New to Motorbicycles, - Looking to make eBike, where do i Start?

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MysterySandwich

MysterySandwich

New Member
Jun 30, 2012
196
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California
Hi guys, I've decided to go eBike because CA laws prevent me from going gas (I'm under 18 and don't have a license). BUT I might go gas, and get the permit, only if I don't get a good idea for an eBike

I don't really know where to start... I don't want to spend too much money so I think I have a few options:

1. Buy a eZip Trailz electric bike
Reviews online say its pretty good. I'd like to avoid this, as it seems boring to just buy it off the shelf.

2. Buy a cruiser & an electric kit.
I was thinking this Schwinn cruiser and buying an eBike kit off eBay (these are the only ones I see online for cheap) http://www.ebay.com/itm/120939549624?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_2808wt_952
Are those kits any good/all I need? They are above CA's legal standards but if I get stopped by a cop, which is unlikely, I'll just tell him it's legal.

3. Build my own electric engine from scratch, which I'm totally going to avoid because I have no idea where to start. (unless it's easier than it sounds?)


Thanks for your help!
 
paul

paul

Well-Known Member
Dec 23, 2007
5,547
44
48
66
Kalamazoo, MI
i personally like the electric bikes over gas powered. yes they do cost more but for me reliability is an important factor plus my mechanical abilities are not to good. as far as a bicycle i would go for a mountain bike or a crossover because of the weight. less weight and battery lasts longer plus i like having a shock on the front of the bike for a smoother ride. yes the gas motors are less expensive but you will need to constantly work on it and also check all nuts and bolts after every ride. 2 strokes put out a lot of vibration which loosen things. also if gas is not legal where you are is it worth the chance? e bikes are quite and pretty much blend in with other bikes unless you are going really fast. when riding normal and pretending i am pedaling i dont even get a second look. when i am doing 27mph grinning ear to ear and not pedaling people look. i also prefer a kit over manufactured e bikes mainly because putting it together you learn more about the bike which is helpful if their is a problem.
 
M

motortriker

New Member
Mar 5, 2012
196
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0
florida
You most likley won't lose much buying a Trailz.

I bought 2 of them on Craigslist with bad batteries, replaced the batteries and made a profit selling them after riding them much ! :)

Otherwise nice electric bikes with bad batteries sometimes sell cheap on Craigslist.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/bia?query=electric&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=

Learn what you can about batteries

.http://batteryuniversity.com/

Stay away from RC lipo batteries for ebikes. Don't fall for that !

They can be the biggest waste of money even if you treat them right.
 
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