Electric Bikes FAQs !

Basic Questions to be asked before buying an Electrical bike. ( As per Indian Conditions )

What is the motor power rating ?
Motor power is classified into two categories. one is <250W , other is >250W range.
<250W power motor range is basically for children , housewifes and older people. This is most basic bike and easy to handle. This generally suits for an adult and a child.
>250W power motor is for young people who like speed. The pickup and acceleration would be attractive and can take more load effectively but we need to sacrifice speed & drive range during over load conditions.
What motor technology being used in bike?
HUB motors being used now a days which are directly fitted to the rear hub of the bike. This reduces the transmission losses due to chains.
Geared Hub motor also used these days which are compact in size with same performance. This is also connected to the hub and reducing the transmission losses.
Chain/Belt drives also coming where motor is fitted on the frame of the bike and wheel is moved by some chain/belt.
What is the Ampere hour of the battery used?
These days the battery Ampere Hours used is 20AH. Battery technology is Valve regulated Lead acid , which is non spilling and maintanence free.
Other technologies of batteries prevail are Lithium ion, Nickle metal hydrid etc. These are having better energy density but too costly to afford for a bike.
What is the life of a battery?
The life depends on how the charge and discharge is done on it. For instance the bike will go 70 km/hr a day for full charge.
If you use , 35 kmph a day which means you are discharing the battery to 50%. If this continues every day, it lasts for longer time.
If the bike used for 70 km every day , means 100% discharge , the battery life will be lower.
Is there any regenerative braking feature in the bikes?
Regenerative braking is a feature which will charge the battery while the bike is running down the hill. This feature will add to the cost of the controller and not much value adding to bike. Hence generally this feature not being used.
What is the maximum speed?
Maximum speed of the bike has two categories.
<25km/hr
>25 km/hr
How long a bike go for an single charge?
For a charge the battery lasts for 70 km for a <250W category. This condition is for a battery for first 6 months to 1 year. As the time goes , the range becomes lower due to deterioration of the battery capacity.
How much maximum weight the bike can afford?
The bike weight will be specified on the manual. Commonly the <250W range bike can afford 100 to 120 kg with rider and pillion.
>250W motored bike will have better capability but might effect the drive range.
Any legal/road regulations advantages using a Electric bike?
<250W motored bike need not require the Licence and Registration. No helmet is needed.
>250 W motored bike require the licence, registration and road tax. This is adding to the cost.
Any problems related to wire harness connections and fastners?
You should not play with the wire harness leads and connectors. This might break the connectors and its replacement might be a problem again.
Main advantage of using this bike as an Individual

No noise and hence no noise pollution. you drive would be smooth.
Not contributing to environmental pollution which is a feeling good factor.
If there is a pedal, you can even excercise which is good for health.
You can forget about visiting petrol/filling stations and just charge at home.
Lot of operating cost difference compared to petrol/diesel vehicles. Average cost 50 INR ( I.25 USD approx.)per day with a petrol , 5 INR ( 0.125 USD approx. ) using Electric bike.

Source: http://www.coolingtheglobe.org