Our transporation choices effect the environment
Could I ride a bicycle to work, and avoid some automobile trips? In my teaching profession, it is difficult to find time to exercise. It sounded like so much fun to be cycling again, after so many years of inactivity. At over 60 years of age and almost 220 pounds, many years of body neglect and sedentary lifestyle had me rightfully concerned about the feasibility of riding a bicycle 10 miles to work and back on any regular basis. My house sits on top of a long and steep hill, and my workplace is at the top of another steep grade. Bicycles I have owned over my life were either heavy cruiser or mid-range racing bicycles. I dusted off my 21 speed cycle and tried the hill. It was worse than just tiring. I could not pedal all the way up the hill. If I cycled to work, I would be forced to walk up the hills, and would be tired and sweaty when I finally made it. My motivation for wanting to ride was multiple:
- Get some exercise
- Avoid some pollution produced by automobiles
- Save some money – local gasoline has sold as high as $4.80 per gallon!
- Do my part to reduce dependency on foreign oil
- Relieve some congestion on the roads and parking at work
Noting some of the negatives of bicycling for my purposes, I had observed how other parts of the world were utilizing this efficient transportation alternative. Bicycles were assisted with built-in electric motors powered by batteries. The concept was simple, the technology was proven and getting better with evolving electronics and batteries, and the solution was affordable and available. After studying the technology and the third generation implementation of electronics and batteries, my family all embraced the idea of a business to contract to have electric bicycles manufactured to our specifications, and we would then find a way to distribute them locally and nationally.
The first demo unit arrived, and after a quick 30 minute assembly, I could begin the testing process to determine how our ideas worked for real situations. The model tested is our aluminum alloy frame, lithium-ion battery model – built like a conventional cruiser type bike. The anticipated use is daily commute and errands. The electric range is of course limited by the battery capacity, and the weight of the bike is heavy compared to a racing cycle. But it is configured for practicality. Examine the picture of our test model below.
Note that some features that are often omitted for visual sleekness are an integral part of this bike's purpose. Thorn-resistant tires are wider than racing bikes, while sleeker and smoother than the typical mountain bike. The frame, and every part is a bit larger, stronger, and heavier than most sporty models. But it is fabricated using aluminum 6061 alloy, in a gauge heavy enough to withstand daily use. Front fork suspension and a comfortable seat contribute to a smooth ride. A chain guard protects pant legs and aluminum fenders and mud flaps protect from road splatter. Even a solid kickstand was chosen for its utility. The choice of a quality line of 6-speed Shimano shifter ensures that the pedal assist is effective on steep hills, with the high range not requiring pedal assist beyond 20 mph. And then there is the structure of the frame – essentially a high bar step-through that looks like a cross between a man's and lady's model. The design accommodates the structural integrity of the traditional man's top bar cross frame while allowing for easier access, but my concern was perhaps the bike did not look sufficiently macho. I think the design is appealing, and after riding with dress clothes to work, found that the easy access was well conceived and a real plus.
My first test ride using the pedal-assist was a pleasure. It seemed like the bike anticipated my strain and helped boost the ride along. I could downshift for more assistance (as well as easier low-gear pedaling) or upshift to take over more control myself. Additionally a twist throttle is located on the right grip that is activated with a simultaneous right thumb and twist toward the body. I found that I seldom used the throttle, but that the pedal-assist sensed my needs.
The first ride to work
As I became more comfortable with the bike's and my own ability, I wanted to further test the specifications as rides extended to more terrain challenges and further rides. I fitted a digital speedometer to the spokes, and began recording performance. Were the theoretical specifications reality? I knew that the performance parameters were measured in "ideal conditions" such as level road, smooth surface, no winds, small cross-section of rider, etc. In my conditions, I did not achieve the maximum ratings, but found that on level ground the motor would propel me about 17 mph. Running the battery down completely, I was not over level terrain, and the range was about 19 miles unassisted. However, in real life conditions pedaling with ease, I found that it was easy to push the bike over 20 mph, and my range was nearing 50 miles on a single charge.
It is not a good idea to run the battery low, so I routinely recharge after every trip. The cost of a complete charge in our area is about 18 cents, and it is slightly cheaper at night on the overnight electricity usage rates.
In my everyday riding, I pedal most of the time, and ride to work at an average speed of about 16-17 mph. The approximately 20 mile round trip uses from 20-50 percent of the capacity, depending on how much I pedal and judging from the LED light indicator gauge. My commute takes about 15 minutes longer than if I drove a car, but I enjoy the exercise, fresh air, and avoidance of congestion – all with no parking worries. And I know that I am doing my part to save oil use and saving money all the while. Using the gas savings calculator I estimated that it would take just over two years to completely pay off the bike (at our published price), if I pedaled to work three days per week. This is a truly pleasurable experience and hope many others will discover the fun and value, getting exercise to the extent you choose, while replacing some short driving trips. Our area has so many riding paths and accessible roads that I now plan to ride as often as practical!
Our current designs include a low-cost utility bike using Sealed Lead-Acid batteries, and a cruiser and folding Aluminum alloy models with Lithium-Ion battery packs. Products are available at selected bicycle dealers and rentals, and on this website.
For more information, please contact Malama at info@malamaelectric.com