Thursday 5th November 2009

Consumer Technology Review

For his Consumer Technology Review this week, Ciaran O'Byrne has put his bicycle clips, hi-viz vest and helmet on, and checked out the latest electric bikes..

So when we talk about an electric bike, what exactly are they? How do they operate?

Well, it looks and handles like a normal pedal cycle, but it is assisted by an electric motor. So it is not solely electrically powered, as that would classify it as a mechanically powered vehicle and you would need a licence, tax, insurance etc. You don't need any of that, as you still have to pedal this yourself, and the electric motor helps propel you along.

The visual difference is the battery which powers the electric motor. I reckon it's about the size of a large flask.

Some of the EU legal requirements for an electrically assisted pedal bike is that the pedals must be fully functioning, and that the motor stops when you stop pedalling.

So what types of bike have you been using?

We've been trying out two different models from Ken Bay electric bikes in Tallaght, here in Dublin: a fold-a-way model and a lo-step model, which is basically the same size as a mountain bike but has no cross bar on it.

How did you find them? How fast can it go?

I found that it zips along quite fast, at up to 25km a hour (that's about 15 mph), or maybe I'm a fairly easy going cyclist, but the speed is impressive.

I was flying up relatively long and steep hills around here, and you hardly notice that you are pedalling. You are still pedalling but you would only be putting in about 1/3 of the effort you normally would, I reckon.

How long does the charge last?

If you were cycling along a continuously flat road, the Ken Bay people reckon the charge could take you up to 100km, but more realistically going along hills and flats would get you about 50-60kms. If you do a lot of hill climbs it would obviously use up more of the power.

There is a power gauge on the handle-bars that gives you an idea of how much charge is left in the battery.

You use a key on the battery pack to switch on the battery, but in there will be a switch on the handle bars in the next batch they have.

How long does it take to charge it?

It operates with a "trickle-down" charger, which takes about 5 to 6 hours to fully charge up. They battery can be slotted out and taken inside, where you simply plug the charger into your household power socket. There is a cover on the battery socket itself which is designed to keep the rain out when you are outdoors.

How heavy is it?

They weigh about 23kg, and although they are partly made of lightweight aluminium, they are not lightweight - basically because you have a battery pack on. The battery pack can be removed if you just want to cycle it as a normal bike, and that would take a couple of kilograms off the weight.

The folder is not as light as a normal folding pedal bike, but can be managed and folded into the back of a car or even into a relatively normal sized boot.

And how did you find folding it up?

When you have done it once or twice, it's easy enough. You would just need a Velcro strap to keep it closed, though I believe they will have that on the bike soon.

How sturdy is it?

They seem to be very sturdy. I've cycled very badly over speed bumps, off curbs, and over holes. The only thing I've noticed is that I'm too used to comfortable car seats, and I've had to get used to bicycle seats again.

The folder bike has suspension on the front forks as well.

What difference do you notice when you are cycling up a hill?

You fly up them without noticing it.

The best example is from Sinéad our Broadcast Assistant who borrowed the folder bike. Her normal journey home is mostly up hill and takes nearly an hour. On an electrically assisted bike it took roughly 20 minutes.

How does it compare in terms of weight and price with other similar bikes?

It's competitive, they cost €1100 and other foldaway electric bikes would cost in the same ball park - €1000 and weigh around the same as well - 18 to 23kg.

You can rent the bike for a week, as well, can't you?

Ken Bay will rent you an eclectic bike for €50 a week. The idea being that you use it on your specific route, see how it goes for you on the ups and downs of your way to work, or where-ever, and see how it works out. Then the €50 fee goes toward the overall price of the bike should you decide you want to buy it.

More details from Kenbay at www.electricbikes.ie