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Updated Pricing and Focus
6/28/2009 8:34:33 PM
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| Those that check this site periodically will note that prices and product offerings are adjusted on a regular basis. This is done in order to always offer the best value for your dollars. Like most things, as the EBike technology and market evolve, so does pricing and products. Going forward, I will continue to support requests for help with finding a complete, ready to go, electric bike for those that request it; however, my primary focus has become the installation of electric bike kits on existing bikes. The reason for this is that I have found in all cases that a much more powerful and durable kit can be installed on what is usually a higher quality bicycle for significantly less than a ready made electric bike. As a matter of fact, if you can find one, the cost to purchase a ready to go 36 or 48 volt lithium battery, 500 watt electric bicycle will be more than a couple thousand dollars. With a kit, however, this can be done for less than one-thousand dollars on a nice bike of your choosing. The time has definitely come to Go Car Lite! |
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Price and Quality Matter
6/20/2009 11:39:18 PM
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| Prices will continuously fluctuate (normally downward) as the E-Bike market continues to expand. At GoCarLite I am always looking for opportunities to lower prices and increase quality. For the Electric Bike Kits, I use a combination of two suppliers that I researched extensively. Between the two I can offer any combination of kit from 350 to 500 watts, and 36 volts to 48 volts, that you desire for the best possible price. I do this by keeping overhead low and staying primarily within the western region of the US. Both suppliers are on the East coast, so I do not compete with them, I supplement them. My advertised prices are the lowest for the type and quality of kits offered, but please, call me to discuss your specific needs as we may be able to determine an even better price solution for you! |
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Has the EBike's Future Arrived?
6/16/2009 11:19:52 AM
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| The Electric Bike has had some starts and stops; this Article gives some examples of this. The bottom line is that sales of electric bikes are growing exponentially around the world, and that it is really gaining ground here in the US. Big Box stores are beginning to offer them and longstanding bicycle companies like Schwinn have rolled out electric bicycle lines. Most garages have at least one bicycle in them and most of those bicycles will accommodate an E-Bike Kit. For us Baby Boomers it is a great time to pull out that old bike that we never ride, put a kit on it to make the hills and overall ride much more enjoyable, and realize the ultimate benefits this technology will provide. Once you try it, you will realize how easy it will be to save yourself thousands of dollars per year while saving the environment and your health! |
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Electric Bike Kit Price Variables
6/9/2009 2:57:25 PM
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| In looking around one will see a wide range of prices for electric bike kits spanning anywhere from a few hundred to near one thousand dollars. While the wattage of the motor, quality of the kit, kit amenities, and local technical support available all play a role, the most significant cost difference is due to the type of battery. A sealed lead acid type battery will save hundreds of dollars during the initial purchase, but leave the buyer needing new ones in less than a fifth the time of a Lithium (LifePO4) battery. So the heavy SLA batteries will need to be replaced many times when compared to the LifePO4's. In addition, the Lithium batteries are going to take you 50% plus further (often much further) on a single charge vs. the SLA's. All of this said, however, the sealed lead acid battery is a viable place to start if one is not sure about the technology and wants to start off investing a minimal amount of dollars. In the long run it will cost more and make for a heavier bike that goes a shorter distance per charge, but it is a place to start. One final thought on batteries: it stands to reason that the higher the voltage and amp hour rating the more power and distance one will get. So what is optimum? Depends on the rider, but in most cases 24 volts will leave you wanting, 36 volts with at least a 9 AH rating and at least a good 350 watt motor will provide the torque, speed, and distance to satisfy most riders; while 48 volts will be fun and fast...possibly a little too fast if it propels a 170 lb. rider faster than 20 mph on flat ground with just the motor (without pedaling). See Federal Electric Bike Law. |
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Best Buy Offering E-Bikes; Look before Buying
6/5/2009 10:22:33 PM
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| Best Buy is beginning to offer Curry Electric Bicycles. This should say a lot about how quickly this technology will move into the main stream and I am glad they are promoting them. However, it is important to look closely at what is being purchased. Most notably the battery, the critical component of an electric bike, is marginal at best for the bikes they are offering. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) technology does not provide the long lasting durability and power of a more modern lithium iron phosphate battery (LifePO4). Combine the SLA battery with just a 24 volt output and this will leave the buyer wondering if that is all there is! They do offer a 24 volt lithium battery in a much more expensive bike ($1899). This is much better than the SLA technology, but again, the 24 volt output will just leave one wanting. Make sure to test drive and price a 36 volt LifePO4 battery, 500 watt motor, electric bicycle/kit before jumping in...you will be glad you did! |
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Promoting an Automobile Lite Lifestyle with an Electric Bike Kit