We sell and service Human Power Augmented a.k.a. Electric bikes and ride them enthusiastically ourselves. See also our folding bikes at Folding Bikes West.
We invite you to visit our store, phone or email us. We are one of the last Internet shopping cart-free sanctuaries.
Electric Bikes Northwest
4810 17th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107 - Map
ph: 206/547-4621
Email form
Summer Hours:
Monday thru Friday: 11–6
Saturday: 11–4
In bike stores the routine perhaps similar to kicking tires of cars in show rooms appears to be that of lifting bikes.
Air in car tires is of course important. Whether the very lowest weight of an electric bike is paramount depends.
Weight is of course a factor in the handling and feel of an electric bicycle. Perhaps it can be categorically stated that one that weighs say 70 lb feels more like riding a 'moped' than a 'bicycle'. We have ridden many more 'clunky' electric bike brands than 'flimsy' ones. (And and a few which have felt clunky and flimsy at the same time).
Thus it is above all the design of the bike and integration of quality components that matter, including how the weight is distributed and how conducive the bike is to pedaling in both power on and off modes.
The full size electric bikes which we currently sell weigh from 45 lb plus a 5 lb quick release battery. Could en electric bike be built lighter? Sure, but not with the same level of integration, durability and riding experience—and prices would have to be a good deal higher. Small wheeled electric folding bikes weigh from 39 lb plus a 3 lb quick release battery.
If such a bike were to weigh a few pounds more (or less) the performance shall not be significantly affected as the electric motor is up to several times stronger than the typical rider.
But is not weight a factor if it comes to lifting the bike? Here we have all the faith that the caliber of customers that usually grace our store shall not need for us to pontificate on that the lower the weight the easier the bike is to lift.
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