowed a Wisper from the Electric Transport shop last night and rode it 30 miles home, this morning I rode it the 30 miles back and I only have a sore bum so for me it's a complete success. It took 15 minutes longer than public transport and is much more enjoyable, my order is in.
Now time to wait and see what model comes out of the container.

 

[WaiWonChing]

Chief eZee Operator

Hi,

About long distance commuting.

The following factors affects the range.
1) battery capacity , Wh energy capacity simplified is Volts x Ah rating
2) Speed - energy consumption goes up exponentially with speed just as with cars. Not only the wind resistance but the efficiency of the motor drops at very high load, without going into the details eZee holds out very well in our new generation motor which is fitted on the Torqs being sold now by Cyclepoint, whereas others drops very drastically.
Although you could ride the eZee Torq at higher speeds, there is nothing to stop you from going slower. We have an option now called EAF - eZee Assist Factor (Potentiometer) fitted in in place of the throttle, so you simply turn the dial and set the power level you like. I did 60 miles ( 5 trips ) of utility riding with ave. 12.5 mph with one charge, putting the EAF on 4.0 ( scale 0-8.5) On the other hand at this rate the motor is not working at its most efficient range either. It would be more difficult with the throttle, most would just turn it all the way with full power, it is difficult to hold anything in between for long periods.
3) Load - weight, and terrain .
4) Wind - it makes a big difference if there even a slight head wind which you could feel against you.

W W Ching