An electric bike for touring

[RedBike]

Ok. I know my range is going to be severally hampered, but is it possible?
Is there such a thing as an electric touring bike?


Due to an injury I'm having major trouble with the gears/ weight of my motorbike and I can't get very far at all on a standard bike.

 

[numbnuts]

Not unless your prepared to tow a trailer with a 24/36 volt generator behind you

 

[ColinJ]

You are never going to get more than about 15-20 miles range on one charge if you aren't able to pedal to help the motor. Probably less if you go somewhere scenic (i.e. hilly!).

Did you consider the hand-cranked recumbent bike idea?

Or how about a 125 cc scooter? They must be a lot lighter than a motorbike.

 

[RedBike]

Colin,
theres been a bit of unexpected development on the pedalling front.

I've been talking to a frame builder / bike fitter and they've made me a few changes. Basically I couldn't ride before because my ankle was collapsing and twisting inwards with each pedal stroke. This twisting was causing pain not only in the ankle itself but also in my knees and hips. Simply by adjusting my saddles position and adding arch supports to my shoes I can now pedal for short periods of time provided I don't put any pressure on the pedals.
Unfortunately, not being able to put any pressure onto the pedals means I can't cope quite cope without the assistance of a motor.

I was planning to let the train take the strain between destinations and just ride from the train station to the campsite / B&B.
My motorbike is only a 125. I know a 125 is hardly 'heavy' as far as motorbikes go. I did think about taking the motorbike touring but I wanted to go up to scotland. I can't take a 125 on the motorways (Duel caridgeways are REALLY scarry) and I don't fancy the ride all on 'A' roads.

 

[Ste T.]

If you are stopping at b&b's or youth hostels they should have no objection to you charging your bike each night, especially if you offer a contribution for the small amount of electricity you will consume.Depending on the model you may be able to recharge your battery in the room or you may need to take a small extension cable with you to recharge it on the bike. Even if you are camping, the site may recharge it for you for a fee. In theory there is no reason you couldnt pay for a hook up pitch and charge it yourself via your tent. You may need a trailer for all this kit and milage would be low as stated many people are happy covering 20 - 30 a day, easily doable if you choose your model carefully. There are ways around this problem and the main thing is you'd be back in the wild outdoors with the wind in your helmet!

 

[RedBike]

stetI have a trailer thats a clone of a bob trailer. I've never tried to take it on a train though! I'm a bit worried about what happens to the battery consumption when you put a trailer/ set of panniers on the back of the bike. 20-30miles is acceptable (just) when combined with the train but if I can only get 5-10miles then I might have a problem.

 

[Arch]

These guys were at the Prestiegne electric bike show:

http://www.cytronex.com/

You'll have to dig about on the site to find out about range - they seem to be most interested in plugging the speed and the lightwieght. At the moment, they make up the kit on Cannondales, but they say a retrofit kit will be available later in the year, so it could be fitted to a bike suited to touring, as opposed to being a purpose made electric bikes - many of which are more sit up and beg.

A 'side-effect' of their set up is that it's very discrete - the battery looks like a water bottle, and the motor is in a hub, so unless you know what you're looking at, you probably don't think it's electric....

 

[andym]

I met someone (OK that's got to be an admission that this isn't very reliable info) who said that electric bikes have a range of 35 kilometres. OK not a lot., but better than nothing if it's your only option. as well as hostels/hotels, if you carry the right plug and cable there'd be nothing to stop you recharging at a campsite. I don't understand why would you need a trailer to carry a short length of cable.

 

[Banjo]

OK your mileage is going to be limited but I think its a great idea.A guy I know has a Kalkhof electric bike. Seems a good bit of kit and can be pedalled almost as easilly as a normal hybrid.

Kalkhoff

I didnt even realize what it was at first sight.

I think you will need to travel light though, lugging a trailer is bound to knock the batteries daily mileage.

 

[Brains]

Charging up devices is nearly always possible at YHA's and camp sites, you just need to ensure you have a selection of plugs, as a caravan socket is different to a standard plug.

I have done a vast amount of camping over the last few decades, often with 'youth' who "need" their devices changing, and I need my walkie talkies to I can keep in touch with other Leaders. We have not been above waiting for caravaner's to switch off the satellite TV and and the bread oven and then put in our caravan plug, extension cable, and 6 way power block and then get up early to swap the plugs back again. Likewise, nipping into the local swimming pool, library, pub, railway station, café, etc and "borrowing" a socket for a few hours

 

[billflat12]

e bikes usually have a range between 20-40mls depending on your effort, charge times usually from 2-8hrs etc, maybe a gruber assist would make things easier. available as retrofit , has off and on switch + (turbo button) on the bars, designed to fit inside a seat-tube driving your bottom bracket, making use of all your normal gears.

see: http://www.gruberass...tegory/englisch

uk dealer: http://www.electricmountainbikes.com/ssist

 

[Spokesmann]

If you are going to cycle, do it properly and lose the electrics.

 

[Arch]

If you are going to cycle, do it properly and lose the electrics.

That's really helpful. Did you read the thread at all? Are you aware of Redbike's injury problems?

If you've nothing helpful to add, don't waste the pixels.

 

[BenScoobert]

I read a review of this somewhere, but I can't find it now. I recall it was a great review, not sure wheelies is the best or cheapest place to buy it but may be worth a look.

Another thing to consider is supporting the ankle more, what about more of a boot which you can strap tightly for more support, possibly even with cleats to hold your foot straight on the pedal. This may be worse, but you don't know until you try I guess.

 

[ufkacbln]

I read a review of this somewhere, but I can't find it now. I recall it was a great review, not sure wheelies is the best or cheapest place to buy it but may be worth a look.

Another thing to consider is supporting the ankle more, what about more of a boot which you can strap tightly for more support, possibly even with cleats to hold your foot straight on the pedal. This may be worse, but you don't know until you try I guess.

The problem to overcome is going to be weight and cost

A to B Magazine lists a whole lot of electric bikes and tests them on a mixed hilly course to get a realistic assessment of range.

The quick answer would be to carry two batteries and change over when the first drains, but as I stated this is expensive and heavy!