I tried to like eBikes. But after a couple of years I found trying to get new batteries expensive and a maintenance nightmare. So I use a combination of scooter, 10-speed bicycle, bus, and car to make my impact less on this blue marble.
Most eBikes come with SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) batteries, mainly because they're cheap.
Cheap, but heavy, with low energy density ... with reasonable care, might last a couple years.
Typical replacement cost?
About the same as a tank of gas ...
Better battery?
1. Replace with NiMh, 2x the cost, but 1/4 the weight and 5x the lifespan!
Charging is simple and single cell replacement is possible.
2. Lithium-ion Li-ion (Includes Lithium Polymer-Lipo)
Greatest capacity, with many variations some capable of full recharge in 30 minutes!
Pricey ... and requires BMS (Battery Management System)
3. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
1/2 the energy density of Li-ion but extremely stable-reliable, with 1000's of recharge cycles.
Pricey ... and requires BMS (Battery Management System)
Best "bang for the buck" ... might last 6-10 years with daily charge-discharges!
But!
In 5 years, you can probably get 2x capacity, for 1/2 the price!
4. More options being developed yearly, tough to keep current.
Price drops constantly, as capacity increases, starting to look very nice > compared to gas!
I decided to get the jump on eVehicles, when gas hit $4 in 2008.
Got my first eBike for about $300.
An eZip with 16mph top speed and 8 mile, motor only, range.
I:
Regeared for 20 mph,
Went from 24 to 36V,
Replaced SLA batteries with recycled Li-ion cells recycled from notebook batteries.
Now I can pedal assist at 20mph for 30 miles, or romp along at 30mph, on a heavy, ballooned tired, bike!
11-32T 7speed for 30mph pedal assist.
That is just one of my rebuilds.
Another is geared for Winter travel ... on homemade
studded tires.
My favorite, right now is a 2009 Women's ... oops ... 2009
"Stepthrough".
Helical geared motor for nearly silent operation. (2009 enhancement)
Big balloon whitewalls, big comfy seat on suspension post, geared for casual cruising at 20mph max. 40 mile
[email protected], 80 miles with both batteries, (motor only).
I drop the seat to the frame and just meander along the wooded trails.
At present, I've run about 12,000 miles on eBikes, averaging 3000 miles on each ... all still fully functional!