From: "Stu Olson" <n7qjp@earthlink.net>
To: <bikecurrent@cycling.org>
Subject: ebike summary
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 1999 07:39:18 -0700
Message-ID: <000a01be8104$6ac68540$773f1d26@stu>

I guess this is the place to post a quick note about the EV Global's
"ebike", Lee Iacocca's latest company.

A friend of mine picked one up a week or two ago and I stopped by his
business establishment to check it out.  I was quite taken with it, given
the fact that it is a battery powered/assisted mountain bike (motor is in
the rear hub).  I don't think I would be riding it in places I've taken my
traditional mountain bike, but I don't think that was the primary focus of
the bike.

Anyway, I wanted to comment on the electric aspects of the bike:

1.  The taillight is BRIGHT.  It is a 5x10 matrix of LEDs, and they seem to
crank out a fair bit of light.  If you get behind it, say 25 feet or so, and
have someone apply the brakes, it is REALLY bright, to the point of being
too bright (if that is possible).  It is DOT approved.

2.  I didn't pay much attention to the headlight (also DOT approved), on
account of it was mid-day in Phoenix and we were not having any problem
getting our regular dose of sunlight.  If it is anything like the taillight,
I'm sure there won't be a problem seeing anything.

3.  The batter pack accounts for a significant portion of the bike's weight.
(maybe half or better?)  I was expecting super-duper battery
technology.....but no, it was sealed lead acid.  The 4.5 hour smart charger
is contained in the removable battery pack.  To recharge, you attach the
110V power cord (the same type that plugs into the back of your PC) to the
receptacle on the pack and plug it into the nearest wall socket.  Since the
battery is easily removable (takes about 5 seconds), you can take the
battery pack to the nearest AC outlet without having to worry about driving
the bike through your office or into the garage.

4.  It has an on-board controller, which handles the basic motor control and
the DC switching.  It takes inputs from a variety of switches;  cruise
control, motor assist, thumb throttle (I would rather have a twist grip
type), keyed ignition switch, etc.

5.  The best part of it was the audible feedback it uses (a series of short
and long beeps) when certain functions or events occur. such as installing
the battery pack, turning on the ignition key, etc.  Someone on the
development team was obviously a HAM radio operator.  All of the feedback
signals are sounded out in Morse Code (CW).  When you install the battery
pack, it sounds out "OK".  When you turn on the ignition key, you get a "GO"
sent to you.  The book makes no mention of the fact that the feedback is
Morse Code.  Glad to see one of the engineers had a sense of humor!

The bike weighs in at about 65 lbs.  Given it's weight, it handled quite
well (well, it did nice in the parking lot where I checked it out).  It had
front shocks and seat-post suspension.  The V-brakes did a good job of
stopping you, no problem in that category.

I guess that is about it for now.

You can see all of the "official" details at:

	http://www.evgm.com/


73......Stu

Stu Olson  N7QJP
Phoenix, AZ  DM33vm
N7QJP@earthlink.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~n7qjp
http://www.qsl.net/n7qjp/
Developer of VKE Digital Voice Keyer