So I purchased my first electric vehicle yesterday...

"The Transporter" (transporter) 08/21/2014 at 21:06 • Filed to: None

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...and this is what it looks like:

aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe > The Transporter 08/21/2014 at 21:10

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nice MOTORcycle

hehe get it? because of the electric MOTOR

YSI-what can brown do for you > The Transporter 08/21/2014 at 21:11

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I came here to call bullshit. . . now I am sad.

The man in the iron mask > The Transporter 08/21/2014 at 21:12

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Racing number is missing, minus 10 points for that.

The Transporter > YSI-what can brown do for you 08/21/2014 at 21:17

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You gotta start somewhere.

The Transporter > aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe 08/21/2014 at 21:18

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It would be technically more accurate, but calling a Harley an enginecycle just doesn't roll off the tongue as well.

YSI-what can brown do for you > The Transporter 08/21/2014 at 21:19

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Today a bike next a Model S and then THE WORLD!!

aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe > The Transporter 08/21/2014 at 21:21

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maybe they should call them 4 cycle-eginecycles

GhostZ > The Transporter 08/21/2014 at 21:38

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How much and where from?

The Transporter > GhostZ 08/21/2014 at 21:41

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$260 with four battery packs from Craigslist.

GhostZ > The Transporter 08/21/2014 at 21:42

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Are they commercially available or just homebrew?

The Transporter > GhostZ 08/21/2014 at 21:45

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It's called an eZip and you can buy them new at WalMart for something like $500-750.

GhostZ > The Transporter 08/21/2014 at 21:56

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It looks like they range from around 250W to 500W motors, which really doesn't seem that quick compared to a motorized/ gas powered bike.

How does it feel? Can it keep up with commuting traffic easily?

My only worry is that it might get stolen or damaged very easily given its unique nature, but if they were quick enough I might consider one for commuting.

The Transporter > GhostZ 08/21/2014 at 22:05

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I actually bought one of those motorized bicycle kits. I even bought a frame with built in mounts and an integral fuel tank that was specifically designed for it. I couldn't keep that piece of crap running to save my life. Every time I run it something else breaks on it. And one thing they don't tell you is that with the gasoline motor attached, it makes it very hard to pedal it as a bicycle.

500 watts isn't much, but as so long as you keep the battery charged it will get you to where you want to go. Even if you run out of power, it's still usable under pedal power.

GhostZ > The Transporter 08/21/2014 at 22:40

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How's the range?

I wouldn't mind sacrificing 10-15mi of range for a 1000-1500W battery. I'd only need it to commute at MOST 6-8 miles between charges, and being able to make the trip at in-town car speeds is much more important. Not having to search for parking and being able to get on and off quickly and easily, as well as being able to ride it off the street (and onto campus) would be a huge time saver, but if it's slower than a car/bus then it's not worth the investment.

The Transporter > GhostZ 08/21/2014 at 23:17

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I haven't yet tested out how much range it actually has, but it'll do at least 8 miles easily enough. It won't really do much faster than 15 mph, though. Not on electrical power alone, anyway.

There are manufacturers that make higher voltage kits from 48 volts all the way up to 72 volts. The 48 volt kits can go up to 30 mph and the 72 volt kits can supposedly go as fast as 50 mph, but I'm not quite sure I'd want to go that fast on something with bicycle rim brakes. Anyway, these kits usually require lithium ion batteries and are considerably more expensive than this kit.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > The Transporter 08/22/2014 at 01:27

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Fuck that shit I built this.