Click to see instructions for installing an Electro
Portal E-4 kit on an EZ-1 or EZ-3.
The two-wheeled EZ-1
is the most popular recumbent on the market, largely due to its
excellent reputation and low price. The three-wheeled EZ-3
provides the same great features with a stable, no-balancing-required configuration.
EZ-Series recumbents are a
pleasure. You sit slightly reclined; back fully-supported, arms
relaxed, neck straight; in a normal sitting position. Compare this
with the contorted riding position on a traditional bike. No more
stiff neck, aching back, numb hands or crotch. No straining either. A
combination of lower mountain bike gears with higher road bike ranges
ensures the correct gear ratio for any terrain.
Exotic looks, easy to maintain
eye-catching styling gets you noticed. Standard bicycle components
insure spares and repairs will be available at any bike shop
worldwide. Panniers, racks, packs and most accessories work fine on
these bikes. Car topping, trunk, or bumper rack transport work fine
on most models. The original owner enjoys a limited lifetime warranty
on steel frames and 3 years on aluminum frames. Limited warranty on
fork, seat and other components. With a moderate weight of 39
lbs. and an overall length of 73" (only 6" longer than
upright bikes), it stores and transports like a bike. Find
detailed specifications at:
http://www.sunbicycles.com/03/html_04/recumbents/ez1_sx.html
Editor's Note: At top speed, the steering on the EZ-3 is a bit twitchy;
slow down if you feel unsafe.
The weather-proof permanent
magnet, brushless motor with internal controller provides 500 watts
sustained (700 watts peak) power. Torque rating is 20Kg-cm
sustained with maximum torque of 42 Kg-cm. Combined with the
maintenance-free, sealed planetary gear module, the E-4 is one of the
quietest, strongest power assist systems available.
Other Features:
Electro Cycle E-4 - $650 (includes a motor mount bracket, battery pack, charger, throttle and wiring)
Sun/Easy Racers EZ-1 SX Recumbent (red or blue) - $750
Sun/Easy Racers EZ-3 trike (red or blue) - $900
Sun/Easy Racers EZ-1 AX (better quality thru-out, silver) - $925
Fenders for EZ-1 - $30; fenders for EZ-3 - $40
Rear Rack for EZ-1 - $30 (standard racks don't fit EZ series)
Underseat Pannier Rack for EZ-1 - $30
Basket for EZ-1 or EZ-3 (fits rear of seatback) - $30
Battery deck for EZ-3 (fits over rear axle) - $60
[Click here for photos.]
[Click on photos for enlarged view or click here for in-use photos.]
Available from:
-
ElectroPortal,
236 W. Portal Ave. # 510, San Francisco, CA 94127, sales@electroportal.com,
415-672-2645, Fax: 415-564-6378,
www.electroportal.com
- Brian Howell sells and markets BetterBikes
from his location in Belmont, CA. For a demonstration
appointment and test ride, contact him at 650-222-0378
or brian.howell@comcast.net
- Electro
Ride Bikes and Scooters, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913, 408-262-8975
(call for demo appointment)
The EZ-1 and EZ-3
can only be shipped to bicycle dealers, not the final customer.
Contact your local bike shop to order the bike, and arrange to have
them install the Electro Cycle E-4 kit when they assemble the
bike/trike. Unless you are an experienced bicycle mechanic, we
recommend that your local bike shop assemble and tune your bike
(approximate cost $100). Whoever installs the E-4 kit on a new
or existing EZ-1 or EZ-3 will find these Web pages helpful:
Click here for ideas on customizing your betterbike.
Click to see how to install an Electro Portal E-4 kit on an EZ-1 or EZ-3.
Although at first
glance the EZ-1 and EZ-3 appear much longer than a standard upright
bicycle, they are only about 6" longer, allowing them to fit
almost anywhere a standard bike fits.
The Electro Cycle E-4 kit comes with a 1.5A 24-volt chager with industry-standard XLR connector.
Also included are motor cut-off brakes which, when squeezed, immediately shut off the motor.
Although these are required in some jurisdictions and desired for individuals who might not
release the throttle in a panic stop, many users elect not to use them. The stock brakes that
come with the EZ-1 and EZ-3 work easier with the E-4 throttle. If the cut-off brakes are used,
you may want to extend the stock handlebar on the right side using a pair of short aluminum
tubes - one 2.5" long that's the same diameter as the handlebar and a 5" piece to fit inside
the handlebar and the short extension. With installation of the motor assembly, the EZ-1/EZ-3
idler wheel (left photo, upper right corner) is no longer needed.
The battery pack
can be placed in a rear basket, mounted on a rear rack, or tied on
with bungee cords as shown here. The 37" rubber bungee
cord hooks to the seat support (as shown by the arrow) and supports
most of the battery weight. The rest is supported by the Velcro
straps that are part of the battery pack. Instead of using a
19" bungee as shown here, a Velcro strap from the hardware store
might work better. (Editor's note: if you
plan to use a rear rack, be sure to get the one specfically designed
for the EZ-1 or EZ-3 which are different from standard bike racks.)
These photos show
the stock brake levers on the EZ-3. The left brake lever
includes a button that locks the brake - a handy feature that keeps
the bike from rolling away when it's parked. The right photo
shows the E-4's variable-speed thumb throttle with on/off switch and
battery level indicator. To allow space for the throttle, cut
an inch off the handlebar grip.
With the E-4's
unique mid-drive motor assist, all 21 gears are available (with no
drag) when the rider wants to pedal without the motor assist.
The left photo above shows the chains on the smallest cog and chain
ring; the right photo shows the chains on the largest cog and chain
ring. The double sprocket on the motor shaft includes the
necessary free-wheel mechanism to allow motor-only drive, pedal-only
drive and combined drive.
Click
here for ideas on customizing your betterbike.
About Us || Contact
Us
