Karen Graham
Eric Freeman-Roth of Frog Cycles can help you with your e-bike conversion. Photo: Melodie Seto.
So you’ve seen the signs and read about the beautiful cycle routes in and around the area. The trouble is, those magnificent views touted in the write ups required mounting a formidable hill to take in the panoramic view. If the idea of peddling your way to the summit leaves you tired and sweaty before you don your spandex cycling outfit, there is an alternative to giving up on exercise and leaping into the car to catch the views. How about trying out an e-bike? Not the golf cart/mo-ped type of vehicle, but a pedal bike with extra juice to help you motor up the mountain, or what looks like one when you’re at the base. There are models that give you the option to rely solely on the motor, or to use it as a back-up when you need it, a type of pedal-assist. Switching back and forth between electric or manual power is very simple: to pick up the support, you hold down the throttle, and to motor along on your own steam, you release the throttle and pedal away.
To adopt this new technology, you don’t even have to go out and purchase a new bike. If you have a bike that works for you, there are conversion kits available that allow you to convert your existing bike to an electric one for considerably less cash. TheseE-Bike kits allow you to convert your standard bicycle into an electric one with the addition of 4 items included in the kit:a rechargeable battery, an electric motor, a controller and a throttle.
Unless you are very mechanically inclined, it is best to visit your local bike shop to get advice on the conversion kit that will easily fit your bike. They are not all one size, and must be compatible with the wheel size of your bike. There are several types of models with different types of mechanization, levels of power and battery life. Experienced in e-bike conversions, Eric Freeman of Frogcycles in Millbrook recommends the BionX brand.
An ebike with a rear-mounted battery. Photo: Supplied.
One of the first decisions required before purchasing a bike or a conversion kit is how much power you would like. If you’re just looking for a bit of help, a smaller motor will do. Next decision is selecting the battery. There are several things to consider: the power, weight and where the battery fits on the bike. Some batteries attach to the body of the bike, where others sit on the back behind the seat. The lightest batteries are lithium, but they are also the most expensive. They have revolutionized electric bicycles by allowing for a much greater stored energy in a smaller, lighter package and offer a greater range between charges.There are tables to illustrate the energy use based on the level of assistance provided by the batteryin order to help you select the ideal battery size. For example,the rider looking for minimal assistance wherethe motor is used primarily on hills, will use 6 to 8 watt-hours per kilometre and can opt for a smaller battery. With most bikes on lithium batteries the range is about 50km in calm conditions with no pedaling. To chargea battery takes between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the battery pack size, level of depletion and size of charger. Batteries generally plug into a regular 110V wall socket and turn themselves off when the charge is complete.Conversion kits run between $500 to $1000 dollars, and complete e-bikes run from $1200 to $2000.
While not an inexpensive investment, how much are you prepared to pay to recapture that feeling of your youth of the wind blowing through your hair as you sail down the back roads of the township? It may feel like cheating at first, but if an electronic boost gets you back on a bike, it`s a feeling you can ignore. You will soon feel virtuous enough to consumer a butter tart or two after you`ve mastered the local Hills, Views and Pastries route.
