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Kalpa on April 30, 2006 - 10:56am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
I am considering getting a battery powered bicycle.  Does anyone recommend any models that they are pleased with?  I figure when gas shortages occur, I can still make trips to the grocery store, etc.  I also think they would be safer than the loud gas powered cyles.
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CarterganSweater on April 30, 2006 - 11:30am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
I don't own one, but if you're looking for a battery powered bike the Stokemonkey looks interesting. I first heard about it on the aptly named Oil is for Sissies blog.

Before you go the power-assist route, you might be suprised at how easy it is to carry a load on a regular bicycle. Just pick up some panniers. Arkel makes some good ones, or check ebay. One of the best investments I ever made.

Gave up the car 8 months ago. My bicycle is my primary mode of transportation, supplemented with public transit. No regrets, apart from wishing I had dumped it sooner. Can't believe how much money I've saved.

A simple lifestyle, freely chosen, is a source of strength. Do not be persuaded into buying what you do not need or cannot afford.
 

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odograph on April 30, 2006 - 12:47pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
some time back i found a german (government?) webpage that did a serious test of production electric bikes.  i can't find it now, maybe someone else remembers.

there is a little plus and minus to electric bikes.  they are electric, but they are also much heavier than a normal bike.  for me, with store <2 miles away, there's no need for an elecric on grocery runs.

perhaps you have a regular bike already, but i think for people who don't, the cheapest easiest thing to do is to get an inexpensive city or mountain bike that fits well and start riding slowly (rome wasn't built in a day) ... by the end of summer they may find that the market is an easy (and fun) ride.

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Kalpa on April 30, 2006 - 1:08pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Thanks for the comments! Actually, I do have a cruiser bike and use it for exercise by biking about 20 miles twice a week.  If anyone is "just getting a bike" for peak oil preparation I highly recommend the cruiser style as it is SO comfortable.  The old style wrap around handle bars make such a difference (though I know less wind efficient, but that's fine w/me) and the seat feels like a living room couch!  The rear side collapsible baskets that I've added are also great. They can each fit one paper grocery bag.  These can be added by any good bike store to any bike.  But, actually I'm interested in the electric bike as more of an "insurance policy" for when times may get a little tougher.  I am familiar with eGO cycle and the Giant brand. I have visited a number of internet sites but would like to hear from people about how they actually like owning one???
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odograph on April 30, 2006 - 2:32pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
for what it's worth i found this us gov site with lots of models and specs:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/vbg/progs/search_type.cgi?7

a google for "my electric bike" with quotes turns up some user experiences

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Will on April 30, 2006 - 2:53pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Dunno... I tend to pedal but a poster at one of the usenet bike fora mentioned that he just saw electric bicycles at Walmart. Apparently a new thing or maybe a staged rollout. It's not on their web-site yet.
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