To begin, this is part of a PEV article in the NY Times that I, Seth Leitman, the Green Living Guy, was a reference.
Although this was in 04, I (Seth Leitman) The Green Living Guy, thought it was relevant information to post and that I got mentioned.
Therefore, here’s a segment of the post from The NY Times.
Taking Hills in a Single Glide
Sales of P.E.V.’s, increased anywhere from 40 to 200 percent annually over the last three or four years in the United States, said Seth Leitman. For he’s an alternative transportation consultant for New York State and, more recently, a P.E.V. retailer. And even though much of the market made up of inexpensive imports that were unreliable (in September, Target stores announced the recall of nearly 75,000 of its $200 Chinese-made Red Dragon and E-Scooters), a significant part of it composed of more expensive, powerful machines that offer the range, sturdiness and reliability to serve as genuine transportation aids.
With exception of its wires and a pair of foot-diameter black disks at the center of each wheel, the Tidal Force is a high-end, front-suspension mountain bike whose folding frame, designed for military use. The front disk holds a 36-volt nickel metal hydride battery, and the rear has a 750-watt direct-drive motor that runs at 89 percent efficiency.
On a recent test run, the bike almost silently shot up the steep incline of a street near the store with no pedaling whatsoever. Shifted into pedaling gear as it reached the crest of a hill and started on the downgrade, the bike hit around 30 miles an hour. Without pedaling, it easily held 20….
However, $1,500 to $3,000 for a WaveCrest is an expensive option for those looking for an electric bike. There are many other options. For they are ranging from other electric bicycles to stand-up scooters. Also to Vespa-style e-motorbikes. Miles per charge and power to the ground vary greatly. Although a good bike or scooter should take you at least 10 miles on a charge. It should also be able to recharge in three to six hours.
Local PEV Laws
As we all know local laws vary. Although, there are generally three legal classifications for P.E.V.’s. Hence, the simplest two-wheel P.E.V.’s are small stand-up scooters. They occasionally offer seats. Although, in most parts of the country, these machines are ridden on public roads. All where the speed limit does not exceed 25 m.p.h..
That means, “So long as their own speed cannot exceed 20 m.p.h.” In New York City, these scooters were nearly outlawed. Especially after a rash of miniature “pocket rocket” motorcycle accidents led to an ordinance that outlawed all gas-powered scooters and mini-motorcycles. In a last-minute appeal, electric scooter riders were able to persuade the city. Yes folks to change for riding on public streets. That’s so long as speeds were electronically limited to 15 m.p.h. They cannot used on sidewalks.
Depending on the jurisdiction, riders of electric bicycles are generally able to avoid any legal restrictions. Especially if their bikes do not exceed 20 or 30 m.p.h. Also, larger, Vespa-size electric motorbikes. They must generally be lighted and blinkered. Also insured and licensed. Yes folks just like their gasoline-powered counterparts.
The Web site visforvoltage.com, perhaps the best clearinghouse for information on P.E.V.’s,
A few calls to Mr. Penrose’s customers suggested that range and power are the keys to happy cruising.
In conclusion, Julie London, 43, of San Juan Capistrano, Calif., a WaveCrest has meant freedom from the ravages of early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Formerly an avid cyclist and racer, Ms. London, forced off her bike a few years ago by fatigue from Parkinson’s. “I was absolutely amazed when I rode one,” she said. “I was literally overcome with emotion because it was like getting my life back again. I was laughing uncontrollably for, like, 15 minutes. Now I ride mine pretty much every day. It’ll go 20 miles per hour, and if I’m too tired to pedal, I don’t have to. It’s actually easier for me to ride than driving my car.”
Finally, Ken Trough, a Web developer from Bellingham, Wash. For he was so taken with P.E.V. technology that he created the visforvoltage Web site. Now Mr. Trough makes a five-mile daily trip to work. All aboard a powerful Badsey Hotscoot stand-up scooter. “I like personal electric vehicles. That’s because they don’t directly challenge the automotive manufacturing base,” he said. “It’s very subversive technology. This gets people thinking about electric vehicles. Once people find out what a good product this is, all best are off. For what it can mean in their lives. Especially in their living spaces. Also what it can do for their transportation budgets and quality of life. Therefore I think it’s a no-brainer. You get more smiles per mile.”
Also, PERSONAL electric vehicles vary from 200-watt scooters to 1,500-watt e-motorbikes. All capable of a 25-mile trip.
Here is a sampling:
First off, Stand-Up Scooters
My favorite is the GO-PED ESR750. It’s a 750-watt motor (more than one horsepower). Also four 12-volt, sealed lead acid batteries. Plus 10-inch tires; disc brakes, a carbon steel frame and excellent maneuverability. It makes this a highly competent urban transport machine. It has option to get equipped with an optional single seat, as shown below.
The Weight is 52 pounds and Prices at $699.95. www.earthscooters.com.
Also and secondarily Electric Bicycles
WAVECREST TIDALFORCE IO CRUISER AND M-750
First of all, the iO Cruiser around-town machine has seven speeds and a 750-watt motor. Even with regenerative charging. Moreover the folding M-750 mountain bike boasts a full 21-speed setup. Each bike will run for up to 20 miles at 20 m.p.h. That’s all without pedal help and as many as 40 if pedaled.
It Weighs 64 pounds. Also prices around $2,000 (iO) and $2,500 (M-750). http://www.greenspeed.us.
I know this one. LASHOUT
Also sold as the Synergy Cycle Electric Bicycle. For it’s a the full-suspension seven-speed. The LashOut is a more basic and less expensive design than that offered by WaveCrest. So the 600-watt, non-regenerative electric motor will take it as far as 20 miles.
The Weight: 74 pounds. Price: $799. http://www.electrikmotion.com.
Finally! E-Motorbikes!
EGO CYCLE 2 CLASSIC AND LX
Each of these non-pedal e-motorbikes has a built-in charger. Also a 24-volt 1,500-watt motor. Finally a headlight and regenerative braking. They will go up to 25 miles at 24 m.p.h. The LX has two mirrors, a horn. Also turn signals and a speedometer. Most noteworthy, I know a guy who uses it to commute. For he takes it from near where I live to the Scarborough Train Station in Briarcliff Manor, NY.
Weight: 130 and 132 pounds. Prices: $999 to $1,399. www.egovehicles.com.
