Wish list

Hi Pedelecers all,

 

I wondered if I could ask you for some help?

 

If you could design and own a perfect electric bike what would you like to see, added, improved or taken away?

 

You never know your wish my just come true!

 

Many thanks David

I want minimum weight and a bike that doesn't look 'electric'

Quite simply, I want a bike where cost is no (or little) object. An 'off road only' limited edition with 30mph top speed, 25+ mile genuine range, cut down to the bare essentials, excellent climbing ability, top class components throughout and, most importantly, first class service.

 

£2500 would have me very interested indeed and as a marketing ploy would be a massive boost to the comany that did it. Think Ducati 1098R.

did you say 30 m.p.h?

other than the obvious, lighter, more efficient, better range...

 

how about offering a spec-your-own approach like brompton.

 

or, while waitng for better and better batteries, how about a range of matching trailers: kiddy, luggage, expedition... the trailer would hold an additional battery that could be coupled to the bike power system to compensate for the additional drain needed to tow the trailer.

 

or, could evan have powered sidecar type traiers, the trailer having a battery and a motor...

 

I'd go for lightness (under 20kg complete with battery), good hill climbing but OK to ride unassisted, at least 25 miles range in hilly country, a battery that really will last for a high number of recharges, non-frumpy design with crossbar and decent looks (a step-through option would broaden the appeal), simplicity (sell it as a basic bike and perhaps offer a 'fully loaded' option), good quality cycle components, reliable availability information, good after sales service, all for under £1000 please!

did you say 30 m.p.h?

 

I did. Are you worried about legality or technical difficulty?

Central motor and drive through the gears like the Panasonic unit but with some important differences:

 

1) Software aligned to our legal permissability, not the restrictive Japanese.

 

2) Range of selectable power assist levels up to 66%.

 

3) Slightly more available net power.

 

4) A gears unit that was up to the job of handling all the combined power.

 

5) Accommodation for a remote second battery with built in connectors.

 

6) Rim brakes but with some additional electrical braking through the transmission. This operating on the initial travel of one of the brake levers to give retardation on long inclines without high rim wear.

 

Circa 25 kilos and £1500.

.

I wish your 905se was £995 then I'd have bought it through the cycle2work scheme.

 

You are losing sales since the scheme tops out at 1k.

I'd like a neat solution to the drop handlebars problem (see recent thread on the subject).

 

Because what I'd like is an ebike that is sporty, lightweight and handles well. And then when I want it, it will deliver 750 W of assistance. What I mean is I want something that, when you pedal it unassisted, feels as if it will be happy to do 30 mph, and then will do 30 mph.

 

Nick

One of the positives I already have is a nearby retailer so I don't have to worry how to get it back anywhere.

 

I would also like an upgrade path, not just in buying (basic or loaded) but also over time so evolutions in the design of software, hardware can be bought or offered every year. Wouldn't mind paying for it. My Wisper is such a great aquisition that I would like to keep it thoroughly up to date with all improvements.

under £1000 with a less noticeable battery,water bottle styled batteries are good or something that looks like a saddlebag ,also less than 25 kilos, and 25 mile plus range also with 18- 19mph off road switch,it must be a good climber,perhaps you could supply a kit with a frame mounted battery.

A range of frame sizes.

or, battery with built in charger. could charge it anywhere using a standard kettle lead or usb lead...

 

or, built in motion sensitive alarm.

Edited July 9, 200817 yr by TomB

or, just a cheap, pocket sized charger, very portable, mobile phone style.

Based on the current 905SE (as I assume thats where you'd be starting from):

• Easier to ride unpowered (less resistance from the hub motor gears)
  
• Built in lights run from the battery
  
• Range of power modes (its very hard to ride at less than 10mph with the power on, but fairly horrible to ride with the power off)
  
• Cheaper (obviously!!!)
  
• Lighter
  
• Some way of protecting the controls/handlebars/saddle when turned upside down
  
• A wider range in the gearing (7 in total is fine, but a lower low and a higher high would be nice)
  
• A range of frame sizes
  
• A lighter, cheaper, smaller, faster, more portable charger
  
• Absolutely impenetrable, un-puncturable tyres
  
• A chain guard
  
• A small emergency battery to get you home if the main one runs out on you.
  

Regards,

 

Elephants

I wish your 905se was £995 then I'd have bought it through the cycle2work scheme.

 

You are losing sales since the scheme tops out at 1k.

 

Hi Seataltea

 

Just to let you know - and others who would like to buy the 905se on the cycle to work scheme - you CAN do it. From the FAQ section on http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk:

 

'What happens when employees want bikes costing over £1000?

 

However, if your employer has decided to limit bike sales to £1000 (retail price including VAT) you can buy safety equipment in excess of this amount and pay the surplus directly to the bike shop who will make the quote out for exactly £1000.'

I have just ordered my Wisper 905se through the cycle to work scheme from The Electric Transport Shop in London - they have given me a quote for £997, and I am paying the difference (£203).

 

I realise not all cycle schemes are the same, but please don't be put off if the bike costs over £1000 as it is probably still possible to get the bike on the cycle scheme if you are willing to pay the difference.

 

Cheers,

 

Howard

I'd also like a low power mode for use in slow moving traffic etc, a smaller frame as I can just about get on and off mine easily when I wear trainers with a fairly high sole, a chain guard, a rear disk brake and better brake cables as mine always need tightening.

 

Oh and a range of bike accessories, I have recently bought one of these for my rear carrier

 

http://www.basil.nl/producten/17060L.jpg

 

 

Mainly A range of frame sizes (Im 5'11" and my wife is 4'11" meaning its a struggle to get 2 bikes with the same battery/charger)

 

A bike that can be ridden as well as a normal bike without power.

 

Reliability of the motor drive

 

A battery with a 'piggy-back' mode like some of the high end LED Light batteries have, that way you could either use a small or large (and heavier) battery.

 

Option to upgrade the built in lights to 'high quality' lights (mine is 720 lumens at the front = car headlight) that run from the main battery.

 

weight without battery of any type under 16 Kg

 

Option of roller or hydraulic rim brakes (rollers may not be as powerful, but they never need adjusting)

 

Easy to remove wheels for puncture repair, and a solid tyre option for those who hate punctures

 

A price close to the stupid Trading Standards £1,000 cyclescheme limit (as the basic bike)

 

off-road capable/switchable

 

 

Can I order 2 when you have this

.....I realise not all cycle schemes are the same, but please don't be put off if the bike costs over £1000 as it is probably still possible to get the bike on the cycle scheme if you are willing to pay the difference.

 

Cheers,

 

Howard

 

Seconded - I'm just about to do exactly the same with Halfords

I did. Are you worried about legality or technical difficulty?

It sounds like you need to go to Germany or Switzerland for one of their high speed specials and bring it back on the roof of the car. To use off road, of course.

Strikes me that most people are buying their leccy bikes for a specific purpose, often practical, but i 'd break these down into:

-Commuting

-Leisure

-Car alternatives

 

Now, i'd like a company that could sell me a bike that could be specced to suit my needs, not what the company thinks i want. A very good and succesful example of this is AVC cycles in bath who sell folding bikes. You can spend ages on their website speccing a folding bike that suits you. from my basic frame and engine, i'd like to be able to spec:

-Forks (road no suspension, lock out suspenssion, off road suspension)

-handlebar and stem (speed drops, flat townie hybrid, luxury about town combo)

-tyres (racing slicks, good general use, bomb proof)

-lights (hub dynamo and the works or non)

-racks (Light touring, luxury town style, non)

-saddle and seat post (racier style, classic (eg brooks), comforty (yuck!)

-pedals (townie rubber ones, optional powergrips, or spds)

-Optional paraphenlia (pump, locks inc built in defenders)

-brakes (V or disc)

-gearing adjustment (+13%, -13% , normal)

 

Obviously i want hill climbing (panasonic motor), low weight for the basic frame, 30 mile range and reliability. I would like a local dealer, but it wouldnt affect my purchase choice, given the current market.

 

PS i'm a very happy Agattu owner. But i didnt want everything on it and i wanted some things different. When i specced my birdy from AVC i got everything i wanted + spares.

Oooh, I just spotted this thread (bit late I know!)

 

My perfect bike is a Wisper 905 City S (if I've got the right one! - I mean the sport that's been converted with the mudguards and rack) - with all the goodies exactly as it is, except in a frame like this:

 

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/nin26/9lgi_sedonaax.jpg

 

Pretty, pretty please?

 

With a cherry on top??

 

:o

spec?

 

Hi David

Whilst I wouldn't change much with my Wisper, although the front disc brake is now shimano, sorry.

I personally would change the situ of the battery to the rear rack and make it slimmer and just a tad lighter.

A slim double decker rack would be good so that people could use the rack as intended and enable people to use panniers too.

I know there are quite a few do it yourself bikes out there with a rack set up, but I just think that this could be achieved in a good way to move forward and could be great with a good design.

It would be less obvious to the discerning buyers that may not want there bike to look electric? I am sure there are a few out there, lol, and in time with a descreet battery I feel you would be quids in for future buyers

Apart from that, I love the style of the frame and the look with the all black paint work which you certainly must keep and the flames on the rims!

Yes, I guess I would go for faster too, just a little mind

Rear disc brakes? Yes please!

I personally wouldn't choose the lighting to run off the battery as feel this is a personal choice like a cycle computer and would not want some of my traveling time taken up with lighting

In fact, ditch supplying lights, just reflectors front and back.

Ditch all the little extra's that one can buy, like bottle holder, pump etc lol!

I would also agree that maybe a couple of frame sizes should be available but that is all you would probably need, just a couple to cover heights and not to confuse things with too much choice.

Apart from that, don't change a thing

Regards

Mandy

Frame options:

1. Conventional 'crossbar' or MTB style

2. Step-thru with non-flexing frame

3. Full size folder (a la Montague)

 

Motor options:

a) for outright performance

b) more torque for hill climbing

 

switchable between throttle/pedelec with useful steps of assistance

 

Range 30 miles

Neat battery mounting, allowing for easy detachment

2nd (spare) battery at reasonable cost

 

Weight 18-22 kgs depending on specification

 

Gears, chain, crank, pedals, brakes, handlebars, stem set, wheels etc to be of excellent quality

 

Good brakes, hydraulic or disc

 

Sensible range of options including saddle/seatpost/carriers/chain guard/fixed or suspension forks/tyres/pedals/ lights etc to allow user to customise.

 

Price £1000 - £1500 max