The curly questions ...
- Regenerative Braking: There is little gain in regenerative braking for the cost involved in implementing it. It is not easily incorporated into crank mount systems and is not an option. Some of the more expensive hub motors do have it.
- If the battery does exhaust while you are out riding you can still ride home. But you have to do all the work. Don't forget to maintain your charge state both for your batteries health and yours.
- Batteries are Li-Ion (Lithium Ion), 36 volts and weigh between 2.5 to 4 kg or so. But you won't notice the weight anyway, it's all power.
- Battery life is 800 recharge cycles or more. On average use this should be 3-5 years or longer.
- The motor is sealed against water and dirt but I still wouldn't use a water blaster on it.
- Motor service should be done at every 3000 km and 10,000 km. This entails cleaning and regreasing the drive gears and requires some disassembly. Your installer should be the one to do this, the two services are different.
E+BIKE Tips ...
After getting a few questions from new users I thought it might be good to put some helpful tips up on riding and getting the best from your new EBike. Information that will make it easier and more enjoyable to get out there more often.
- To maximise your distance it is best not to use 'Turbo' mode all the time. It makes for an easy ride but also very short. I use 'Tour' mode mostly and use the magic 8 speed gears to manage easy hills. If I'm out for exercise then I use 'Eco', the lowest assist or turn it off.
- Check your chain and brakes every 500 km or so. The motor does make them both work harder so I relubricate the chain on a regular basis with a Teflon bike lubricant. You don't need much each time and it doesn't trap dirt like conventional lubricants tend to.
- While you're at it check the tyres, particularly the rear. Again the motor will put more wear on the rear obviously. I'm tossing up whether to rotate them, swap front and rear or just replace the rear more often. Probably replace, only one to change that way.
- Keep your tyres pumped up as well. Same as a car it reduces rolling friction reducing effort and saving battery. And don't run your tyres down to the canvas before replacing. With all the debris on the roads your chances of getting a puncture climbs rapidly when the rubber is thin.
- Safety is paramount ! Helmet is first, visibility is second. I always wear the skid lid and have several yellow flouro jackets or vests in lightweight nylon. As of Dec 2017, new lighting regulations came into effect. The front light must be a steady white light with a visibility distance of 200 meters. You may also carry a flashing white light forward as well. The rear light must be red and steady or flashing, again visible from 200 meters.
- I know you can wear conventional clothes on an EBike but I still prefer bike Lycra especially as pants\leggings. Bike pants have the extra padding and a bit of wet just dries instantly. I keep a pair of work shoes and trousers at work.
- Keep your battery topped up. Lithium batteries love full charge, partial charging is quite ok. Lithium batteries do not like falling below a certain voltage which is why our quality Samsung, Panasonic, Sanyo or LG system all have controllers built in to manage charging, voltage control and protection. Keeping them fully charged will extend their life and ensure the bike is ready to go when you are.