A Green Alternative - Electric Bikes

With rising energy prices and increasing awareness of global warming and it's impact on our environment, consumers are looking for cheaper, greener forms of alternative transportation. Unfortunately, their choices are limited to a handful of pricey hybrid vehicles that are far too expensive, or electric cars that are incapable of meeting their daily transportation needs. With affordable and efficient vehicle technology years away, consumers are considering a new option for short trips and commutes: electric bikes and scooters.

Last year, over 21 million electric bikes were sold in China alone. Although the Western World is still far behind, a new trend is emerging in Europe and the U.S. as consumers look for more affordable, greener ways to get around town. With ranges of 10 to 40 miles per charge (depending on the bicycle model and technology), electric bikes and scooters provide consumers with an excellent eco-friendly alternative that can help them save on fuel costs without emitting harmful CO2 emissions.

At just pennies per charge, the savings can be substantial by riding just a couple miles per day. And considering most people live less than 20 miles from their workplace, an electric bike is a great solution for reducing transportation costs. Not to mention they make no sound, release no smelly exhaust and are a breeze for almost anyone to operate. Pedal just like a normal bike, use power to assist or run on 100% electric power and don't pedal at all. Entry level bikes cost just $599, while upper-end models run $2000+ with top of the line Li-Ion batteries.

Electric bicycles and scooters are great for people of all ages. They're perfect for college campuses, getting around the city or going to-and-from work. Plus, there's no need to worry about being sweaty or exhausted when you arrive at your destination. Baby-boomers have been especially fond of these new products which allow them to get outside and be active again.

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Buy a Better Bicycle Battery

Buy a Better Bicycle Battery
One of the most important components of an electric bicycle is the battery. There are major differences among the various types of batteries sold. So buyer, be aware!
People like electric bicycles because they exemplify an environmentally friendly lifestyle. The trick is to make “going Green” more than a slogan by using a battery that is less harmful to the environment.
Older Technologies in Electric Bicycle Batteries
Many electric bikes today use sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries, which are older technology but much lower in cost. But you get what you pay for. There are problems with 'going cheap' with these batteries:
• Long charge time - Up to 8 hours.
• Short cycle life - Good for up to 300 recharges, they need to be replaced every 12 months.
• Extremely toxic pollution produced by the used battery
• Heavy in weight - Increasing the load will decrease the life expectancy
Keep you're electric bike as light as possible! These low cost electric bicycles will cost you in the long run in additional batteries.
Some electric bicycle brands use a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery, which are lighter, with a high energy density, both important for an electric bicycle. Their life is longer than the SLA, at 400 - 600 recharges. But this battery has shortcomings:
• They lose performance in cold conditions.
• They have a reputation for suffering from memory effect
• This technology is no longer state-of-the-art, so the cost of replacement batteries can be high.
Better Electric Bike Batteries
The state-of-the-art in electric bicycle battery technology is the lithium ion (or Li-ion) battery. We all use lithium-ion batteries in our cell phones, laptops, PDA's, and other appliances. Lithium ion batteries have powered consumer electronic devices for years, but their use in electric bicycles is fairly new. In electric bikes, the Li-ion batteries have these advantages:
• They are lightweight, easy to recharge using a standard electric outlet, and are more portable. Most li-ion batteries are 70 percent lighter and about 50 percent smaller than cheaper, bulkier batteries used in some electric bicycles.
• The rechargeable lithium ion batteries in electric bicycles enable these vehicles to travel at speeds of up to 20 mph for a range as high as 40 miles.
• The batteries are low-maintenance and can be recharged for only pennies a day. This makes an electric bicycle with a lithium ion battery a real bargain in a time of rising gasoline prices.
• They can take a few bumps, and a wise choice if you are going to be riding off-road.
So do these batteries have any problems? Well, yes: the price. The li-ion can be expensive up front, but the battery is good quality, with a long life. The Lithium Ion battery is well worth the additional cost in the longer term.
So choose your battery wisely. Buy the better battery.

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Why buy an electric bike conversion kit…

Electric bikes are an environmentally friendly mode of transportation and gaining in popularity due to the many benefits they offer. Most people travel everywhere by car and are sure to be spending a lot of time stuck in traffic, searching for a parking place or filling up at the petrol station. For these reasons and many more you might be interested in a different way of traveling around. You don’t even have to spend a lot of cash and purchase a brand new electric bike, because it is possible to convert your current bicycle with an electric bike conversion kit. Whether you will use it for riding through the city centre at rush hour or pedaling down the country roads in your free time this could be the healthy answer you have been looking for.

What is an electric bike conversion kit or what can you do with an electric bicycle? Basically it is a normal push bike with a battery powered electric motor attached to it. To charge it you plug it into the regular electricity mains. And it is as easy as can be, once you start to pedal the motor starts, stop pedalling the motor stops; pedaling speeds up to 15mph can be reached with the help of the electric motor.
Electric bikes are the answer for those who want to stay or get fit, for short distance or weekend trips, those who help the environment and active elderly people.

Riding an electric bicycle is a very sustainable mode of transportation, saving on gasoline and it burns lots of calories too! Basically it is just a perfect solution that saves time, money and provides you with a healthier lifestyle! There are lots of benefits to posses an electric bicycle. For one you don’t need a licence to drive or insurance as it is categorized as a push bike. To own an electric bike works out far cheaper than having a car or even a scooter.

A conversion kit for your regular bicycle is an economical alternative to buying an electric bike as it involves simply changing your regular bike into an electric machine. So if you have a bike that you love than there is no reason to go to the cost of buying a new one, just purchase an electric conversion kit!

There are many bicycle manufacturers and models of bikes made every year; folding bikes, mountain bikes, BMXs’, all with their benefits and individual style giving the consumer plenty of choice in selecting the one that suits their lifestyle. However, there are not nearly as many electric bike manufacturers. A new electric bike can cost a good deal more than buying a conversion kit. The biggest advantage in buying an electric conversion kit compared to a new bike is the amount.
If you do want to get yourself a new electric bike you will find the choices very limited. Purchasing an electric conversion kit can solve this issue as it can be adapted to any model, style and make of bike you want, even your own bike. Another reason to consider a conversion kit is if you require your bicycle to be as light as possible.

If you live in a busy city traveling to work on an electric bicycle will be a cheaper and quicker option, less stressful also about high fuel prices at the gasoline station, annoying traffic jams or driving for 1 hour to find some where to park. For most people regular trips are within a small area, consisting of calls to the local shop, visiting friends or going to the bank, trips easily made on an electric bicycle. Whether you decide to purchase an electric bicycle or an electric conversion kit will depend on your needs and essentials. To find info about this subject go online today and convert to an environmentally friendly energy saving stress free style of traveling as soon as possible.

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Electric Bikes - Assisted Pedal Power For More Steam

Electric bikes may not necessarily be what you perceive them to be; they are not an electricity driven motorbike or moped, on the contrary, they are far more similar to a normal bicycle. In fact this is precisely what they are! A normal bicycle with no special accessories except perhaps a couple of different speeds! Take a small electric motor, a controller for this and a battery and add it to the bicycle, and you have an electric bike. You are also able to add this electrical kit to your bike yourself if you are handy with DIY.

So basically you have a normal bicycle that functions like one, it has electric power components, but you can still pedal it like a normal bike. It is thought of as a bicycle with electrical assistance, not as a motorbike or moped.

Let it be said that this type of bike would not be allowed in the Tour de France, and it is also not designed for racing or traveling at high speed, merely for assistance with a hard ride, as an augmentation to human power. If you are not terribly fit or perhaps of the older generation and you fancy riding a bike for you fitness requirements, and electric bike can help you overcome hard sections on your ride and make it more enjoyable for you.

As is the case with normal bicycles, electric bikes come in different shapes, sizes, styles and designs. There are models for a relaxed ride, a more active ride, a sporty rider and they also come in different speeds.

The electric motors used on these bikes are fitted in various ways. The older models may have a chain driven motor, mounted on the side, while newer models have these motors mounted in the front or rear wheel hub; making them more streamlined.

You get varying degrees of motor strength from around 200w to 700w, it just depends what you want to use them for, or your own particular needs. Batteries are also different and some bikes allow you to choose which battery to use, while the older models don't allow for choice. Three battery types are used nickel metal hydride, lead acid and lithium ion.

The motor is operated by means of a controller; again, it is up to the user to decide where they want this to be fitted. It can be mounted on the handlebars in much the same way as a throttle would be, and it can be activated by the pedals.

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Folding Bicycles , Store Them Wherever You Like

Folding bicycles or folders have been designed with multiple hinges and joints, which can be locked when required. The Folding bikes can be folded into a likeable size, which allows it to be carried on trains, buses and all sorts of both public and private modes of communication.

The advantages of a folding bicycle

Folding bikes are better in comparison to the conventional lots. This is because they are easy to be boarded and carried even for long distance travels. This is simply great for it can help you to cover up a part of your journey thus saving a lot of your valuable time and energy.

The other typical folding variety is the one where the parts of the bicycle are separated and then folded together to be carried easily from one place to another.

If you live on the top most floor of an apartment then it is better that you have a folding bicycle. Conventional bicycles need to be stored at the ground floor where there are high chances of the property being stolen or damaged. If you have a folding bicycle you can keep it with you and easily carry it down the stairs, for not all apartments have lifts or elevators.

These bicycles are constructed with lightweight aluminum and are available in a variety of forms and sizes suited to your purpose. It is important that you make some comparisons before you prepare yourself for the ultimate choice.

The Moulton folding bike variety was used successfully to win a criterium race on the way of Canada and Toronto. The bike had a kind of acceleration and maneuverability, which enabled it to gain a status superior in comparison to usual motorbikes on road.

In most cases, folding bikes make use of small diameter wheels, which tend to be a bit unstable on craggy surfaces. The folders are also provided with shock absorbers for a better and smoother ride. This particular bike type has been blessed with several adjustments, which make it easier for riders of all sorts to accommodate themselves properly on the seat.

The folding methods of different bike varieties vary greatly. Here is a list of the various folding procedures.

The iXi folding bike breaks into two halves
The Bazooka simply fold in half
The Airnimal and Bike Friday partly folds in half and partially gets quibbled
The Strida’s triangular frame folds aptly to resemble a unicycle
The Giatex folds and retracts. This it does in order to adjust the size of the rider
The Brompton and the Birdy fold with more complication but they definitely fold smaller

No matter how they fold, the specialty of these bikes lies in their ease of transportation and storage in comparison to the traditional bicycles.

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Folding Bikes- Easy Transportation As well As Storage

Folding bikes have a feature of portability as it can be stored away neatly and can be carried on buses and trains easily. This is the main reason behind the great option of lightweight folding bikes.

Most of the people these days are selecting to travel on folding bikes opposed to driving cars, standard bikes or motor bikes. These folding bikes are generally made from light weight aluminum and are available in different sizes and styles to suit your needs. These folding bikes have gears so you can zip around on them knowing you have gears to help you out.

As folding bike can be packed away, so they are easy to store and is a big advantage of you worried about bicycle theft. There are various other reasons behind choosing a folding bike. If you are anxious about the risk of punctures or mechanical problems when commuting, again folding bikes come into their own - as in the event of a problem you can simply fold the bike away and step on the bus or train.


One thing about which you should be aware is that generally folding bikes have smaller wheels than other types of bikes. There are myriad ranges of tyres also for folding bikes, some of them with reflective strips and puncture-resistant bands, but because of their small size, the tyre pressure is also important. Be sure to invest in a decent bicycle pump.

These bikes are expedient and competent also but what about the prices? Are they cheap enough to purchase for the average person. Well if you take the time to shop around for bargains then they can be inexpensive for you. Bargains can be done easily while online shopping so you can find and purchase folding bike online as there are many suppliers of folding bikes who have been offering you varied range of folding bikes for you.

As the fuel cost is rising many people are thinking of purchasing a folding bike. These folding bikes are easy to use also and don’t need any license or vehicle registration and there is usually less regulations. They are great in traffic and you can store them easily at your home or working place.

The design of folding bike is a compromise between strength and lightness and sometimes that can cause problems. These are the several things to look out for when shopping for a folding bike:

Be sure that folding bike that you are going to buy has the sturdy and well made hinges. Bad hinges can make your bike flex or can even break. Check that folding bikes haven't cut corners in construction.
Beside that you should be sure about the good quality fittings. The parts such as gears, wheels and brakes should be well made. Most of the bikes come with a set of gears, check that the range suits you. You should also check that the seat post can be raised enough so that your leg is almost straight when the pedal is down.

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Folding Bikes Are Amazing Road Elements

Carry it with ease and store it tight – this is how you can handle folding bikes. During the mode of construction, this particular bike variety has been supplied with several joints and hinges that can be locked when needed. You can fold the bike as you like, which makes it easy to be carried on multiple private and public transports. This is the best way to illustrate and depict the features and facilities of numerous folding bike types.

Shake hands with folding bicycles and feel confident on road

A folding bike is always better than a traditional one. You can always think of carrying a folding bike with you while you are on the move for long distance tours. Just think how fantastic it would be when carrying or storing a bicycle is not at all a problem in life.

Folding does not only mean pushing in between the joints to make the bicycle look smaller and manageable. You can even undo the parts of the bicycle and then pack them together for the ease of carrying carefully wherever you may choose to go. According to the present need of time most people would definitely love to go around in lightweight folding bike varieties rather than pushing through the ways in standard bicycles, driving cars and motor bikes. This is only because they can be neatly folded and carried according to your convenience.

If your habitat is situated at a particular corner of a skyscraper then it would be best for you to have a folding bike. Normal bikes with no chances of folding or packing need to be kept or stored at one corner of your garage area. There is no need for you to worry if you live in a building with no lifts and elevators as carrying a folding bicycle down the stairs is not at all a problem.

Why does a folding bike feel so light?

The magic lies in its lightweight aluminum body. Folding bicycles come in different varieties. Folding bicycles are not an inexpensive lot. All you need to do is a little bargaining before you can aptly point your finger at one of the most exclusive folding bike models. The Internet is there to inform you about the contemporary hottest folding bike types offered at affordable price ranges. Just do not go for straight purchasing. A wise choice needs some comparisons and evaluations before the final work done.

One problem with folding bicycles is that they have small diameter wheels, which cause problems on uneven surfaces. The bikes even have shock absorbers
promoting a better and smother ride down the lane. They also come with quite a number of adjustments, which surely help you to settle down well on the bike.

How to be folded is indeed significant, but what puts folding bicycles on the top of the list is the fact that they can be easily stored and transported.

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Birdy Folding Bike Your True Compact Travel Companio

Launched in the year 1995 by the award winning German design firm Riese and Müller, the Birdy bikes are lauded in the international market because of their innovative design and performance. The revolutionary dual suspension design of a Birdy folding bike introduces that smoothness to each ride that is otherwise characteristic of expensive full-sized bicycles only.

The first fully suspended folding bicycles, the Birdie bikes make use of one-piece solid yet lightweight aluminum frames. The suspension pivots take care of the folding mechanism in the absence of the mainframe hinges. This clever designing together with the use of 18” wheels make the bikes very stable and sporty.

The Birdy bicycles fold in less than 30 seconds without the use of any tools. With the folded size of a Birdy bicycle being some 30" x 23" x 11", it is quite easy to store them in small places and carrying cases. The lightweight frames (mostly weighing around 24 lbs) make the Birdy bikes very portable.

The different gearing options, firm framing and dual suspension design of Birdy folding bikes render them suitable for being used for many purposes other than commuting. Use them for pleasure rides and touring as well as for sporting use.

Famous Birdie Models

Some of the most popular Folding Birdy Bikes are:

Birdy Red Foldable Bicycle

1. Frame Aluminum foldable frame (weighing 24 lbs) with Hydro Forming

2. Forks Aluminum folding fork with spring suspension

3. Derailleur Shimano, RD-MC20-S

4. Brakes Shimano, BR-M420-S

5. Shifter Micro shift, D60-8R, index, 8-speed

6. Chainwheel Sunrace, PR-06, 56T chainring 170mm crank length

7. Rims Alex, DV-15, 18" FV 24 H anodized ground side walls

8. Headset DiaCompe, STS, Diacompe STS- 1-1/8"

Birdy Silver Foldable Bicycle

1. Frame Aluminum foldable frame (weighing 23.1 lbs) with Hydro Forming

2. Forks Aluminum folding fork with spring suspension

3. Derailleur Shimano, RD-F700SGS

4. Brakes Shimano, BR-M420-S

5. Shifter Shimano, SL-F700, 9 speed

6. Chainwheel Sunrace, PR-06, 56T chainring 170mm crank length

7. Rims Alex, DV-15, 18" FV 24 H anodized ground side walls

8. Headset DiaCompe, STS, Diacompe STS- 1-1/8"

Birdy Ice Blue Foldable Bicycle

1. Frame Aluminum foldable frame (weighing 26 lbs) with Hydro Forming

2. Forks Aluminum folding fork with spring suspension

3. Derailleur SRAM, Dual Drive 8 speed

4. Brakes Tektro, 834AL, V-brake w/90 degree pipe

5. Shifter SRAM, Dual Drive, 24-speed w/clickbox

6. Chainwheel Dotek, PRO6-210, 56T chainring 170 mm length

7. Rims Alex, DV-15, 18" FV 24 H anodized ground side walls

8. Headset DiaCompe, STS, Diacompe STS- 1-1/8"

Birdy-BionX Foldable Electric Bike

The Birdy-BionX combo makes use of a BionX electric conversion kit, which works in tandem
with the folding bike from Birdy. Be it to ride up steep hills and mountains or ride (rather glide) beyond your pedaling capacity, the Birdy-BionX bikes are just unmatched.

Distributors

The ultimate in comfort when it comes to riding on any terrain and that in spite of its compact folded size, the Birdie bikes are a great favorite among bike-enthusiasts across all continents. Sale of Birdy bicycles is not limited to Europe (distributed by Riese und Müller), instead they are distributed by different dealers in various parts of the world:

1. In Australia by PED Bicycles Pty Ltd.,

2. In Japan by Mizutani Bikes,

3. In Singapore by Two Wheel Action Pte Ltd,

4. In the USA by C.M. Wasson Company, David Black and NYCeWheels (they ship all over the place).

If you are looking for a lightweight-folding bike that is stable and gives you a controlled ride at an attractive, if not cheap price, place your order with your nearest Birdy Bike distributor.

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