America Has An E-Bike Problem

America Has An E-Bike Problem That Can’t Be Solved With More E-Bikes 

The lack of appropriate infrastructure for electric mobility devices is making biking in cities worse.
by Aaron Gordon,September 2, 2022

https://www.vice.com/en/article/88q54x/america-has-an-e-bike-problem-that-cant-be-solved-with-more-e-bikes?utm_source=bikebits&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20221102_BikeBits

On Wednesday, The Atlantic published an article by Ian Bogost (a writer, game designer, and Director of Film and Media Studies at Washington University of St. Louis) about e-bikes. The gist of Bogost’s take is that he bought an e-bike, which is a bigger, heavier bicycle with a motor and battery, and feels weird about it. He says e-bikes have an “identity crisis” because they do not fit within any neatly defined buckets in American transportation and therefore don’t pass on any identity to their users.

The article was widely panned on Twitter, mostly by the usual pro-bike, pro-active streets, anti-car constituency. To be clear, I am a member of that constituency; I bike and walk and take public transportation everywhere (I do not tweet, though). However, I broadly agree with Bogost’s general point about e-bikes, but for entirely different reasons.

Carey's Newsletter

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission bill, BL2022-1449 was deferred until February 2023 after we had a discussion with Diana Alarcon, Director of NDOT. She believes that the Vision Zero task force, which has not yet been appointed, will fulfill the same purpose as a BPAC.

Councilman O’Connell the lead sponsor agreed to defer the bill after Ms. Alarcon promised to create a sub-committee to the VZ task force for biking and walking that would include members who are not on the task force.

I am skeptical (as you might guess) but we agreed to the proposal to give NDOT an opportunity to prove they’re serious.  The first marker is who they appoint to this Task Force. I know several particularly good people who have applied and should be appointed.

Until Pigs Fly

You'll Never Guess Who Bought an eBike

BCycle eBikes Removed from Parks

Walk Bike Nashville members are big fans of bike share and e-bikes (nearly 100 people told us about their love for e-bikes) and many rely on them to move through the city. Last week, the community was surprised to learn nine BCycle stations would be relocated at the request of Metro Parks, upsetting many users and drumming up questions about bike share access in Nashville. We want to know why Metro Parks has called for the removal of BCycles from our parks and greenways. 

https://www.walkbikenashville.org/why_bcycle_is_leaving_our_parks?locale=en

When to Change Battery

https://evelo.com/blogs/learn/how-do-i-know-it-s-time-to-change-my-ebike-s-battery

One of the most difficult aspects of making the transition to an electronic bike is the subject of battery-life. Many eBike owners wonder if their bike will experience a gradual decline in battery performance, or if the bike will just quit. 

There are telltale signs regarding the life left in the eBike battery, as well as ways to extend it!

How to Get the Most from an Ebike Battery

The biggest reason for premature battery failure is lack of use.

Periods of non-use that exceed 3 weeks can cause a battery to go into “hibernation”. To get out of battery hibernation you need to charge and then use the battery for a few cycles. During this time you’ll experience a lower range and a bit less power. The battery should return to full performance once you do this a few times.

If you look after it, you shouldn’t need to replace your battery for 4-6 years. Here is how to care for the e-bike battery to maximize its performance and reliability.

The ebike battery uses Lithium Ion chemistry in the form of 18650 cells which look like oversized AA batteries. (each cell is 18mm in diameter and 65mm long, hence the name.) Many of these cells are assembled into a battery to produce 36 or 48 volts and a specific capacity, depending on the bicycle it is made for. The overall shape and physical dimensions of the battery dictate how it is assembled and often also how much capacity it can hold.

https://evelo.com/blogs/learn/get-the-most-from-your-ebike-battery

The 8 Best Cheap Electric Bikes Under $1,800

Let’s face it: “Cheap” and “e-bike” aren't usually terms you hear in conjunction with one another. At least, on paper, attaching a motor to a bicycle seems like it'll cost an arm and a leg. But we've come a long way since the invention of the e-bike, and as their popularity has exploded, they've also become more accessible in price than ever. Believe it or not, you can now grab an electric bike at the same cost as a conventional one. Having access to a trusty e-bike means you can pedal—and sweat—less, conserving your energy as you ride. If you're looking for an e-bike to assist with your commute, or just something to casually ride on weekends, check out one of these Cheap Electric Bikes, Jul 23, 2022

https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/g40603419/best-cheap-electric-bikes-under-1800/

Best Temperatures for Electric Bike Battery

I have been asked about temperature for riding an ebike.  It is best to ask the experts. Also, I don't ride ANY bike when the temperature is over 100-deg F or below 35-deg F. According to the experts, I won't have any issues.

How Cold is Too Cold?

• Charging: Stay above 41°F (5°C) when charging, and definitely don’t charge below 32°F (0°C)
• Riding: Operate your bike above 14°F (-10°C) and if you are going to ride out in the cold, keep the battery inside before doing so
• Storage: Store your battery above 32°F (0°C), should never be stored below 14°F (–10°C)

How Hot is Too Hot?

• Charging: Stay below 113°F (45°C) when charging
• Riding: Operate your bike below battery temperatures of 140°F (60°C)
• Storage: Store your battery below 140°F (60°C)

H2O The Book - Plus eBikes

It took Aussie Bob two years to put together his last two-week bike excursion that he didn't get to do. He is now working on another for 2023. Keep watching.

However, in the meantime read his most recent trip on H2O the Book. https://bit.ly/H2OBook

Why Isn't This in My City?

How bike parking pods could make US cities better for cyclists

Cities won’t encourage more cycling if there’s nowhere to park your bike. This startup wants to change that.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/06/29/1054557/bike-parking-pods-cyclists/

Ross Sherman's eBike

TREK DUAL SPORT