RAT Electric Bikes

If you’re looking to buy versus build, this video from Logan Moy at c|net is a great place to start.

Electric bikes: The ultimate buying guide 2022

There are many types of e-bikes for a variety of riders. CNET’s Logan Moy goes over each one and talks about the features that make some better than others for certain riding styles. E-bike recommendations.

• RadRunner 2: https://cutt.ly/QUt1i8v
• Brompton Electric: https://cutt.ly/BUt1fSy
• Swagtron EB5 Pro: https://cutt.ly/bUt1zmT
• Lectric XP 2.0: https://cutt.ly/NUt1Wv9
• Fiido X: https://cutt.ly/zUt1USj
• RadCity 4: https://cutt.ly/NUtM8vM
• Aventon Level: https://cutt.ly/dUt1qX0
• Magnum Metro S: https://cutt.ly/qUt1ARA
• Priority Current: https://cutt.ly/RUt1ByI
• RadWagon: https://cutt.ly/8Ut18Gg
• Magnum Payload: https://cutt.ly/bUt0wUL
• Super73-R: https://cutt.ly/oUt0ipG
• Super73-S2: https://cutt.ly/XUt0deP
• Juiced Bikes Scrambler: https://cutt.ly/zUt0RDu
• Magnum Mi6: https://cutt.ly/wUt0A31
• Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon: https://cutt.ly/xUt0G5g
• iGo Electric Aspire Camillien: https://cutt.ly/HUt0BK8
• Bulls Desert Falcon Evo: https://cutt.ly/tUt032V
• Electric Sun Traditional: https://cutt.ly/GUt2rGk
• Electric Eco-Tad SX: https://cutt.ly/lUt2oX2

*CNET may get a commission from these offers.

Accessories

• Suspension cruiser saddle: https://cutt.ly/OUt21ub
• Suspension seat post: https://cutt.ly/8Ut2XIx

*CNET may get a commission from these offers.

More e-bike videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list…

• Super73-RX review: https://youtu.be/9xSLEwFZYgA
• Lectric XP 2.0 review: https://youtu.be/T8ePgO9gy-g
• Brompton electric review: https://youtu.be/0OEtcieeM0c
• Aventon Level hands-on: https://youtu.be/dSChrQTnVMo
• Super73-S2 vs Super73-RX: https://youtu.be/K4J_qJ9UuSU
• Super73-S2 review: https://youtu.be/5hhKNpKt7jE
• Vanmoof S3 review: https://youtu.be/bo_EasqEGzs

Related videos

• What I learned from buying and riding my first electric bike: https://youtu.be/YhqDk97POOQ
• What I learned a year after buying my first electric bike: https://youtu.be/eV_RIljpxa8
• Can a E-Bike REPLACE your car?: https://youtu.be/J3SEPWx7KCo
• Electric bike batteries: https://youtu.be/KwENgxQwdcE

Video Timeline:

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:43 Riding location
• 1:23 Range & power
• 3:04 Motors
• 3:55 Sensors
• 4:40 Comfort
• 6:05 Storage
• 6:40 Customer support
• 7:33 Speed limits
• 8:30 Types of e-bikes
• 8:55 Fat tire e-bikes
• 9:32 Cruiser e-bikes
• 10:18 Folding e-bikes
• 12:20 Commuter e-bikes
• 13:03 City e-bikes
• 14:17 Cargo e-bikes
• 14:54 Electric motorbike
• 16:29 Mountain e-bikes
• 17:14 Road e-bikes
• 17:45 Electric trikes

And if that’s not enough info to help you decide, here’s another site that might help:

Electric Bike Reviews

Information overload…

No problem! Building isn’t for everyone. There are plenty of e-bikes on the market to choose from, but you must choose carefully. Below are a number of YouTube videos that will help you select the e-bike that’s right for you, and at a price point that won’t require a second mortgage. So first the videos, then I’ll provide some insight into the bike(s) I would choose if I wasn’t completely sold on building my own…

Best electric bikes for 2022 | Power up your cycling

Best ebikes available for 2021 – 2022 electric bike top picks

Top 5 BEST Electric Bikes in 2022

Top 5 Cheap Electric Bikes for 2022

And a few where price isn’t a consideration (which for me it always is):

2022 Best New Electric Mountain eBikes

Best 10 2022 Trail Electric Mountain Bikes

10 NEW E BIKES IN NOVEMBER

Then you might want to watch JohnnyNerdOut’s rants about ‘over-priced’ e-bikes one more time:

How much should these E-bikes cost? Cost breakdown on electric mountain bikes

What E-bike Manufacturers Don’t Want You To Know. Watch before buying an electric bike!

Choose wisely…

For builds 1 and 2, I’m using SW900 LCD panel to customize settings for the Voilamart controller. It’s a black and white panel with 15 screens to go through to get your system dialed in. Here are couple videos that go through the programming process for the SW900 (and I’ll provide some comments after):

Increase your Ebike’s performance in 5 minutes programming the SW 900 LCD

How to use your SW900 Display Functions

SW900 LCD Controller: How to operate the display

For build 3 I’m using the black and white Bafang C961 LCD display. Here are a couple videos detailing the programming steps for this display:

Bafang C961 Display Programming

Bafang C961 LCD Display for BBSHD

Bafang C961 Display TOTAL PROGRAMMING

C961 DISPLAY VIDEO AND MANUAL

One would think that when you spend a couple hundred bucks for a used bicycle, you wouldn’t have to put a lot more money into it to make it yours. But the reality is you should expect to put another couple hundred into a fairly well maintained used bike (before electrification). Below is a list of the parts I’m putting on the Gary Fisher bike, in addition to the $1200 Bafang kit. Before tax, these additional parts cost about $370.

Chain Ring

46t Lekkie Bling Ring BBSHD ($110.00)

Chain

KMC X9 9-Speed Chain 116 Links, Road/Mountain Bike ($25.00)

Seat

Bike Seat Most Comfortable for Men and Women with Soft Cushion Universal Fit for Exercise Bike and Outdoor Bikes ($17.99)

Fenders

BlueSunshine Adjustable Road Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycling Tire Front/Rear Mud Guards Mudguard Fenders Set ($9.99)

Pedals

MOHEGIA Bike Pedals,MTB Flat Bicycle Pedal Sets,9/16 Non-Slip Aluminum Replacement for Mountain BMX MTB-Pair ($13.99)

Toe clips

Zefal “Cristophe” Mountain Bicycle Half Toe Clip ($10.95)

Light

6v Headlight for Bafang BBSHD motor systems ($13.99)

Bell

Accmor Classic Bike Bell, Aluminum Bicycle Bell, Loud Crisp Clear Sound Bicycle Bike Bell ($5.99)

Mirror

Hafny Bar End Bike Mirror, Stainless Steel Lens, Safe Rearview Mirror ($14.99)

Hand grips

SAPLIZE Bike Handlebar Grips, Blue, Ergonomic Design, Aluminum Double Lock-on, Mountain Bike Grips ($9.99)

Charger (have already)

Luna Charger 48V Advanced 300W Ebike Charger ($99.95)

Adapter

12v DC Power Cord 5.5mm x 2.1mm Male Plug to Pigtail Cable Adapter 6″ ($2.99)

Side stand

BV Alloy Adjustable Rear Side Non-Slip Bicycle Bike Kickstand for 24″ – 29″ Mountain Bike/Road Bike/BMX/MTB ($17.99)

Tail light

BV Rear Bike Tail Light 2 Pack, Bicycle LED Rear Lights, Easy to Install for Cycling Safety Flashlight ($10.98)

Tires

Kenda K838 Slick Wire Bead Bicycle Tire, Blackwall, 26-Inch x 1.95-Inch (2) ($50.42)

Tubes

VeloTubes Premium Mountain Bike Inner Tubes – 4 Pack – Select Your Size (26″, 27.5″, 29″) – Presta (French) Valve ($19.95)

Rim Stips

Okared 2 Pack Bicycle Rim Strip Rim Tape (26″ x 20mm) ($8.99)

Tube Protectors

Slime 20093 Tube Protector, One Size Fits Most (Pack of 2) ($11.99)

Brake Pads

Hapleby 4PCS Premium Bike Brake Pads, Professional Mountain and Road Bicycle V-Brake Pads, Bike Brake Blocks Kit, for Free Hex Wrench ($7.99)

Thread lock

Permatex 24200 Medium Strength Threadlocker Blue ($5.00)

It’s gonna look spectacular when it’s done, I promise!

Sneak Peek

It’s January 14, 2022. The temperature in my garage isn’t terrible (though it will be tomorrow), so I’m going to start working on my mid-drive DIY project. Here’s a picture of my donor bike:

And here’s my starting parts list (shop around for better prices and a reliable supplier):

Well, that was easy! Here’s a 30 second video that shows how straightforward a mid-drive motor installation can be. The Bafang motor fit the Gary Fisher Genesis frame perfectly – no shims required!

And a few photos for your enjoyment:

This all went more quickly than expected, and the installation is very clean. I still need to torque everything down and figure out where wires need to go. Also, I need to modify the battery mount since the mounting holes provided set the battery too low on the down tube. I’ll likely be investing another 4 to 6 hours in this build before it’s complete.

It’s 1/12/2022 and this build is FINISHED! If I knew where my Staples ‘That Was Easy’ button is stored, I would have hit it. This build is SO much easier and cleaner than the rear-hub build, though a bit more expensive. It’s still really cold outside and there’s too much salt on the road for a test ride, but I’ll get out for my comparison test ride soon enough and write up my observations in a separate post.

Anyway, here’s the final build:

**update**

So, it’s now mid-February and I did get to test drive this bike. It was not pretty. The chain kept derailing, and power management was very strange. I’m now waiting for a new KMC 9-speed chain to arrive which should work better than the previous Zonkie chain on the 9-speed cassette and with the new Lekkie 46-tooth chainring (all explained in future posts)…

As a spoiler, here’s a picture of the bike today, including the new KMC X9 chain.

And one more thing: although the Lekkie chain ring is AMAZING, my chain alignment needs to be tweaked. I added this 2mm spacer that pushes the chain ring out a bit and that solved the problem. Note to self: spacers are cheap, so when you buy your Lekkie, pay the extra $5 for the spacer. You’ll be glad you did!

Having just watched JohnnyNerdOut’s ‘Norco Scene‘ video, I can’t help but think that the e-bikes he built for his mother- and father-in-law are perfect for casual and aging bicycle riders. The light-weight (relative to other e-bikes on the market), step-thru frame and ergonomics are dialed in for this type of rider.

Having done a little more research, I realize that Norco does make an e-bike, the Norco Scene VLT, available here for $3600. But referring back to JohnnyNerdOut’s video, I’m going to try to recreate his build to determine the final cost of his DIY Norco Scene…

Let’s start with the Norco Scene bicycle itself, then add the other components:

• Norco Scene 3 ~$800
• Bafang BBS02 750w mid drive motor – $480
• Includes hydraulic brake cut-offs and 500c display
• 52v 6ah saddle bag battery w/ Samsung 30q cells – $465
• Gear shift sensor for Bafang mid-drive motor – $29
• 6v Headlight for Bafang BBS02 motor – $13.99
• Add $20 for the battery bag, and that should just about do it

Before tax and shipping, I come up with a total of $1808. Compared to what’s on the market, except maybe the RadCity 4 (which is an awsome deal at $1600), this is a pretty sweet deal. Plus, YOU get to build it! What’s better than that…

As you know, my first two e-bike builds used the Voilamart rear-hub 48v 1000w motor. However, after watching several YouTube videos posted by JohnnyNerdOut, I became convinced that I really needed build a mid-drive e-bike, primarily to compare the build process and relative performance of rear- versus mid-drive e-bikes. So that’s what I’m about to do using my beautiful Gary Fisher bicycle and a Bafang mid-drive kit from Ebike Essentials (aka bafangusadirect.com).

I’ll provide more information about this kit in another post, but suffice to say that it was JohnnyNerdOut who convinced me to do this. Below I list a number of his videos which will help you get to know JohnnyNerdOut a bit better, will explain the difference between rear-hub and mid-drive motors (better than I can), and will share his experience upgrading various bicycles to e-bikes, which is what he now does for a living.

Here’s my binge-worthy list of JohnnyNerdOut videos – enjoy!

• How an e-bike can save your life
• Finding a good bike to convert into an Electric Bike that won’t break the bank
• E-bike Blog: Why cyclists prefer Mid Drive E-bikes over Hub Motor
• E-bike Blog: Are rim brakes on an e-bike ok?
• How to Measure your Bottom Bracket to get the correct size Motor
• E-bike Blog: Torque vs. Cadence Sensors. Should you care?
• Why Do Mid Drive Motor E-bikes Cost So Much?
• What Tools do you need for a Mid Drive Install?
• BBSHD vs. BBS02: Which Motor should you choose?
• E-bike conversion: The process of selecting everything you will need to get started!
• Where to buy e-bike Motors, Batteries and other components
• The Step-by-Step Bafang Installation guide
• Bafang Install issue: Motor not fitting your bottom bracket?
• The Best places to mount your battery on your e-bike
• E-bike Chainring Buyers Guide: Which size is best. Is it worth getting a Lekkie? What is a Lekkie?
• Gear Shift Sensor Installation video for a Bafang Mid Drive system BBS02 / BBSHD E-bike
• Hub vs. Mid Drive Motors: Why Hub Motors Suck and Debunking Common Myths with performance test
• Hub motor or Mid Drive Motor Buyers Guide : Which system is right for you?
• How much should these E-bikes cost? Cost breakdown on electric mountain bikes
• E-bike Myth or Fact: Mid Drive motors eat up Chains and Drivetrains
• What E-bike Manufacturers Don’t Want You To Know. Watch before buying an electric bike!
• Can you convert your bike into an e-bike yourself? What if I’m all thumbs?
• Reviewing the new Polarizing Bafang M625 Mid drive motor kit
• I’ll convert a Northrock fat bike and answer some of your questions live!
• The Cheapest upgrade for ultimate performance Boost on your Bafang Mid Drive!

Some of his builds:

• Custom E-bike Build: Specialized Pitch 52v 17.5ah Bafang BBS02 750w Mid drive
• Custom E-bike Build: Gary Fisher Mamba BBS02 52v
• Custom E-bike Build: Specialized Stumpjumper FSR BBS02 750w 48v 6ah Full Suspension
• Custom E-bike Build: Specialized Rockhopper BBSHD 52v 17.5ah
• Custom E-bike Build: Specialized Epic M4 w/ Bafang BBS02 750w Mid Drive 48v 6ah Saddle bag Battery
• Custom E-bike Build: Trek Mountain Track + BBS02
• Custom E-bike Build: Gary Fisher cake3 bbs02 52v 6ah
• Custom E-bike Build: Trek Marlin 7 BBSHD 1000w Mid Drive 52v 16 75ah
• Custom E-bike Build: Specialized AWOL w/ Bafang BBS02 & 52v 17.5ah Battery
• Custom E-bike Build: Norco Storm BBS02 48v 11.6 ah
• Custom E-bike Build: Electra Townie w Bafang BBS02 &48v 11.6ah Battery
• Custom E-bike Build: Specialized Hardrock Sport 29 BBSHD 48v 11.6ah
• Custom Ebike Build: Schwinn Axum BBSHD 52v 17.5ah
• Custom E-bike Build: Masi CX Comp Drop Bar Bafang BBS02 750w 52v 16.75ah
• Custom E-bike Build: Cannondale Trail 6 BBSHD 52v 16.75ah
• Custom E-bike Build: Felt Verza BBS02 52v 17.5ah 52t Lekkie
• Custom E-bike Build: Trek Verve 3 with Bafang BBS02 750w Mid Drive 52v 17ah Battery
• Custom E-bike Build: Polygon Premier BBSHD 52v 16 75ah
• Custom E-bike Build: Raleigh Talus w/ Bafang BBS02 Mid drive Motor and 52v 17.5ah Battery
• Custom E-bike Build: Specialized Stumpjumper w/ Bafang BBS02 52v 17ah Battery
• Custom E-bike Build: Trek fx4 Bafang BBS02 750w Mid Drive w/ 52v 17ah Battery
• Custom E-bike Build: Salsa Mukluk 52v 17ah BBSHD Bafang Mid Drive
• Custom E-bike Build: Giant Cypress w/ Bafang BBS02 750w Mid Drive 52v 17ah
• Custom E-bike Build: Fezzari Wasatch Peak w. Bafang BBSHD 52v 17 5ah
• Custom E-bike Build: Cannondale Adventure w/ Bafang 750w BBS02 52v 10.5ah

And this one especially caught my interest, which I’ll discuss more in my next post:

Custom E-bike Build: Norco Scene Bafang BBS02 750w 52v 6ah

And yet another Bafang mid-drive build video worth watching (not JohnnyNerdOut):

eBike Conversion Kit, Install & Review ll Bafang BBS02B 750W motor

Includes Schematix‘ affiliate links:

• Bafang eBike Conversion kit AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A1sKDn
• Bottom Bracket removal tool: http://ebay.us/9J3wCE
• Chain Breaker tool: http://ebay.us/M8H4Rt

Accessories:

• Gear sensor https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A9NewU
• 42T chainwheel https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9R4a8o
• Tyre Inflator https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9G7hb6
• Extension Cable https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Aomsic
• Brake sensor https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9AWTx6
• Headlight https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AtmBra
• 1T4 Cable https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AWYEoC
• Motor & Battery Combo’s: 250W motor and battery https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AEYpsk
• 500Wmotor and battery https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AEZBtQ
• 750W motor and battery https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AeXGEk
• 1000W motor https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ArKMJO
• 1000W motor and battery https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ad4H5I
• Battery: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AK3Q0g

Below is an exhaustive list of parts, not all of which were used in build #2, but which I can recommend and will probably use on future builds. Parts not used on build #2 weren’t used because I came up with a no-cost option (probably from my spare parts bin). My intention is to provide a complete list with which you could completely rebuild an e-bike from the frame up. So here goes (prices shown are as of January 12, 2022 and do not include tax, shipping is usually included with Amazon orders):

Rear-Hub Kit with controller and LCD panel, plus XT60 connectors, fuse block, thumb throttle

Voilamart Electric Bicycle Kit 26″ Rear Wheel 48V 1000W E-Bike Conversion Kit with LCD Display, Cycling Hub Motor with Intelligent Controller and PAS System for Road Bike ($289)

10 Pair XT60 Connectors, XT-60 Male Female Bullet Connectors with Heat Shrink ($7.99)

MUYI 2 Set Standard Blade Fuse Holder 14 Gauge Waterproof Pigtail Inline Fuse Holder with 20A ATC Fuses ($6.99) – it’s a good idea to put a 20amp fuse inline from battery to controller

Thumb Throttle Assembly, 22mm 7/8inch Universal Thumb Throttle Cable Speed Control Assembly for E-Bike Electric Bike Scooters ($10.79)

Battery w/ mount, plus charger

Joyisi 36V 48V 52V Ebike Battery 13AH 15AH Electric Bike Battery for 200W to 1000W Bafang Voilamart AW Ancheer and Other Ebike Motor ($265.99)

Luna Charger 48V Advanced 300W Ebike Charger ($99.95)

Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone Cable – 6 Feet, Black ($7.99) – to build an XT60 to XLR adapter from the Luna Charger to the Joyisi battery

Front fork, plus headset bearings, tube cutter, star nut driver, headset spacers

BLOOKE Mountain Bike Air Suspension Forks,26/27.5/29 inch MTB Bicycle Front Fork with Rebound Adjustment,100mm/120mm Travel 28.6mm QR 9mm Threadless Steerer ($122.59)

Bicycle Headset, Bike Bearing Headset Solid Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Tapered Stack Headset Head Tube Straight Steerer Fork Bearing(Black) ($33.79)

Farbetter Bicycle Fork Star Nut Setting Install Tool Headset Star-Nut Driver for 7/8″ & 1″ & 1-1/8″ with Free Star Nuts and Screw ($14.99)

11 Pieces Bike Carbon Fiber Headset Spacer Bicycle 1-1/8 Inch 20 15 10 5 3 2 1 mm, 7 Size ($9.59)

Kenway Bicycle Headset Cup Remover for 1-1/8, 1-1/4 and 1-1/2 inch ($17.99)

Acekit Bike Headset Cup and Bottom Bracket Press Installation Tool BB Install Tool for BB30 and BB90 ($29.99)

Crank, plus crank bearing set, pedals, toe clips, crank extractor, crank puller

BUCKLOS MTB 170mm Square Taper Crankset, 104 BCD Mountain Bike Narrow Wide Tooth Chainring 42T, Single Speed Round Chainring and Crank ($44.99)

YBEKI Chainring 104BCD Round Narrow Wide Single Bike Chainring for 8 9 10 11 Speed Mountain Bike (Black Round, 48T) ($22.99)

VGEBY1 Square Taper Bottom Bracket, Bike Bottom Bracket Square Hole Crank Axis Sealed Bearings Bike Parts ($21.39)

MOHEGIA Bike Pedals,MTB Flat Bicycle Pedal Sets,9/16 Non-Slip Aluminum Replacement for Mountain BMX MTB-Pair ($13.99)

Zefal “Cristophe” Mountain Bicycle Half Toe Clip ($10.95)

Oumers Bike Crank Extractor and Bottom Bracket Remover with 16mm Spanner Wrench, Bicycle Crank Removal Tool Crank Puller Tool-Bike Crank Arm Remover Spanner Repair Tools Kit ($11.99)

Front wheel

Wheel Master Weinmann Front Wheel – 26″ x 1.5″, 36H, Quick Release, Black with Silver Spokes ($81.33)

Tires, plus tubes, rim tape, puncture prevention, valve tool

Sunlite K847 Kross Plus Goliath 26×1.95 PAIR Mountain Bike Tires Urban/Trail ($47.99)

2 Pack Bike Tubes 26×1.9/1.95/2.0/2.125 SV48mm Schrader Valve 26″ Bicycle Tubes Compatible with 26×1.9 26×1.95 26×2.0 26×2.10 26×2.125 Mountain Bike Tire Tubes ($14.99)

Kenda Inner Tubes Black 26×1.90/1.95/2.10/2.125 Schrader Valve For MTB Mountain Bike, Bulk 2 Pack ($9.95) – valve not long enough for double-wall wheel

Okared 2 Pack Bicycle Rim Strip Rim Tape (26″ x 20mm) ($8.99)

Slime 20093 Tube Protector, One Size Fits Most (Pack of 2) ($11.99)

Slime 20088 4-Way Valve Tool with 4 Valve Cores ($2.13)

Brake kit, plus rear-brake adapter, brake cut-off sensor kit

RUJOI Bike Disc Brake Kit, Aluminum Front and Rear Caliper, 160mm Rotor, Mechanic Tool-Free Pad Adjuster for Road Bike, Mountain Bike ($23.99)

SUPROJDM Rear Disc Brake Adapter for Gary Fisher Trek Klein Frames 160mm Post Mount Disk Made 6061 Aluminum ($23.49)

Rear Derailleur, plus chain, shifters, cable set, cable cutter tool

Bike Rear Derailleur RD-TY21B 6/7 Speed Hanger Mount/Direct Mount for Mountain Bicycle ($20.99)

ZONKIE 5/6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain 1/2 x 3/32 Inch 122 Links ($17.32)

Shimano Bike Shifter SL-TX30-7R,7 Speed Mountain Bicycle Right Thumb Gear Shift Lever ($15.99)

JCOLUSHI Bicycle Cable Cutter with Universal 1×3m Bike Brake Housing, 2×1.8m Brake Cable, 1×4m Shift Cable Housing, 2×2.2m Shift Cable and Replacement Kit for Mountain and Road Bicycle ($16.69)

Handlebar, plus adjustable riser, grips

Wake MTB Riser Handlebar,31.8 mm Bike Handlebar,720mm/780mm Aluminium Alloy Mountain Bike Handlebar Bicycle Riser Bars Extra Long Bicycle Handlebars for Downhill Cycling Racing ($24.99)

FOMTOR 31.8 Adjustable Stem 90mm / 110mm 0~60 Degree MTB Adjustable Handlebar Stem for Most Mountain Bike Road Bike MTB (Only Fit 1.25″/31.8mm Handlebar) ($19.98)

SAPLIZE Bike Handlebar Grips, Multi Colors/Design Optional, Ergonomic Design, Aluminum Double Lock-on, Mountain Bike Grips, MTB BMX Downhill Foldable Urban Bicycles Grips, Scooter Grips ($6.99)

Seat, plus seat post, seat post shim, rack

Bike Seat Most Comfortable for Men and Women with Soft Cushion Universal Fit for Exercise Bike and Outdoor Bikes ($17.99)

CYSKY 25.4/27.2/28.6/30.4/30.8 SeatPost 350mm Bike Seat Post Suitable for Most Bicycle Mountain Bike Road Bike MTB MTN BMX (Aluminum Alloy, Black) ($15.99)

GANOPPER 100mm Long Seatpot Shim 22.2 25.4 26.6 27.2 to 28.6 30 30.4 30.9 31.6 31.8 33.9 34.9 36 Alloy Bicycle Seat Post Tube Adapter ($10.99)

CyclingDeal Bike Bicycle MTB Quick Release Adjustable Alloy Seatpost Mount Rear Pannier Rack Carrier for Touring and Commuting ($39.98)

Fenders, plus center-stand, lights, plus bell, mirror, cell phone holder

BlueSunshine Adjustable Road Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycling Tire Front/Rear Mud Guards Mudguard Fenders Set ($9.99)

BV Bike Kickstand, Center Mount Bicycle Stand – Length Adjustable, Foldable Double Leg for 24″-28″ Bikes ($20)

BV Bicycle Light Set Super Bright 5 LED Headlight, 3 LED Taillight, Quick-Release ($9.75)

Accmor Classic Bike Bell, Aluminum Bicycle Bell, Loud Crisp Clear Sound Bicycle Bike Bell ($5.99)

Hafny Bar End Bike Mirror, Stainless Steel Lens, Safe Rearview Mirror ($14.99)

Other tools – pipe cutter, zip ties, soldering kit, work stand, lube

Pipe Cutter [1/8″ – 1 1/8″] Tube Cutter Tool for Copper Pipe, Stainless Steel Tubing, Metal, Plastic, Brass – Copper Pipe Cutter – Compact & Tight Space Rigid Tubing Cutter Set for Plumbing ($10.99)

Cambridge ZipIts Nylon 6/6 UL Listed Cable Tie Kit 650 Pack Assortment of 4-in, 8-in, 11-in Self Locking UV Resistant Black Zip Ties, Contractor Quality and Strength ($14.09)

Aipudi Soldering Iron Kit Electric 60W 110V Adjustable Temperature Soldering Gun Welding Tools, Solder Wire Tube/Soldering Stand/5pcs Replacement Tips/Tweezers/Desoldering Pump/Wire ($14.99)

EZT 150mm Digital Calipers, Full Stainless Steel Electronic 6 Inch Digital Vernier Caliper, with Extra-Large LCD Screen, Auto-Off Feature, Inch and Millimeter Conversion Metal Measuring Tool Caliper ($18.99)

Bikehand Bike Repair Stand (Max 55 lbs) – Home Portable Bicycle Mechanics Workstand – for Mountain Bikes and Road Bikes Maintenance ($99.98)

Boeshield T-9 Bicycle Chain Waterproof Lubricant and Rust Protection, 4 oz ($10.99)

I found a wealth of useful (and some not-so-useful) information about DIY e-bike building on YouTube. Below, I’ll share several links those videos I found most helpful:

Electric Bike Conversion Kit Options from Electric Mountain Bike Network

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg4Ht0Z6BDU

A budget Voilamart rear-hub build video from GoldGuy

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrP8QvPBh-M

And another from Side Project

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MD6eMHIuKI

And another from Expedition-Electric

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0652zoKyhZw

And more: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=diy+rear+hub+%2B+voilamart

Hub Drive VS Mid Drive eBike motor systems from Blue Monkey Bicycles

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnBVXULCjSY

US Electric Bike Laws Explained from Bolton Ebikes

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v71dkOM4NuE

Interesting nugget in this video at 3:46 where he says “A low speed electric bicycle (<750 watts, <20mph ‘when powered solely by the motor’, and operable pedals) shall NOT be considered a ‘motor vehicle’.” This is important because federal law trumps state law. Therefore, the state cannot classify this (Class 1 or 2) electric bicycle as a motor vehicle.

Also from Bolton Ebikes, How to maintain Lithium batteries for electric bikes

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVcFytLYOIQ

As I come across them, I’ll add more videos to this list…

The weather’s great (well not really, it’s 20F outside today) and you’re ready to hit the bike trails with your shinny new e-bike! What could possibly go wrong?

So, you might wonder, “can I actually ride my e-bike on these trails?” Great question, and I’m glad you asked. The answer is, “it depends”. If you live in Pennsylvania, this is what the state says (pdf file):

• E-bikes are defined as “pedalcycles with electric assist,” so long as the e-bike’s motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20mph, and has operable pedals – the same rules of the road apply to both e-bikes and human-powered bicycles
• E-bikes are not subject to the registration, licensing or insurance requirements
• Helmets are not required but the age minimum for e-bike use is 16 years
• E-bikes are allowed on sidewalks but it is unclear whether they are allowed on bike paths
• PA State – E-bikes are permitted in Pennsylvania state parks and state forests where bicycles are permitted

Like I said, “it depends” – on your local bike path policies and enforcement.

Also worth reading, though it doesn’t really clear things up, is this:

Breaking News… According to the Bicycle Access Council of PA, Electric-Assist bicycles are now legal on Pennsylvania roadways as part of Act 154.

• “Electric-Assist bicycles are now legal on Pennsylvania roadways as part of Act 154.
• E-Bikes now will be allowed if: they include operable pedals, speed limit of 20 mph under power, motor rated at no more than 750 watts (1 hp), no more than 3 wheels, weight not more than 100 pounds, and not to be operated by persons under 16 years old.
• This is not universally meant to cover electric-assist bicycles on non-motorized trails or shared use paths, which may still be prohibited by policy in accordance with the intended use design.
• However, electric-assist bicycles have been included under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recently, so persons who are medically disabled may use them regardless of trail rules.”

Where does this leave us now that we’re confronted with the infamous “NO MOTOR VEHICLES” sign at the trail head?

Here’s my opinion: “Ride On”. You’re riding a bicycle, you’re being responsible by maintaining a reasonable speed for the given trail, you’re respectful of fellow bikers, walkers, etc. and use your bell and voice to let others know you’re approaching and passing, and you’re even friendly to the bicycle purist that sneers at you for ‘cheating’ by having a ‘motor’ on your bicycle, whether you’re using it or not! OR if you fall within the scope of the ADA (American with Disabilities Act), you might carry your handicap placard and the pertinent sections of the ADA and see if that’s a get-out-of-jail-free card. Again, it will all depend on local enforcement and their interpretation of the policies in place.

Better would be for those in charge of this sort of thing to clearly spell out what the rules are and their justification. Instead of “NO MOTOR VEHICLES”, state clearly that “Class 1 and 2 electric-assist bicycles are permitted and must comply with posted speed limits“. By definition, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are power limited to 20mph, so this is a very reasonable thing to require.

• Class 1 e-bikes are limited to a top speed of 20 miles per hour, and the electric motor works only when the rider is pedaling. A bike that has an electric motor that assists only during pedaling is called a pedelec.
• Class 2 e-bikes are also limited to a top speed of 20 miles per hour, but they have throttles that work when you’re not pedaling. Most Class 2 ebikes offer electrically assisted pedaling alongside throttles.
• Class 3 e-bikes can go up to 28 miles per hour and must have a speedometer

Why don’t local jurisdictions make this abundantly clear so they can provide reasonable enforcement for the safety of all trail users? I believe it’s because they haven’t engaged the community to understand the need for clearer rules, and enforcement has been nonexistent so the courts have yet to see the impact of weak, unenforceable policies. Meanwhile, there are a number of bad-actors (30mph e-bikes) that are creating a poor image for all e-bike riders.

My advice then, in the absence of sensible signage, is to not be one of the bad actors. Ride your e-bike like you would have ridden your regular bicycle in your younger years and no one gets busted for violating the “NO MOTOR VEHICLES” rule.

Disclaimer: I offer absolutely no guarantee that you won’t end up in the slammer after your lovely ride along the Neshaminy Greenway Trail – I discovered this one last Fall…

**update**

Stephanie J. Mason, the Doylestown Township Manager, has invited me to attend their Bike/Hike Committee meeting February 15 to discuss the topic of E-Bikes. In preparation for that meeting, I put together some notes intended to help the discussion move forward. My notes can be found here. In a future update, I’ll provide a summary of this meeting as it related to the use of electric bicycles in our community.