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Information
Curiosity exercises the mind. eZee exercises the body!
Electric bicycles? What are they and how do they work?
An electric bicycle is a bicycle with has a battery that supplies an electric motor that is situated usually in the front wheel. The electric motor is activated, either through a throttle, or by an automated controller and software. EPAC or Electric Powered Assist Cycles are electric bicycles where in order for the electric motor to be activated, pedaling is necessary. This happens with the help of a torque or motion sensor. TBC or Throttle Based Cycles are electric bicycles where the electric motor is activated through a throttle without the need of pedaling. eZee manufactures both types of electric bicycles, in accordance to European legislation EPAC is considered a bicycle, while TBC is considered a motorbike.
Can I make my own bicycle electric?
Of course you can. You can buy eZee’s conversion kit which includes the battery, the electric motor in the front wheel and all necessary controls, just retrofit it on any conventional bicycle.
Can I drive my eZee without the Power Assistance ?
Of course you can! eZee manufactures a wide range of electric bicycles for all uses and needs. All eZee models can be used as a simple bicycle without facing any problem or difficulties. Some of the heavier models will need a little more effort than a conventional bicycle.
How powerful is my eZee ?
A rider of an average weight (80kg) needs about 180 Watt to cycle on a flat road at 24 km/h, with no hard work. Going uphill requires double or triple that power, while the speed is reduced significantly. Therefore, a motor between 180 and 250 Watt is more than ample, since to this you add the Watts that you produce by pedalling. All eZee’s EPAC models have a 250 Watt electric motor, which is the maximum allowable limit, in order to be considered legally as a simple bicycle. A good electric bicycle is not only based on the strength of its electric motor, but also on the harmonious cooperation between the electric motor and the controller. The acceleration, the torque, the maximum productivity and the assistance system are the factors that affect the performance and the proper operation of an electric bicycle.
Can my eZee ... pull me uphill?
For most people, hills are the main reason for buying an electric bicycle, and eZee never disappoints them! All eZee bicycles are incredibly capable of climbing hills and in fact flatten all inclinations with exception to extreme gradients. If you're worried that you will need to get off the bicycle in order to push it, forget it. The assistance that an eZee provides makes the climb much easier than a conventional bicycle with 21 speeds. By pedalling at the same time, you can deal with inclinations of about 14%, achieving a good (for a bicycle) speed and of course your goal: to climb the hill effortlessly! The reason for achieving such gradients is the combination of incredible motor performance and gear systems in conjunction with the lightweight aluminium frames and the latest technology batteries. It is whilst going uphill that the motor is pushed to its limits, and that is when you can see the true quality, reliability and performance of an eZee.
What types of batteries are available and which is their life duration?
Electric bicycles used various types of rechargeable batteries, like Lead Acid (SLA), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Ion (Li Ion), and Lithium Polymer (Li Polymer). The SLA is heavier and has a shorter life, but is outdated. The NiMH is lighter and with better life duration.
eZee bicycles use the latest technology batteries , Li Polymer 37V 10Ah and 14Ah, which are the lightest of the market (only 3.1 kg – 10Ah) and have the greatest efficiency and durability of all types of batteries stated above. This of course makes them more expensive. eZee guarantees that for a year the battery performance will not fall below 70% of its original capacity. It is very important to follow a few rules in order to prolong your batteries life and performance:
• Always remove the key when the bicycle is not in use.
• Avoid the complete draining of the battery.
• Do not leave the battery uncharged for long periods.
How far my eZee will go with full battery?
This depends on many factors, such as the weight of the rider, whether he/she pedals, the gradient of the route that he/she is following, how much wind and how cold it is at that time, and of course the condition of the bicycle. On flat ground a rider with medium weight has autonomy of up to 60km with an EPAC bicycle. With a TBC model the same rider can cover 30 to 40 km, with little or no pedalling. The autonomy of the 60 km has been calculated industrially, on a fully charged new battery. In practice and under real conditions, an eZee EPAC with a latest generation Li-Ion Polymer battery can easily reach 40 km.
What does an eZee “consume”?
Almost nothing! Electric bicycles are the most efficient means of transport. With 1kWatt you can cover of about 100 kilometres - that translates to about 0,50 € to 0,75 €. Even the food that you would need to eat in order to have the energy to travel the same distance with a normal bicycle would cost more.
How fast can my eZee go?
All eZee models have a speed limiter at 25km/hour in accordance with EU law. You can travel at a speed of 25km/hour with a little pedalling on flat roads and keep the same speed on gradients of up to 5% by changing gears and pedalling a little more intensely. On inclinations of 10-14% (always pedalling), your speed will drop to 12-15km/hour. Do not forget that electric bicycles are bicycles and even though they leave you with a wonderful sensation they are not designed for those who are looking for speed. They are made to increase human power, not to replace it. eZeebikes are for those who want to go to work without consuming, worrying and sweating, for those who want ... a pedal-aid for hills, for those who want to exercise almost with no effort and stress.
How do I charge my eZee and how long does it take?
The same way you charge a cell phone! The polymer lithium batteries (Li-Ion Polymer) used by eZee models can be charged at any time, regardless of the state of the battery, and for as much time as you have available. All eZee models batteries are detachable so you can charge them at home, at the office, or any other place you find convenient. For a full charge from empty it takes about five hours. Nevertheless, in order to achieve maximum life duration, please avoid the complete drainage of the battery and do not leave it uncharged for long periods of time. The LED display indicates the status of the battery with three LEDs (green-orange-red). When the orange LED is displayed you have used about 35% of your battery and when the red LED is displayed 70%.
What is the warranty on my eZee?
The bike is guaranteed for 2 years, this comprises of the frame, fork, and all mechanical and electrical parts, except normal wear and tear items. The battery
has a 1 year guarantee to retain 70% from its original rated capacity. The electric bicycle parts are designed to require virtually no maintenance. The components of the bicycles are of high quality, branded and can be easily found in the market. In other words, if there is something wrong with your eZee it can be repaired in any local bike shop.
Do I need a license in order to drive an eZee?
No! Take your eZee, wear a helmet and ... go! Electric bicycles fall into the same legal status* as normal bicycles, as long as they are assisted (EPAC), with an electric motor of maximum 250Watts and maximum speed of up to 25 km/h.
* It concerns Directive 2002/24/EC of the EU, which came into effect on May 9, 2003 by all Member States and replaced the Directive 91/61/EEC.
Is there a minimum age limit for riding an eZee?
No, but if you are under 16 years, it is better to ride a regular bicycle! |
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