Electric Bicycles: A Guide to Design and Use / Edition 1

For much of the world, bicycles are a transportation mainstay. Electric bicycles—powered by a rechargeable battery pack—are proven to deliver the highest possible energy efficiency, even compared to pedal bikes. A transportation alternative to fossil fuels, electric bicycles are fast catching on, in part because they don't require factory assembly. End-users can easily construct them with available components. The text reveals important techniques, data, and examples that allow readers to judge various propulsion setups—used in both home- and factory-made bikes—and estimate speed and travel distance for each. Numerous charts clearly present the costs, benefits, and trade-offs between both commercial and user-converted models. A comprehensive resource for harnessing innovation, is the definitive practical guide to taking full advantage of this exciting alternative energy technology.