I live in the USA and if I want to get rid of my car I would need to be able to cover 70 miles round trip with moderate exercise in a reasonable amount of time. I think if I could cruise at 35MPH (56 KMH) that would be enough to make the switch.
It may be stupid, but I’d like to try to avoid an electric motorcycle - those need insurance, registration fees, real parking spaces, and a special license. Also, I enjoy getting some activity while riding. FWIW I’m not worried about legality, but I do plan to stay off bike paths/sidewalks to avoid endangering pedestrians and other cyclists.
My idea so far is to start with a gravel bike frame for aerodynamics, efficiency, and sturdiness in case of a pothole or rogue curb. From there I’m thinking about a 1500w hub motor, dual batteries, higher gears, bigger brakes, and permanent lights for visibility. Also a good helmet of course, crashing at that speed can be pretty bad.
Has anyone done something like this and had it go well/poorly? Anything I’m clearly missing in my plan? Also feel free to tell me if I’m an idiot, but I already know that bit.
i have an ariel rider kepler, it seems like it checks your boxes with the speed and power requirements, and it does have amazing range but i’m not sure how the range would hold up if you’re constantly keeping the motor at 100% going super fast all the time. if you could manage to charge it when you get your destination, it might be good for 35 miles. or you could add another battery, i think ive seen youtube videos with the kepler getting a battery mod.
Ariel riders look pretty great! How is it to pedal? Geometry wise it looks like it would be hard to get much power out of pedaling it. I would seriously think about buying a used rider to steal the drive train out of though, seems like they have a nice powerful platform and lots of customization options on the aftermarket.
it is pretty difficult to pedal on its own, the kepler is a 70lb bike with its battery. but i can still feel my legs doing work when i set the assist low and i can get it going on flat ground when i turn off the motor.