Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society provides grassroots leadership and an inclusive process, with a voice for all community members, to ensure that our community grows and develops in a way that incorporates an environmental ethic, offers a range of housing and transportation choices, encourages a vibrant and cultural life and supports sustainable, meaningful employment and business opportunities.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Shameless Unpaid Advertising for Electric Bikes

by Jenny Humphrey

my speedy 705 Wisper

If  you are finding riding a bike, is just too difficult in our town of hills, are not the spandex type and you are looking for a new toy to give you a real sense of child excitement and power, may I suggest you try an electric bike.  Many were turned off by less than perfect models that came out a few years ago but the ones available today can go up to 100k without needing a charge.  They are comfortable, provide the option of power assist only when necessary thus giving a person only as much workout as they want and need and they provide a great means of environmentally friendly transportation.  

I LOVE my bike, a Wisper, which I bought nearly three years ago.  Getting a seat that was comfortable for an aging Granny was a challenge but I eventually settled on a ‘Spiderflex,’ which I find just perfect, even though it looks very different - without a ‘nose.’

funny looking Spiderflex seat


I recently met a friend who had just purchased a pink Pedego electric bike and she is equally in love with her bike.

Russ Peebles at FunHogz is selling both these makes of electric bike and is very willing to let interested clients try one out.  Gerrick Sports sells Bionix who also make motors that can be attached to an existing bike.  Electric bikes have come a long way, are exceedingly popular in Europe and are catching on here.  

Russ with a man size Pedego

Go to http://www.voltagebikes.ca/ in Nelson to check out both Wisper and Pedego Bikes and videos of these amazing bikes in action.

SO FUN!

2 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great way to get around for those who need the extra power boost. I'm interested to know whether the added weight of the batteries makes pedal power difficult?

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  2. The bike is heavy, partly due to the battery but actual pedalling is no more difficult and when it is - going uphill or when tired that's what the battery is for!

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