Searched and didn't find any threads.

The situation: My old honda took a shit and I sold it on craigslist. Made some cash that I will merge with my tax return next year. My budget will be around $1500-2000

My commute is generally inside the beltline. I currently work and visit places that have a lot of automobile traffic (Crabtree, Downtown, etc).

I'm thinking about alternatives to driving and got turned on to eBikes. Does anyone have one and care to share their experience?

I def think that an eBike is healthier in the long run more than a scooter. It's also easier to park.

I would love to eliminate a car from my daily life. I can take rail to further locations (esp now that the Carolinian has free WiFi). I am tired of having a car worked on and then it breaking again. See, if I could get my hands on a new car, I'd take care of it A+ from the get go so it wouldn't need so much maintenance down the road. Sadly, I cannot afford such endeavors at the moment.

eBike! anyone?

11/30/2011 1:16:54 AM

I know nothing about electric bikes other than motorcycles, but is there a particular reason you aren't considering a used gas scooter or 250cc motorcycle other than parking? You can park either one just about anywhere, and the resale is generally very good on either one if you take care of it. You can definitely get one in your budget, and even liability insurance is really cheap if you opt for a small motorcycle. I'm just thinking a motorcycle might be better if you don't have a car at all because you can literally go anywhere on it, interstates and such included, and still get 70+mpg.

11/30/2011 12:17:33 PM

The only benefit I see with electric bikes is you can safely bring them inside, but you could do that with a 50cc gas bicycle too if you made the gas tank detachable.

For traveling more than a couple miles, I too would recommend a small motorcycle. It's a bit more headache in terms of licensing, but so much more powerful and competent on the road. And if necessary, you could ride it 100 miles as easily as 2.

11/30/2011 12:37:03 PM

I have a 250cc motorcycle and can tell you it's a great option only if you are willing to do all the work on it yourself. There's no jiffy lube for motorcycles. I can change my oil at home and pay $10 for supplies, or spend $60+ at a dealer. Valve checks take me a couple hours, but the dealers want $250 or so.

11/30/2011 12:48:41 PM

Quote :

"Valve checks take me a couple hours, "

Can't imagine why it would take you more than 30 minutes for complete valve service on a Rebel

11/30/2011 12:57:56 PM

Meh, everything takes more time when you're new to it. The important thing is you can drain the gas and bring it right in the living room to do your service with basic hand tools if you want, which is handy. A lighter gas bike will be nice if you have to take it up stairs.

50cc is legal with no tags, maximum speed 30mph. Anything with a larger engine does require tags and a motorcycle learners permit(easiest written test you'll ever take), though many people don't bother(at the risk of having their wheels seized by the cops).

Here's a gas bike for $100. They sell those motors on ebay. Don't expect power...the motor just lets you not have to peddle at cruise speed.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/2715434035.html

I'd be curious to hear about the power/range of the newer ebikes as well.

[Edited on November 30, 2011 at 2:03 PM. Reason : .]

11/30/2011 2:02:37 PM

^ hah, posting is gone already

+1 for a scooter...a 50cc won't be very powerful, but you can park it anywhere and you'll get 90mpg or better

11/30/2011 2:30:14 PM

Ninja 250, so there's lots of stuff to remove to get to the valves. The actual adjustment is the easy part.

11/30/2011 2:48:49 PM

Yeah, valve jobs on sportbikes are 90% getting to them and 10% actually checking/adjusting them. Not difficult, no special tools, just time consuming

11/30/2011 3:06:49 PM

Here's a 4stroke honda clone for $300.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/mcy/2724423151.html

[Edited on November 30, 2011 at 3:23 PM. Reason : .]

11/30/2011 3:23:14 PM

went and rode some eBikes today. I have got to say. Pretty sweet.

I'm also looking forward to not paying taxes, gas, or insurance.

11/30/2011 6:32:22 PM

You will want to buy a rain suit and the biggest, fattest saddle bags and luggage rack you can find.



Maybe also one of those huge hiking backpacks.

[Edited on November 30, 2011 at 8:31 PM. Reason : .]

11/30/2011 8:28:52 PM

i want this one: http://fast4ward.ultramotor.com/en/edge

if money weren't an object i'd go with: http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/grace-one-city-e-motorbike-review/

11/30/2011 8:51:23 PM