Powabyke Test Ride

TwistNgo

Pedelecer
May 11, 2007
37
0
Guernsey, Channel Islands
I'm taking my first ride on an electric bike today either on a Powabyke Euro 6 speed or/and a Powabyke Commuter 21. I've decieded on these based on limited web searching and what i've read on here. It seems to me although these models are heavier than some makes they seem reliable. I've read some police forces have trialed this make and other makes and the Powabyke comes out on top for durability.

I'll let you know what I think.
 

ITSPETEINIT

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 11, 2006
492
0
Mere, Wilts
Powabykes - weight

I'm taking my first ride on an electric bike today either on a Powabyke Euro 6 speed or/and a Powabyke Commuter 21. I've decieded on these based on limited web searching and what i've read on here. It seems to me although these models are heavier than some makes they seem reliable. I've read some police forces have trialed this make and other makes and the Powabyke comes out on top for durability.

I'll let you know what I think.
I heard somewhere that there is a model(s) that have lightweight batteries - whether they are Li-ion, Li-Pol or NiMH I don't know. The price may be affected.
I e-mailed their Bath HO yesterday: I am awaiting their reply.
Peter
 

ITSPETEINIT

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 11, 2006
492
0
Mere, Wilts
Powabykes - weight

I'm taking my first ride on an electric bike today either on a Powabyke Euro 6 speed or/and a Powabyke Commuter 21. I've decieded on these based on limited web searching and what i've read on here. It seems to me although these models are heavier than some makes they seem reliable. I've read some police forces have trialed this make and other makes and the Powabyke comes out on top for durability.

I'll let you know what I think.
I heard somewhere that there is a model(s) that have lightweight batteries - whether they are Li-ion, Li-Pol or NiMH I don't know. The price may be affected.
I e-mailed their Bath HO yesterday: I am awaiting their reply.
They are reputed to be noisy but you'll find that out on the Test ride.
Do you have steep hills in Guernsey? If not, it does not matter - if you do, try it on the steepest. If you want to know how steep you can use the device "invented" by Flecc on this Forum.
Oh, there was one item I picked up on the Powabyke web-site.
It seems that the motor cuts out when the speed falls below 5 mph and you have to pedal to get it going again. Pretty annoying!
Peter
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,128
30,555
It's actually more like 2 to 3 mph to get it to cut back in Peter, and they have a megarange low sprocket so not as difficult as it sounds with that super low gear available. It's part of it's lower price, a simpler controller.

The new batteries are Li-polymer I believe.
 

ITSPETEINIT

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 11, 2006
492
0
Mere, Wilts
Lithium-weight-range-price: Powabyke

Hello to all who provided information:
Yes the new battery is Lithium-ion: Less weight (new weight for bike + battery 28Kg) - more money £945 (£300 more than SLA): more range ( since they quote 34 miles for the SLA in pedal assist mode that's pretty impressive ?)
Peter
 

TwistNgo

Pedelecer
May 11, 2007
37
0
Guernsey, Channel Islands
I am now the owner of a Powabyke Speed Commuter 24 :D

I tried the 6 speed euro it was also a great bike to ride the problem was when going downhill or along the flat at any decent speed I had to pedal rather frantically !

with the 24 speed I could get some serious speed up ! Also the ride seemed better on the 24 maybe due to the larger tyres ?

Not sure how the quote thingy works ! but quote from ITSPETEINIT - They are reputed to be noisy but you'll find that out on the Test ride.
Do you have steep hills in Guernsey? If not, it does not matter - if you do, try it on the steepest. If you want to know how steep you can use the device "invented" by Flecc on this Forum.
Oh, there was one item I picked up on the Powabyke web-site.
It seems that the motor cuts out when the speed falls below 5 mph and you have to pedal to get it going again. Pretty annoying!

There is a 'hum' when using power but this dosen't worry me at least people will know i'm coming !

Guernsey is very hilly our town where I work is built into a steep hill.

I noticed that I had to pedal before the power throttle worked but it only takes a quick spin of the pedals to do this.
 
Last edited:

rsscott

Administrator
Staff member
Aug 17, 2006
1,399
195
Hi TwistNGo,

welcome to the forum. Wow, that was a quick purchase! Glad to see you are happy with it and I'm sure it will give you years of service. Once you've had it for a few weeks and got to know the bike a bit, please submit an Owner Review here.

Did you go for the Lithium battery ?

cheers
Russ
Russell Scott
Pedelecs UK
 

TwistNgo

Pedelecer
May 11, 2007
37
0
Guernsey, Channel Islands
He He :D ! it might have seemed like a quick purchase but believe me i've done alot of research on the net and on this site for a few weeks before I bought ! I must say I am a bit of an impulse buyer though !

The bike just felt right to me straight away. :)

I just went for the standard battery as the bike came. I believe you can upgrade the battery and charger latter on if needed ?.

I will def give an owners review latter on.