We sell and service Human Power Augmented a.k.a. Electric bikes and ride them enthusiastically ourselves. See also our folding bikes at Folding Bikes West.
We invite you to visit our store, phone or email us. We are one of the last Internet shopping cart-free sanctuaries.
Electric Bikes Northwest
4810 17th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107 - Map
ph: 206/547-4621
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Summer Hours:
Monday thru Friday: 11–6
Saturday: 11–4
A: They can. Such a feature would be incorporated if manufacturers could be assured that electric bike riders in fact prefer to exert far more (rather than less) effort than when pedalling a regular bicycle. If you do not believe us the worldwide scientific community shall be holding its collective breath while you refute the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
A: Regenerative braking (i.e. making the motor work as a generator while slowing the bike downhill) is another matter but while elegant in concept, after adding cost and complexity, the added range typically amounts to less than 10%.
A: Is it? Is adding 1-3 miles to a bike that may already be capable of 15-30 miles significant?
Also an electric bike consumes only the average power equivalent of an incandescent light bulb in your living room and may thus cost a penny or two to charge. Is the fractional saving of a penny significant?
For regeneration to work—even at the modest return described above—the bike needs to be slowed down dramatically. How many of us cyclists, for whom that particular sensation of ease and light rolling is a crucial part of the cycling experience, shall be happy having the regen system in fact brake the bike each time we let up pedaling? And instead of coasting down our usual hills at a fair clip we shall find ourselves significantly held back?
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