Style (or lack of.......)

[frank9755]

Jimmy,

I think your point which I understand as 'why should ebikes look like normal bikes when they're not' is a fair challenge. But what I think that doesn't take into account is that half the power is still coming from the rider, who wants it used as efficiently as possible (as far as he has the understanding to judge). This is why the diamond frame seems the best answer.

For a pure electric 'bike' / scooter, I would agree - design it around that function. If I have to pedal it I want a diamond frame!

Frank

 

[Jeremy]

Most of the problem seem to be a lack of imagination when it comes to packaing the components. Hub motors can be relatively discrete, as can controllers. The Tongxin/Nano ones are good examples of just how small these can be made, the Tongxin controller could be hidden easily inside the underside of a small saddle.

Batteries seem to present the biggest challenge, as there seems to be little creativity being applied to packaging. My own small NiMH pack looks very much like a slightly thicker than normal rear rack platform, as it's the same size as the rack in plan view, but just 2" thick and fitted to the underside, in the gap between the rack and the rear wheel. It's only 7.4Ah, but if it were a lithium type, then it might well be around 10Ah and still take up the same space.

Alternatively, a bit of creative thinking might well result in the frame tubes housing batteries. All it would need is some slightly larger diameter tubes, plus some sealed access ports to be able to pull the cells out for replacement when required.

I'm sure that there are more good ideas out there that could address this design problem and come up with some even better solutions.

Jeremy

 

[flecc]

Some have used the frame tubes of course, but I don't think it a good idea in general since it prevents a battery change for a quick turnaround or for a longer range run.

Once batteries give a minimum 50 mile range it would certainly be better, but for the present it's too restrictive for many riders.
.

 

[fishingpaul]

bikes have already been made, with a battery that hangs off the saddle, and looks like a saddlebag,(powacycle cyclone now discontinued)and with batteries inside the frame (izip).there have also been batterys concealed inside wheel hubs,most things have already been tried (probably at great expense for few sales).

 

[keithhazel]

Here's my contribution to the barrage Keith. I firmly believe in the existence of e-bikes to suit all tastes, for those who want an easy life riding a differently styled bike with a bit of optional pedalling as well as for purists who prefer to have optimal designs, with or without high power.

Variety is the spice of life.
.

and my final thought to this one is by way of experience, if you are going to buy a new electric bike make sure you have all the information you can about them all and get the one that meets your requirements the best, my last one the synergy although in the summer it was a fun ride, not much power but got me there eventually, once the winds and cold came it was totally NOT the bike for the job,having now got one which with hindsight i should have got in the beginning, neither the wind nor gradients affect my getting there now in the time i expect. ... where was you Flecc with your advcie 6 months ago ?....oh yer i wasnt on here then...

 

[keithhazel]

take a look at
Electric Bikes, Electric Bikes, Electric Bikes
doesn't really give much about performance but its certainly a bit different.The Tornado bike

looks the same as the silver ones being sold on e-bay..those horrible too

 

[Mandy]

I like the look of the Matra Sports too, looks like a very nice bike and bet it costs a bomb!!
I do know where you are coming from though, totally :0)

Mandy