Welcome to Electric-Bikes.com
Skeeter Betterbikes
Skeeter betterbikes (electrified recumbent bicycles) are an experimental system that uses off-the-shelf drive systems (Heinzmann and Currie) combined with special streamlining features. Pictured is the new Skeeter Model 20 which offers a no-pedaling speed of 20 mph for 20-30 miles. Other Skeeters offer speeds up to 30+ mph and distances exceeding 100 miles per day. This greatly increased range and speed (compared to conventional e-bikes) results from streamlining, more powerful motors and extra batteries. Reclined seating reduces wind drag, the major barrier to higher speeds and range. On a regular bike at 20 mph, about 80% of the effort to maintain speed is spent overcoming wind drag, i.e. pushing air out of the way. Click here to see a graph showing how much energy (watts) is needed to overcome wind resistance (major), rolling resistance (minor), and transmission losses (negligible) on a standard bike.
Skeeters offer 15-30 mph sit-back electric cruising that combines:
- the comfortable ergonomics of a car
- the cleanliness of a no-noise no-fumes electric vehicle
- the speed of a motorscooter
- the flexiblility, exercise, cost-savings and FUN of a bicycle on a downslope
- absolute immunity to traffic/parking congestion
- TEN TIMES the per-mile energy efficiency of most electric cars
- and a range of other features and capabilities unseen before today (including a daily distance capability of 100 to 200 miles).
Easy Racers manufactures the Skeeter frames. Their long wheel base (LWB) recumbents provide superior stability at higher speeds. Skeeter configuration depends on the customer's needs and pocketbook. Range, speed, and hill-climbing ability can all be varied to meet your needs. Every Skeeter has at least 40 pounds of battery.
All Skeeters include:
- comfortable recumbent riding
- motor, controller and transmission
- dual 36-volt 8ah batteries (20 lbs. each = 40 lbs. total)
- quick charging in less than 4 hours
- integrated controls and instrumentation
Skeeter Model 20
With two 36-volt batteries mounted under the seat, you've got enough "juice" for 20 miles of no-pedal cruising at 20 mph. The Heinzmann hub motor (750 watts continuous) affords remarkable acceleration and low-maintenance long-life operation. Extra batteries are optional, as are the front fairing and rear saddlebags (pictured at the top of this page on the blue Skeeter).
Performance Options
- each extra battery, up to five total, include an in-line fuse and adds 10 miles of no-pedaling range.
- extra charger, 100 watts, up to five total per Skeeter.
- dual motors for twice the hillclimbing power. [The single motor model can climb grades up to 10-12% at 7.5 mph; the dual-motor model can climb the same grade at 15 mph]
- each extra battery, up to five total, includes an in-line fuse and adds 10 miles of no-pedaling range. [The following table shows estimated range at a continuous 20 mph, nonstop on level ground.]
number of batteries no-pedaling range 5-mph pedaling effort 10-mph pedaling effort 15-mph pedaling effort 2 20 25 30 50 3 30 40 50 70 4 40 50 70 100 Comfort/Weather Options
- front and rear fenders plus chainguard.
- teardrop fairing (clear or smoked).
- large fairing with trim (clear or smoked). (as pictured at top)
- blue body stocking (use with large fairing). (as pictured at top)
- Lycra facemask.
- [Editor's Note: A fairing, if left on a bike being transported on a car rack, can get ripped off by freeway wind speeds.]
Cargo Options
- standard cargo package (dual panniers and rear bag).
- single pannier.
- rear bag.
- handlebar/seatback bag.
Integrated controls and instrumentation include key, headlight, taillight, brake-activated stoplight, variable-speed thumb-throttle, battery power indicator (full/half/empty), speedometer, cruise control, thermal overload protection, and automatic power scale-back to prevent battery damage*. The bike-mounted charger charges the dual batteries in about four hours; each additional battery increases charging time by one hour. For two-hour charging, purchase the dual-charger option.
* The controller's automatic scale-back feature activates after a certain period of hard use. Ultimately, the juice to the motor will be cut off completely. To reset the controller, simply power off and then on again.
The seat slides forward and back to fit your legs. Both the backrest and handlebar tilt forward and back for a comfortable fit. Batteries are contained within a protective shell. The Skeeter uses a Heinzmann motor to go and direct-pull V-brakes to stop.
Sorry. Skeeters are currently unavailable for purchase.
Legal Status
In California, motorized bicycles capable of exceeding 20 mph are classed as "mopeds". Although to our knowledge no one has been ticketed, the law says you need a "moped" license plate. It's simple:
- Make up a VIN number (e.g. use the serial number stamped on the frame), and a motor number (oftentimes a small metal plates or stamp on motor).
- Answer the questions on the form from the DMV and mail it in with $6. It never has to be renewed (it is not an annual registration).
For those who build their own fast betterbikes, ensure that the tail/stop light, head light and horn is there if it is a bicycle. If you built it yourself, give yourself a company name, otherwise they will kick it back to you.
Legally, you can't ride on any off-street bike paths or mountain bike trails unless motor vehicles are also allowed. In reality, if you mind your manners, no one will stop you because a Skeeter looks like a bicycle. You can ride in the striped bike lanes that are adjacent to the roadway. You don't need insurance or turn signals, but you are supposed to wear a helmet approved for motorcycles. If you are wearing a bicycle helmet, cops are unlikely to stop you because it looks like a bicycle. You also need to get your M2 (moped) or MI (motorcycle) rating on your California drivers license in case you are ever pulled over.
Subj: Re: [power-assist] California Law
Date: 4/2/01 8:42:40 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: fwcolver@pacbell.net (Frank Colver)
Reply-to: power-assist@yahoogroups.com
To: power-assist@yahoogroups.comCorrect, in California all motorized bicycles need a "moped" license plate. It is simple: make up a VIN number, and a motor number (attach on small metal plates or stamp in the frame and motor), answer the questions on the form from the DMV and mail it in with $6. It never has to be renewed (it is not an annual registration). I have done this three times now - once with a trike and twice with my recumbent "Desert Bikes" (two wheels). These were all ICE powered so I had to have the pedals which I would have anyway. I made sure that I had the Tail/Stop light, head light, horn, and all of the rest is there if it is a bicycle. If you built it yourself, give yourself a company name, otherwise they will kick it back to you. I tried to explain that mine were homebuilt and they just wanted to know what company manufactured it so I became Colver Engineering. After I learned the game, my later applications have just "sailed through" and the plate arrives about three weeks later.
You can't ride on any off-street bike paths or mountain bike trails unless motor vehicles are also allowed. You can ride in the striped bike lanes that are adjacent to the roadway. I have talked with people who have been ticketed for riding electric bikes on the beach bike path. You don't need insurance or turn signals but you are supposed to wear a helmet approved for motorcycles. My thinking on this is; if you are wearing a bicycle helmet a cop is probably not going to stop you because it looks like a bicycle.
It is a good feeling to know that I'm not going to be pulled over for being unlicensed. Oh, and you need to get your M2 (moped) or MI (motorcycle) rating on your California drivers license in case you are ever pulled over. I let that go for several years but then I started riding motorcycles (antiques) so I got my M1 rating. Happy motoring----Frank Colver
----- Original Message -----
From: Sell, Ken
To: power-assist@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2001 4:50 PM
Subject: [power-assist] California Law
Hi,
I took a look at the following web site: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=5133416080+7+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve and found the following:
406. (a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor which produces less than 2 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.
(b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets all of the following requirements: (1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.
(2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on ground level.
(3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than 20 miles per hour.It seems that this would make my Currie Pro Drive a "moped", and I need things like a license plate, correct? ...Ken
Further Notes and Suggestions
For all you winter riders, check this out:
Subj: [power-assist] Snow and ice
Date: 12/4/01 7:42:24 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: rossjudy@mars.ark.com (Ross or Judy)I have been scooting around on icy and snowy roads. Power assisted recumbents are a blast on snow and ice. Unlike a conventional bike, recumbent saddles are low so that feet can be on the ground while sitting in a relaxed position. And unlike a non-power assited bike, both feet can stay on the ground while the motor or engine does all the work ! Happy sliding to all you northerners.
One way to communicate the distance/speed trade-off is thinking in "units", where a "unit" can propel a bicycle 10 miles at 10 mph. I asked:
If I could do the following with the 60 "units", I'd say it's useful (very useful): 60 units = 10 miles @ 60mph = 20 miles @ 30mph = 30 miles @ 20mph = 60 miles @ 10mph
Response: Yes, my current setup will do 22 miles @ 30 mph, or 30 miles @ 20 mph. Sorry, it won't do 60 mph yet :-).
