What is the most reliable, cost effective, electric bike on the market today?

Question

I really like the Schwinn electric bikes (Continental etc), but I was wondering if someone knew of a cheaper alternative. I don't think I want the SLA battery packs. I would like a smaller and lighter alternative and have a decent range (20 miles or more). I would even consider doing a bike conversion if I could have newer lighter equipment

Answer 1

Try just a regular bike.  Electric bikes are harder to transport, maintain, and still cost money to operate.  If you get into shape they aren't much faster than a regular bicycle.

Answer 2

If you're looking for a cheaper electric bike, you're probably going to have to go with an SLA battery.  Not too long ago I bought an E-Zip Mountain Traliz electric bike, which goes up to 18 mph and realistically 13 miles per charge for just $350.  

Currie Technologies makes the E-Zip and iZip lines of electric bikes.  The E-Zip are the cheapest you can find, and iZip are a bit higher quality and a bit pricier.  Check them out here:

http://www.currietech.com/html/schwinnCa...

Answer 3

Have you seen the izip bikes?    http://www.izipusa.com  

Ed Begley, Jr has one.  There are a lot of different styles to choose from.  I like the ones that have the motor and batteries hidden in the frame, so they look more like a regular bicycle.  I enjoy regular bikes, but I think I could ride longer distances or have higher average speeds if I had a little help on the hills.  On the other hand, I don't want to have to pedal 30 miles home on a bike that weighs 80lbs and has dead batteries.  I wish they made a bike that weighed less and/or could recharge itself when the motor is not in use, such as descending a hill.

Answer 4

Probably a Vespa.