Frequently Asked Questions
What Models are Available
Currently we offer "The Blade" (Red or White) and the Blade iHybrid
(with trailer generator)
How fast does it go?
From a stop, it takes about 4 seconds to get to 33 mph, and top speed variable
up to 45 mph.
How far can I go on it?
At 33 mph, it will go over 10 miles with no loss of power. After that, it will
continue for another 3 to 4 miles at reduced speeds. This range may vary 3 miles
either way, based on conditions such as hills and traffic. Ideally, it should
operate within a 5 mile radius from the charger, unless you carry it with you
or have more than one. Driving at slow bicycle speeds, it will run for two or
three hours before it needs a recharge. Twenty minutes later, you can do it
again after you charge it up.
How do I charge it?
Simply connect the charger to the bikes battery and a 110 outlet. Our
proprietary charger will restore 80% of the charge in 20 minutes and you're
good to go. It will charge to 100% in about 30 minutes, but this is not necessary.
The battery does not have a memory effect, so you can partially charge it with
no degradation of the battery. A good habit is to charge it immediately after
use so that its always available.
What do they cost?
They range from $4,800 to $5,800, depending on the specification.
Where can I ride it?
At first glance, the Electric Moto looks like a bicycle. This is quite intentional,
as it allows for access into many areas where a motorcycle would be prohibited.
We regularly use them in campgrounds, parks, on sidewalks, on BMX tracks, and
on bike paths. It's silent operation doesn't attract attention.
Legally, it varies from state to state. In California, for instance, the classification
of our bike is a
" motorized bicycle ", and has the following status:
CALIFORNIA M.V. Code
#4020- A motorized bicycle is exempt from registration.
#21207.5- Notwithstanding Sections 21207 and 23127 of this code, Section5079.7 of the Public Resources Code, or any other provision of the law, no motorized bicycle may be operated on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway or unless the local authority or governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over such path or trail permits, by ordinance, such operation.
This would appear to make it legal to operate adjacent to public road in California. In our state of Oregon, it is classified as a moped, even though we don't have pedals, and technically needs to be made street legal for operation here. We drive it anyway in bike lanes. No one seems to mind. Most cops stop to ask where we got it, out of curiousity. Many of these laws are still in a transitional state. There is some discussion on the federal level to put electric bikes under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Products Safety Commission and essentially, treat them similar to pedal bikes. We favor this judgement because it greatly reduces the cost of transportation to the owner of the bike, as well as keeping them out of the active traffic lanes.
Why don't the big bike companies like GT or Schwinn make
a bike as powerful as a Electric Moto?
Most of the big players in the bicycle industry have introduced a pedal assited
bike within the last couple of years, but the products were alll based on a
Japanese requirement that limits the power to 400 watts, one third the
power of your average hair dryer. Who knows why? Group mentality. Environmental
paranoia.
It takes about 1,500 watts, roughly one and a half horsepower, to pull a 170 pound adult up a moderate hill at 10 mph. No groceries or passengers or trailers.
At Electric Moto, we hold the position that if an electric bike can't enable the rider more than a pedal bike, why would anyone want one? The 400 watt Japanese limit was an attempt tp duplicate the power capabilities of an average rider, not to increase the capabilities of the rider / cycle package. We feel that our technology can add a lot to the global scenario and empower the lowly bicycle to a greater status in the transportation food chain.
Where do I get it fixed if it breaks?
When you purchase your bike from us directly, we retain a percentage of the
purchase price, to be made available to your favorite local bike shop. If there
is a problem with your bike, call us and tell us who the bike shop is. We will
pay for the dealer's initial orientation and any repairs or warrantee
work performed on your bike, as agreed to by the dealer. This is our way of
motivating warrantee and service outlets near our customers. If you or your
bike shop have concerns about this, please have the them call us for confirmation
or provide us with alternate bike shops in your area, prior to purchasing. Our
terms are very good for dealers. We will pay them to learn.
Can I climb hills with it?
Absolutely, in fact we safely pull kiddie trailers with 100 pounds of kiddies
up grades that you can barely walk up. Obviously, this uses more battery energy
than level ground, but it is well within the operating envelope of the cycle.
Descending in hilly terrains is further enhanced by the 8" hydraulic disc brakes
which are standard on all Electric Motos.
Why don't you make an add-on kit for my bike?
Because your frame isn't strong enough. Pedal powered bikes need to be very
light. Motorized bikes are not so constrained by weight. Our unique frame design
is patented. We manufacturer it with aircraft spec chrome-moly tubing that has
a wall thickness about 25% greater than a pedal bike would ever need. There
is additional gusseting in key areas to avoid stress rises. Also, the motor
is a structural element of the frame, for greater rigidity and lighter integration
of the electronics.
So what's it really FOR?
Here is what I do with it:
I escort my son Kyle to school, on his pedal bike.
I commute round trip about 6 miles daily, with a 400 foot drop in elevation from home to work. Sometimes I'm on a bike trail, sometimes on the road , sometimes the sidewalk.
Go to lunch. A 200 foot elevation rise in 1 mile to my
local taco shop.
Motocross practice on the way back from lunch. One excellent jump enroute.
On weekends, I might take it to the local public BMX track and practice riding the technical stuff. I can almost manual a triple. If you don't what a manual is, ask a 12 year old.
Small kids fit on the big seat, in front of me. We cruise the trails and talk.
Can I order a particular fork or shock that I prefer?
Yes, provided they fall with certain criteria. We recommend only open bath style
forks be used. Cartridge style dampers simply won't hold up on our machines.
Coil over rear shocks only. No air springs.
What about custom electronics?
There are features, such as power limiters, lighting power supplies, and auxillary
battery packs which we offer as options. Please consult us with any requests
for your particular application.
Can I carry the charger with me?
Yes. Our charger weighs only 9 pounds and fits nicely in a conventional backpack.
Outlets are available in many public parks for use by the public. In the 20
minutes it takes to charge, you can get a drink and use the toilet.
What if the battery runs out of juice?
It takes only a few days to learn the characteristics of the bike. The loss
of power is an indication that you only have a few miles left. It doesn't just
stop. So you reduce your speed,and the range that you have left goes up. At
worst, you'll get home more slowly and be more thrifty with the power next time.
The fear of being stranded is typical until you experience the dependability
of an electric vehicle. There is a learning curve.
Is it fragile?
No. We have crashed and jumped these bikes hundreds of times. We have bent some
footpegs and gouged up a few seats, but that's about it. They are built to rugged
motorcycle standards in terms of the frame and chassis components.
How long does the battery last before it needs replacement?
We can attest to about a year of usage with about two charges per day average.
400 to 600 cycles is realistic. The replacement battery pack is around $200.00
plus shipping. There are cheaper replacement batteries available at many electronics
stores, but they usually will only last for about 200 charges and can't
be quick charged. Battery degradation is a gradual
thing. Some owners may get three years out of them, due to limited usage.