electric bicycle and solar charging?

[piglet]

Hello all

I was looking at an electric bycycle especially those with an option for electric driven only.

I have seen various version of these bicycles advertised and although scarily expensive, maybe I might be tempted to do without a car if I am not an unreasonable distance from shops, doc's and/or public transport..... assuming I can still afford the fares at the rates they are rising.

Ok, sounds fine so far...... But, does anyone know of any reason why I might not be able to re-charge the bicycle batteries from Solar?
Apart from the fact that we can be quite lucky to see the sun sometimes.

Does anyone have any experience of electric bicycles?
I dont even have that much experience of normal bicycles....but like, how hard can it be?
This is a project for the future and I am in no hurry to spend lots of money on something that may not do the job I am hoping of it and so am looking to get as much info as possible in the meantime.

piglet

[hobo]

Piglet,

Thanks for starting this thread!
I'm thinking along the same lines.
Next September both lads will be at the same school (easily walkable for them) and, as we're now only a minute's walk away from Aldi, we've agreed to get rid of the car in summer - FOR GOOD!
We both have bicycles but my knees are a bit knackered with osteoarthritus, so an electric bike is a very attractive idea.
Don't know how much time it would take to recharge with a solar panel but that would be easy maths, once armed with battery and panel sizes.

I'll echo piglet's question - anyone with knowledge of electric bikes please chip in!

Hobo

[jansman]

If you want advice about electric bikes have a look at A to B magazine. It covers folding bikes(minor passion of mine) and ELECTRIC bikes. Just go to A to B on a search. There is a subscription-but it could save you cash in the long run.

[Arzosah]

An electric folding bike? Electric for the arthritis, and folding so I could keep it by the front door, in a little nook there ... there's a market, I'm sure, if there are any entrepreneurial preppers around!

PS - yep, I've bookmarked the magazine, thank you!

[hobo]

Cheers jansman!

[jansman]

An electric folding bike? Electric for the arthritis, and folding so I could keep it by the front door, in a little nook there ... there's a market, I'm sure, if there are any entrepreneurial preppers around!

PS - yep, I've bookmarked the magazine, thank you!

The Brompton (my folder) has an electric conversion-they already exist.

[piglet]

Hello again

Jansman...thank you for the link (now saved as a favourite)...very useful, especially for when the times comes for me to part with my money.

Hobo ... thanks for picking up the banner as well ...I also suffer with arthritis in knees and ankles but I am ignoring it under the belief that if starved of attention it might lose interest and go away.

Anyway, I have a commitments to deal with before I get to the point of buying, so I might well be looking to you for advice if come the summer you have decided to go electric.

And just one last thing ......... “easy maths” ??? ... just remember...no–one likes a show off

piglet

[Arzosah]

Just done a bit of a search - thanks for the heads up, jansman.

[TopCatUK2]

Would also like to know how you get on. I have a condition that, amongst other things, means my whole body is in pain 24/7. Gave my cycle away last year as I live in a really hilly area and couldn't cope any more. Really miss getting out and about and this would help me with learning how to forage better.

[hobo]

I also suffer with arthritis in knees and ankles but I am ignoring it....

And just one last thing ......... “easy maths” ??? ... just remember...no–one likes a show off

piglet

I use rosehip and glucosamine suppliments to keep pain at bay...

Off the get a bigger skull fitted now for my ever-growing brain. Later!