3 ms·
Basically this is the same thing as commonly used for diesel electric trains and diesel electric submarines, but replace the Diesel engine with your pedaling.
by CobaltFire 5y ago
Basically this is the same thing as commonly used for diesel electric trains and diesel electric submarines, but replace the Diesel engine with your pedaling.
Not a terrible idea, but significantly less efficient than a chain. I’m not sure if I like the idea or not, honestly; I’d have to ride one myself. I’ve currently got a Shimano Steps cargo bike and enjoy it, but that’s a traditional electric assist. With the complete decoupling that would feel odd, at least at first.
- momdad420 5y agoThe article says it's only 5% less efficient. Not that bad for the tradeoff
- ajuc 5y ago> As he explained, that means the rider would either need a 5% larger battery to get the same distance, or experience a 5% shorter range compared to the same bike with chain drive. That's a weird way to specify efficiency of assisted e-bike, because battery->motor efficiency doesn't change, but pedals->motor efficiency drops significantly. I wonder which one they mean.