E-bikes could get faster, more powerful and not require pedaling, in a move announced today by UKGOV. Cycling organizations are opposed to the plans.

  • Norah - She/They
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    8 months ago

    I agree on the licensing part, but you don’t need to get that much beefier for 45mph that you spend USD$4k. $1-2k is good ebike territory, I’d put these are $2-3k for something reasonably priced. This is coming from someone that has a 110cc road-going motorbike. Yes, motorbike, not scooter. The frame is about twice as thick as a mountain bikes. The things that really needs the most beefing up are the fork suspension and headstem.

    Honestly the whole bloody problem with electric motorbikes and scooters (of the sitting variety) is that they’re way overpriced for terrible range (<100km). Something in the $2-3k with that sort range that can go ~75kph would be the sweet spot for consumers I think. Especially if you’re paying the costs to get your motorcycle endorsement on top. Which is pretty pricey where I am in Australia.

    • frezik@midwest.social
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      8 months ago

      Bike gears are just not meant for this kind of torque. Cassettes get worn way faster at 750W + rider output. The derailleur transmission is lightweight and cheap, but it has limits and needs to be abandoned if you go much higher.

      • Norah - She/They
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        8 months ago

        Who was talking about using bike gears? But also, you should abandon derailleurs at any speed unless you’re racing the tour de france. The only advantage they have over internal hub gears is weight. And hub gears can be easily made strong enough to handle that sort of torque.

        But you wouldn’t necessarily need gears At All for something throttle driven. Electric motors have more than enough range of RPM on a single speed gearing system to get to 45mph. E-bikes only have gears for the human component, not the motor.