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lundi 9 mars 2015

Info Post
By Leslie Ball


The number of good-weather bicycle riders in most urban centers has dramatically increased. While not ideal for everyone, riding is a reasonable alternative to needless consumption of fossil fuels, especially when making short jaunts around town. The health benefits are unbeatable, but challenging terrain leads many to turn to models with extra power supplied by a 36V electric bicycle lithium battery.

Electric bicycles are not a cutting-edge concept. Design patents were issued prior to the twentieth century, but popularity waned along with electric cars after the introduction of personal transportation powered by oil. The undeniable reality of a changing environment has renewed that interest, and generated a new enthusiasm for developing power sources that are light, efficient, and do not burn gasoline.

These vehicles are different from the bikes that dominate many childhood memories. While they resemble standard two-wheelers, most are considerably heavier. The extra weight includes a battery that is by far the costliest component, exceeding the value of the frame and motor combined, and relying on technology that has not yet been perfected. Cost per mile after purchase is extremely low, but getting started can be a comparatively expensive undertaking. .

Models from a few years ago often featured heavy lead-acid batteries, which add weight and can make riding cumbersome. Lighter power packs similar to those that run smartphones and laptops make more sense, and provide longer and stronger charges. A lithium battery can last up to 40 miles before recharging, and can achieve 20 miles per hour.

Whether an electrically powered bicycle is factory-ready, or the goal is to convert an older model to electricity, choosing the right lithium battery can be a challenge. There have been highly publicized reports of fires, and shipping regulations have become far more stringent. They are considered generally safe for use as a bicycle power source, and for most people the primary concerns are power and longevity.

Not all lithium power packs are the same. Prospective buyers should understand the role amperage plays, and why it is important to avoid unlabeled generic products that save money but are less reliable. Currently, China is the center of production, and the latest offerings can usually be recharged up to one thousand times, and have varying ranges based on amp hours and voltage.

Although biking is seen as an inherently green type of transportation, some types of batteries include heavy metals that require specific types of disposal or recycling. Lithium packs skirt that problem, but any type of recharging requires a power source, and in many cases that generation comes from fossil fuels. If it wind or solar energy powers the charge, overall efficiency exceeds that of a human-powered model.

Like many technologies undergoing development, not everyone can be an early adopter. Those who do support this alternative transport are paving the way for future riders, and are making a dent in the air pollution produced by cars. The initial investment can be considerable, but makes good sense in urban areas where standard bicycling is already encouraged by adding bike lanes and dedicated pathways.




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