Aug 16 2012

Hebb eBikes Are Top Performers

Hebb Electric Bikes

electric bicycle by Hebb

Hebb eBike step-through

If you haven’t heard of Hebb eBikes yet, you’re about to become acquainted with one of the top electric bicycles on the market. Bill Hebb first discovered electric bikes on his business trips to China. So he decided to build and market an ebike of his own. It is obvious from the quality of Hebb bikes that Bill takes great pride in the bicycles he produces and sells.

Hebb Electric Cycle Models

Hebb electric bikes are built, from the ground up, to be an electric vehicle. Every part on the Hebb cycles is of the highest quality from the wheels right up to the handlebars. The battery and motor on the Hebb eBike are also top notch. Hebb currently produces two models of electric bikes. One of them is a diamond frame ebike and the other is a step-through ebike. If that means nothing to you, think of the old (and definitely inaccurate) classifications of boys bike and girls bike. A step-through bike used to be referred to as a “girls’ bike.” As I’m sure many of you have realized, that old system of classifying bikes made absolutely no sense considering some of the anatomical differences between the genders. The old classifications were probably devised due to old-fashioned dress codes of females wearing dresses. Since very few people wear dresses when riding bikes these days, those old customs are now rendered obsolete. Having said that, I highly recommend the step-through bike for either gender. It makes getting on and off the bicycle much easier.

author riding a Hebb electric bicycle near Platte River Trail in Denver, Colorado

author on a Hebb

SmallPlanet eVehicles

I was first introduced to the Hebb eBike at SmallPlanet eVehicles in Longmont, Colorado. Tom, the owner of SmallPlanet spoke quite highly of the Hebb electric bicycle. A  couple days later, while meeting with a group of electric vehicle enthusiasts on the Platte River Trail in Denver, Colorado, I had the chance to ride a Hebb. I was immediately impressed by both the looks and feel of the bike. Anybody who has not ridden an electric bike in a few years needs to give the Hebb bikes a try. In general, the electric bike technology has come a long way in the last decade and some manufacturers, like Hebb, have done an especially nice job of utilizing modern battery and electric motor technology. The Hebb electric cycles ride smoothly, quietly and, when needed, quickly. I would agree with Bill Hebb’s analysis that electric motors and batteries will continue to evolve and improve; but for now, electric bikes such as the Hebb are head and shoulders above the previous generation of electric bikes.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/08/16/hebb-ebikes-are-top-performers/

Aug 10 2012

Pon-e Electric Trikke Review

Electric Trail Vehicle Information

Trailsnet has been the leader in reviews of Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTVs) and specifically electric personal transportation vehicles. Of course, here on Trailsnet, we prefer to call them trail vehicles, but whatever you call them, they’re economical, environmentally friendly and lots of fun. Here’s a sampling of some of the electric vehicle information provided by Trailsnet:

Trikke rider on boulder creek path

Trikke T-12 body-powered carving vehicle

But what if you want to Stand Up and Ride your electric vehicle? There’s an app for that! Better yet, there’s a Trikke for that. In a previous post, I reviewed the Trikke carving vehicle, a self-propelled, cambered carving vehicle that provides great exercise, mobility and recreation. But now, Trikke electric vehicles such as the Pon-e provide a whole new range of mobility for Trikke users.

Trikke Electric Pon-e Review

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Trikke Corporation, a brief introduction is in order. The Trikke is a three

electric three wheeled personal transportation vehicle on boulder creek path

Electric Trikke Pon-e

wheeled, cambered carving vehicle that is propelled using a rhythmic body motion. Since it has three wheels, it is quite stable. Since it is cambered, it screams around corners and down hills. Since riders utilize their entire body to power the Trikke, it provides a great full-body workout. Since it has fairly small tires, it is best to be ridden on asphalt or cement surfaces. The beauty behind the Trikke electric vehicles is they are equally as much fun as the regular Trikkes, but even more versatile. One of the best characteristics of a Trikke is that you stand up to operate it. This allows you a clear line-of-sight and is also a comfortable way to get around. On the Electric Trikkes, you can get as much or as little exercise as you like depending on how much you assist the motor with your own carving motions.

Whether you call it Trikke Pon-e, Trikke Tribred or Trikke EV, you’ll never call it boring. All Trikkes let you stand up, above the crowd and enjoy an unparalleled ride. With numerous electric vehicles on the market, why would you choose a Trikke EV? Here are some of the most compelling reasons:

folded Trikke carving vehicle

folded Trikke

  • uniqueness – Trikkes are unlike any other personal transportation vehicles (PTVs) out there.
  • portability – Because they can easily be folded up, Trikkes are easy to store and easy to transport.
  • exercise – Unlike most other PTVs, Trikkes (both electric and body-powered) provide a full-body workout.
  • ease of use – Since they have a stable three-wheel base of support, Trikke Electrics are simple to get started on and have a quick learning curve.
  • ergonomically friendly – As long as you can stand up, you can ride a Trikke. You don’t have to worry about being hunched over handlebars, chafing your posterior on a seat or craning your neck to see in front of you.
  • Simple to maintain – Since there are no chains, sprockets or derailleurs, your hands stay clean and your maintenance woes are greatly reduced.
Visit the “Trikke vs. bike” page on the Trikke website for more information about the benefits of riding a Trikke or Trikke EV. You can expect to see the electric Trikkes popping up more and more on golf courses, roads, on security/police forces and parked in front of your local coffee shop. But best of all, you will begin to see Trikkes and Pon-e Trikkes more often on a trail near you; because Trikkes and trails were meant for each other. It’s a match made in heaven.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/08/10/pon-e-electric-trikke-review/

Aug 04 2012

Could Marine Rules Work on Trails?

Electric Bikes Provide Added Trail Access

A big thanks to Bob who recently sent in a very well-thought-out comment about the Trailsnet Should Electric Bikes Be Allowed on Trails post. Bob started out by making some astute observations about electric bikes allowing for more trail access for those of us whose bones, muscles & joints ain’t quite what they used to be. Then he wrote about a subject near and dear to my heart: keeping speeds (both human-powered and electric) low on trails.

Trail Rules Borrowed from Maritime Tradition?

Then Bob made a great suggestion. As a way of providing trail access for a broad range of users while also keeping the trails safe and sane, maybe we could use some of the same rules already being used in the Maritime community. Bob suggested, “I would recommend bike path rules to be similar to marine ‘Rules of the Road’  E-bikes (when under power) yield to bikes, and all yield to pedestrians, much like sailboats under power, yield to sailboats, and all yield to human powered boats.”

Is it just me or does that not make a whole heap of sense? I’d love to hear any other suggestions. The Trailsnet community if chock full of great ideas just waiting to be shared.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/08/04/could-marine-rules-work-on-trails/

Jul 26 2012

Outdoor Health Benefits of Trails

Trails Provide Fitness Plus More…

couple on bikes

outdoor therapy

Trailsnet often promotes the fitness benefits of trails. But of course, the argument could be made that going to the gym also provides the same fitness benefits. But while both the gym and trails provide valuable fitness benefits, trails offer another essential health benefit. According to a recent AARP article entitled Health Benefits of Being Outdoors, it’s about more than just the physical exercise. Just being outside has numerous health benefits above and beyond the physical exercise. Being outdoors provides both physical and mental restorative properties.

Trail Therapy

So walking, riding your bike or running on the trails is doubly good for people. It provides both cardiovascular exercise and your daily dose of sunshine, fresh air and beautiful views. Oh, and by the way, enjoying most trails is absolutely free while a gym membership costs…

No Bike Helmets?

BTW, Trailsnet is big enough to be getting around 200 visitors per day but still small enough that I don’t have to worry about getting lots of nasty comments & emails regarding the picture of a biking couple who are not wearing helmets. Phew!!

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/07/26/outdoor-health-benefits-of-trails/

Jul 25 2012

Where Do You Prefer to Ride Electric Bikes?

Electric Bikes – Where to Ride

electric bike parked in the shade of a trail

electric Optibike on trail

After yesterday’s post about the Optibike Electric Mountain Bike, I thought I’d follow up with a poll about where you like to ride your electric bike.

Electric Bike Riding Venues

So to visit the Where Do You Like to Ride Your Electric Bike poll, click here. It won’t take you long since it is one question with only two answer options. As you may have guessed, trails is one of the options. What do you suppose the other option is? It’s a LinkedIn poll, so I’m not sure if you have to be signed up for LinkedIn to take it, but it’s worth a try. Let your voice be heard.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/07/25/where-do-you-prefer-to-ride-electric-bikes/

Jul 24 2012

Optibike Electric Mountain Bike is Supreme Freedom Machine

Optibike Review

logo for optibike electric bicycle

OptiBike of Boulder, CO

Is there any place this thing can’t go?

It plows through mountain bike trails like they’re stairways to heaven. It negotiates multi-use paths efficiently yet with just the right amount of stealth. On the road it’s the best of both worlds with the maneuvering ability of a bicycle but the get-up-and-go of a motorcycle. On the racetrack, coaches use it as a sort of pace car to keep up with and even stay ahead of world-class cyclists. It lights up the night sky with astonishing clarity; and it’s even good for escaping skunks… but more on that later.

 Boulder’s Optibike – Almost Made in the USA

The Optibike is the wonder child of Jim Turner, motocross rider turned triathlete

Optibike owner Jim Turner & Trailsnet owner Kevin Purdy

Optibike founder Jim Turner

turned inventor. It should come as no surprise that the Optibike is engineered and built in (the People’s Republic of) Boulder, Colorado, a community rapidly becoming the hub for both high tech businesses and outdoor lifestyles. No product better exemplifies the meshing of high tech and outdoor adventure than Optibike, the Ferrari of bicycles.

But all the superlatives used to describe Optibike might give the impression that it’s only built for world-class athletes and adventure seeking daredevils. Fortunately, this characterization couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s not just a cliché to say that the Optibike is the ultimate machine for nearly everyone. It’s a commuter bike, a recreational bike, a mountain bike and an errand bike. Who needs a car, when you can get just about anywhere on a power-driven bike? With the right set of tires, an Optibike can handle just about any conditions and provide a lot of fun in the process.

Optibike electric mountain bike

Optibike on path

Is the Optibike truly as good as a car? Its owners might argue that it’s better. In addition to using it for getting to work, nabbing some groceries and providing for rock-hopping fun, it’s got three huge advantages over an automobile; it provides fitness and improves the environment. And it’s a lot less expensive than driving a car. In fact, for certain electric bikes reviewers who happen to have solar panels adorning their rooftops, it’s basically free to run.

So what’s the Optibike have that other electric bikes don’t? OGL (Oh Good Lord – OMG is so yesterday.) It’s got a seriously powerful motor and heavy-duty batteries that get you going. Then it’s got a 14 speed Rohloff Speedhub to keep you going. Next it’s got Fox front and rear suspension to keep you going smoother. And finally, it’s got oversized Avid hydraulic disk brakes, just in case you ever need to stop.

Not even the dead of night can stop the mighty Optibike with its seriously luminescent headlights powered by some serious wattage. In fact just minutes before writing this article, the aforementioned electric bike reviewer encountered a skunk on the night trail. On a regular bike, he would have been screwed, blued and P.Ued. But thanks to the bright lights for illuminating the problem and a powerful motor for escaping the problem, Mr. Writer Dude was 50 yards away before the skunk could say Pepe LePew. Another problem solved by the Optibike. (Don’t look for that one in their sales brochures. The folks at Optibike are much too humble to go touting their skunk-evading superiority.)

electric bike control panel

Optibike controls

So what are the downsides to the Optibike? Frankly, there may not be any. But some suggestions are in order:

  1. Seriously consider getting a second battery with your Optibike. You won’t regret it.
  2. Take it easy at first. The Optibike is not the same as a typical mountain bike. It’s more powerful, heavier, and even has the brakes on the opposite side. (Unless you’re a motorcyclist or a European; then it has the brakes right where they belong.)
  3. Don’t waste time loading the Optibike on your bike rack. Just ride the darned thing to the trail. You’ll probably get there quicker and have more fun in the process.
  4. Go new places. If there’s one word to summarize the Optibike experience, it’s freedom. Try the bike trail that’s been on your bucket list.  Ride up Magnolia Road on a hot day. (It’s a Boulder thing.) Ride that three-day rail-trail in one day. Go for a night ride. Ride it in a parade. The skies the limit, but the trail’s more fun!!
  5. For goodness sakes, wear your helmet. The Optibike will give you power and freedom, but it won’t give you immortality!! Enjoy it to the max, but enjoy it safely and responsibly.

If you’ve ever owned or ridden an Optibike or any other electric bike, share your experience with the Trailsnet community by entering some comments below.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/07/24/optibike-electric-mountain-bike-is-supreme-freedom-machine/