Electric Bike Reviews

I can’t recommend a specific electric bike, but I know who can. If you are in Seattle you should visit Electric Bikes Northwest at their new Ballard location. They have a variety of electric bikes in stock and I have found the staff to be friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Of course you can also visit their web site.

I have a subscription to A to B magazine that I got through Calhoun Cycle. http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewCat_h.asp?idCategory=73. A nifty little british mag that focuses on folders and electric bikes. They do a great job of reviewing electric bikes, even if some aren’t available here in the states. You quickly learn what makes a good electric bike, anything that is like a Giant Lafree!

I saw this last year at Expo…thought it was quite interesting. It’s even got regenerative braking. It’s all built into the 135mm spaced rear hub so most mtb’s can be retrofitted pretty easily.

http://www.bobtec.de/img/BionX-Rad.jpg

Tai

I bought a Giant LaFree e-bike at electric bikes northwest last year. I use it to commute from the top of crown hill to belltown and it’s a dream! I also use it for the sunday market and load up with groceries and peddle home. I’ve passed cars going up hill on 8th Ave NW. You still need to peddle with this bike and you will get a workout if you push yourself.

I’m just waiting for the daylight to last long enough to start my spring commute.

I also own a Giant electric bike purchased from Electric Bikes Northwest. I cannot say enough nice things about it. I have used it to commute to work year round for nearly two years. Giant used a motor made by Panasonic in the LaFree and Lite models that is considered the best ever by electric bike fans. Sadly, I believe that there are no new bikes being sold in the US using that technology.

Also, be sure and pay attention to the weight and range of any electric bike. There are some cheap ones out there that weigh a ton and don’t go very far on a charge.

Schwinn offers three electric bikes. Don’t quote me but I believe they weigh in the neighborhood of ~45 lbs.

http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_category.php?id=109

If you want a customized e-bike / kit, see falconev. Lithium batteries too.

www.ebikehub.com

this is a forum for electic bicycle information. Plenty of reviews, links to all other e-bike forums, ebike news, ebike dealers(all of the ones mentioned above)

www.ebikehub.com the e-bike information forum