e bike discussion

[trophyhunt]

From what I’ve researched you should get one with at least 750 watts, the 1000 watt is best.  The ones with 500 watt are tempting because the price difference, a guy in SeaTac sells brand new ones for around 1,200$.

[KFhunter]

don't get 1000w, stick with 750w to stay compliant with the new rules.

[trophyhunt]

don't get 1000w, stick with 750w to stay compliant with the new rules.

what are the new rules??? 

[KFhunter]

don't get 1000w, stick with 750w to stay compliant with the new rules.

what are the new rules???

http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Passed%20Legislature/6434-S.PL.pdf#page=1

limits them to 750w  (original bill was 1000w, but they scratched that out and made it 750w then passed it) basically mirrors federal rules on ebike usage.  Pretty much everyone/everywhere across multiple states has landed on 750w as being the maximum (750w = 1hp)

Federal parks:
https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/sites/default/files/attachments/so_3376_-_increasing_recreational_opportunities_through_the_use_of_electric_bikes_-508_0.pdf

While e-bikes are operable in the same manner as other types of bicycles and in many cases they appear virtually indistinguishable from other types of bicycles, the addition of a small motor has caused regulatory uncertainty regarding whether e-bikes should be treated in the same manner as other types of bicycles or, alternatively, considered to be motor vehicles. This uncertainty must be clarified. To resolve this uncertainty the Consumer Product Safety Act (Act) provides useful guidance. That Act defines a "low-speed electric bicycle" to include a "two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor ofless than 750 watts (1 h.p,), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph", subjecting these low-speed e-bikes to the same consumer product regulations as other types of bicycles (15 U.S.C. § 2085). A majority of States have essentially followed this definition in some form

[KFhunter]

I think bigger guys should have more watts 

[trophyhunt]

Interesting, thanks for the info.  750 is good. 1000 is better

[TooTallMike]

I think bigger guys should have more watts 

Should us 200+ guys cry about inequality to get it overturned? It's not my fault I was made to be over 170 

[Stein]

Well, 1 hp is about 746 Watts, so you get a few extra there.


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[KFhunter]

Well, 1 hp is about 746 Watts, so you get a few extra there.


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those extra few watts are sucked up by drive train inefficiencies, higher end bikes have 98.5% efficiency +/-    so it would take ~757.36 watts to actually get 1hp to the ground. 

[TommyH]

Had a couple of them come up behind me (about 1.5 miles in, half hour before light) opening morning, zoomed by me and right on up the long hill. Looked pretty effortless...

[kselkhunter]

If you already have a mountain bike, Amazon sells a plethora of conversion kits to make it an ebike.  Either a powered wheel, or crank replacement.   Less expensive than buying a complete ebike.   The hub/wheel motors are the easiest to install, but the crank drives are more efficient and would be my choice.  Also some complete mountain ebikes on there.

I haven't done the conversion yet as none of the locations that I would want to take it allow it.

[trophyhunt]

MIGht go this route, way cheaper than a new bike!  Thanks for the tip. https://www.amazon.com/BAFANG-BBS02B-Electric-Conversion-Mountain/dp/B07G17TPGD

[KFhunter]

don't shy away from Bafang, lot of higher end bikes including RAD bikes use Bafang

[trophyhunt]

So to be clear, I can ride an e bike 750 watt and less behind gates that say no motorized vehicles?

[kselkhunter]

MIGht go this route, way cheaper than a new bike!  Thanks for the tip. https://www.amazon.com/BAFANG-BBS02B-Electric-Conversion-Mountain/dp/B07G17TPGD

Yep, that Bafang crank drive setup is what I had spec'd for my mountain bike conversion plans.

If the national forest rules ever change to allow ebikes, then I'll pull the trigger on my conversion as I have some specific spots I'd like to take it into.  For now it stays just a regular mountain bike.