Ebike questions from readers.
Q. When will people start making 24 inch fat tire bikes? AWD preferably. Every senior I know, myself being 75 would probably buy one. I have 26 inch and it’s too tall to get my leg over. I am very uncomfortable trying to get on the bike. The little 20 inch would make me me feel like a circus clown. I want to see these companies begin offering good bikes with 24×4 tires.
A. I agree! We have too few 24 inch tire ebikes to choose from. I think they would make a better option that those big 26×4 fat tires. The only companies I can think of that offer 24 inch tires are Radio Flyer and Electric Bike Company. More ebike company should consider using 24×3, 24×4 inch tires in an effort to lower the height of some of these ebikes.
Q. I’m in desperate need of a powerful trike. I can no longer ride my ebike and even it lacks power on hills, I’m 76 years old and getting into nature daily is very important. I am quickly losing the ability to walk over 100 ft but refuse to give up. What is the most powerful E trike available. I need it to be able to pull me up a hill when I can no longer peddle?
A. In general, trikes are not built to be fast since they are more prone to tipping. The company AddMotor seems to have the most trikes on the market. They make the CITYTRI E-310 which they claim is the “The HIGHEST Spec’d, Most Powerful Electric Trike Under $2000 in the World”. The 750W rear motor has 90Nm High Torque & 1,400W Peak Motor. Thats pretty powerful for a trike and it even has a 48V 20AH battery for long range.
Q. When do I use the throttle on an Ebike?
A. I was selling an ebike to a new rider the other day when she asked when to use the throttle. Personally I use the throttle when getting started so that its easy to get rolling without having to pedal in a higher gear. I also use throttle when crossing the street because its quicker/safer and sometimes when I just want to take a pedal break while on a long group ride or to avoid an obstacle ahead.
Got a question for Chris Crossed? Email him chriscrossedct [at] gmail.com