Electric assist bikes

[Karma]

The Org sent out an e-mail stating that electric assist bikes are no longer Verboten.
Nice !!

[Elorrum]

whoop whoop!

[Shambala]

can you post the info here?

[motskyroonmatick]

I'd like to see that info too.

[Karma]

Sorry, I got the info from a good friend (BR Ranger) who also works with the Org. He called me today when he got an E-mail from them that along with other stuff they share amongst there little group, stated that electric assist bikes would be allowed this year.

He called me right away with the news cause he knows I want to use one out there and was irked I could'nt ride one last year even though I brought it.

It's straight up. I would'nt have posted if it was'nt.

Start chargin those batteries ^_^

[Marscrumbs]

Gee, I will be no longer an outlaw? I bet they'll still keep that five mile an hour rule though.

[Ugly Dougly]

Because they're not noisy?
What about scooters?

[dragonfly Jafe]

yeah, I heard it too. Completely electric bikes that cannot be manually pedaled are still stand-up only (no seat allowed). But if you can pedal it, and it has 2 or 3 wheels, it can be powered (up to some limit having to do with speed on level ground and distance traveled on a charge). Apparently the State of Nevada just passed a law, and the Org is essentially adopting that language.

YMMV...

[FIGJAM]

Something like this?



6 and1/2 miles an hour and maybe 15 mile range.

[Elorrum]

[Plumeria]

I am excited about this. A friend of mine owns a company that sells these types of bikes, among other things! :) So I get to take one out to the playa. And, for someone like me, who has some herniated discs, having the extra "help" is great!

[FIGJAM]

Thats why im bringing mine, bad disk.

[AntiM]

So no electric assist for the rhoadescar, huh?

[Elorrum]

I haven't read anything else about it except for what is in this thread. sounds like info here says functioning pedal drive plus electric assist is o.k.... 2 or three wheels. Dang, AntiM... Rhodes car should be allowed. I hope to hear more about it.

[FIGJAM]

I dont follow your logic antim. If the rule is changed, why cant you put a kit on the roadescar?

[CapSmashy]

Roadscar is 4 wheels.

[dragonfly Jafe]

...apparently the state law only covers 2-3 wheels (so no electric assist mono-wheels either!)

but I don't work for the Org...and am only passing on rumors...and yes the 5mph rule applies!

[somekind]

This is fantastic! Now I have a reason to buy a diesel generator to bring to generate the power I'm going to need for my day's activities!

[ibdave]

This is fantastic! Now I have a reason to buy a diesel generator to bring to generate the power I'm going to need for my day's activities!

and your point is.......?

[Ugly Dougly]

Can you provide space for a generator on a three-wheeled "electrical" vehicle?

Art!

[bburrito]

Oh man. The pic of the trike makes me sad. Even sadder that electric assist is allowed now. I scored a tandem side-by-side tricycle on craigslist for a good deal with a plan to convert it to electric assist. Got stolen out of my yard a short while later. Steel chain had been cut.

[gyre]

Keep looking.
Those stand out.

Use abus chain next time or equal.
And a good lock.
I suggest a shrouded like the 6327.

Anyone bringing a pedalec needs at least a hoop lock out there.

Also the weight often rides harder on the rough terrain.
Better seat maybe?

[illy dilly]

Keep looking.
Those stand out.

Use abus chain next time or equal.
And a good lock.
I suggest a shrouded like the 6327.

Anyone bringing a pedalec needs at least a hoop lock out there.

Also the weight often rides harder on the rough terrain.
Better seat maybe?

Good point. I wasn't really worried about anyone stealing my POS bike, but a nice motorized bike would be a another story!

[gyre]

POS bikes get stolen too.

[sierrahiker68]

I have brought my electric assist trike for a couple of years now.... No one has ever said a thing. I would rather have that than one of the noisy scooters.

[sambojones]

unless i missed it i haven't seen anything about this on the bmorg website... just wondering if this is for real or not? electric assist would be kickass but i don't wanna waste time or money on it if i won't be able to use it or get it confiscated...

[pandora422]

When can I find the official word on this? Is there someone at BM Org I can speek with?

It just dosen't make much sence to me to haul gas and a generator up there to charge an electric assist bike when you can just put gas in a 2 stroke assist bicycle?

Thanks

[AntiM]

The change has been made because Nevada law now allows the electric assist vehicles to count as bikes... something like that. You don't need a genny to charge the battery, bring two and use solar to charge the one not in use.

[gyre]

It is definitely preferable to bring a spare battery pack or more, but it can be costly.

Note that matched battery packs are universally recognized as performing better, something that is measurably better on most bikes.

I have seen lead acid used as auxiliary packs on a bike.
Very heavy, but can have a useful charge life.
I rode someone's bike that had them mounted very low on the rear.
A friend suggests low mounting is actually counterproductive for control.

Even lead acid should be purchased from the same lot at the same time.
This is not the same as a matched factory set though.

Nicad or NIMH is probably very cost effective because besides the weight benefits, charging time is far better than lead acid.
It should be possible to plug in anywhere you are for a period of time that power is available and make a substantial difference.

Make sure you have a multi-plug connector and an extension cord..
Often there is surplus power and people are happy to let you plug in, if there is an outlet.

Lithium ion and lithium phosphate are considered superior by most people, but matched and regulated sets are even more beneficial, as is quality of the charger.
These are the most costly battery sets currently.
Some people still consider nimh superior, especially when a small set is being pushed hard.

On any, the quality of the charger is not an area to skimp.
A good fast charger may cost as much as the controller or battery pack.

Slow charging on lead and nicad/nimh is much less problematic.
A nice option at times.
But you will want the option of fast charging available in most cases.


I personally prefer to pay to share generator power with someone.
This allows charging in the evening, when solar is nil.
Last year though, I used someone's power when they ran it in the afternoon only and that was pretty adequate by itself.
It is an exceptionally efficient system though.

Even with the lightest of electric bikes, I was pretty much beaten to death with the rough ride, due to the extra weight, I think.
Wider tires are really needed and a suspension is looking real good to me right now.
The seat is sprung, but low quality, so I will be looking for a better seat, cost permitting.

Mine also came with few speeds, so more speeds would make a huge difference.
If you get one without a hubgear, I recommend changing over to one.

[maheesh]

I know its been asked, i've searched the forums, but I don't find an absolute answer...can you ride an electric bike if you keep the speed to 5? Thx.