What kind of bike for a re-beginner?

[Major Tom]

Just thought about this: I don't believe there's an ebike that can do regen on downhill, like EVs do.

I don't think that many of them do, but a few of the models from Rad Power have this feature, namely, their RadCity 4, RadCity Step-Thru 3, and RadWagon 3 models. I'm interested to know how much it can improve range. Obviously, that depends very much on the rider's local terrain.

 

[GenXguy]

I don't think that many of them do, but a few of the models from Rad Power do, namely, their RadCity 4, RadCity Step-Thru 3, and RadWagon 3 models. It's a great feature. I'm interested to know how much it can improve range. Obviously, that depends very much on the rider's local terrain.

I think those Radpower bikes (that have the direct drive rather than geared hub) have "regenerative braking" but otherwise aren't charging.

I would say it's more a gimmick and is largely useless feature for improving range. I would prefer a geared hub motor, which is what I bought, or even a mid-drive motor.

 

[Major Tom]

I think those Radpower bikes (that have the direct drive rather than geared hub) have "regenerative braking" but otherwise aren't charging.

According to the video in my post, the RadPower bikes that have direct drive motors do charge the battery when the regenerative braking is activated.

 

[GenXguy]

I think those Radpower bikes (that have the direct drive rather than geared hub) have "regenerative braking" but otherwise aren't charging..

According to the video in my post, the RadPower bikes that have direct drive motors do charge the battery when the regenerative braking is activated.

That's what I said. They have "regenerative braking". So, when you put on the brakes, there's some minor charging to the battery while the brakes are applied, but they are otherwise not charging. In the original example, just because you're going downhill pedaling with no assist in the situation I mentioned, as another poster was responding to, does NOT generate power to charge the battery because that's not a braking situation. It's basically a gimmick feature that is useless and would not be on any checklist of things I was looking for in an e-bike. No more than I use the brake, the benefit would be well less than 1%. The following reference said 2% to 3%, but I think that's way overstating it for most riding situations, but at least it says it's more of a hindrance than a help. It looks like Rad has been moving more towards geared hubs that don't have this useless feature.

https://www.elektricbikes.com/regenerative-braking-ebc-insights/

 

[Major Tom]

That's what I said. They have "regenerative braking". So, when you put on the brakes, there's some minor charging to the battery while the brakes are applied, but they are otherwise not charging. In the original example, just because you're going downhill pedaling with no assist in the situation I mentioned, as another poster was responding to, does NOT generate power to charge the battery because that's not a braking situation. It's basically a gimmick feature that is useless and would not be on any checklist of things I was looking for in an e-bike.

Aaah, I understand now. However, wouldn't that still be of some advantage? If you're going downhill and gently apply the brakes, wouldn't that charge the battery some? I question your statement that this feature is useless. Perhaps to you, but from my perspective, it seems a rather extreme stance to take. To me, it seems to carry a small advantage, though I understand that it might be of limited appeal to some riders.

 

[GenXguy]

Aaah, I understand now. However, wouldn't that still be of some advantage? If you're going downhill and gently apply the brakes, wouldn't that charge the battery some? I question your statement that this feature is useless. Perhaps to you, but from my perspective, it seems a rather extreme stance to take. To me, it seems to carry a small advantage, though I understand that it might be of limited appeal to some riders.

I was editing my last post when you responded, which might add some clarification. I don't think it would be of any benefit to me - I don't brake much, and I don't want to brake going down a hill just for a bit of charging, and I prefer the geared hub, which excludes it as well.... which is the direction Rad seems to be going also.

 

[Major Tom]

I was editing my last post when you responded, which might add some clarification. I don't think it would be of any benefit to me - I don't brake much, and I don't want to brake going down a hill just for a bit of charging, and I prefer the geared hub, which excludes it as well.... which is the direction Rad seems to be going also.

I understand, and thanks for the clarification. I am seriously considering an ebike purchase, and am currently getting up to speed on the (many) different manufacturers, the terminology, and the technologies.

 

[GenXguy]

I understand, and thanks for the clarification. I am seriously considering an ebike purchase, and am currently getting up to speed on the (many) different manufacturers, the terminology, and the technologies.

I bought my e-bike two years ago. I ended up going with a Ride1Up 700. The thing that initially attracted me to Ride1Up was that on some of their bikes (500, Core-5, 700, Cafe Cruiser), you could adjust the number of assist levels (up to 9) and could manually set the power percentage that each assist level provides. Prior to that, I had heard about some ebikes being a little overly aggressive in the lowest assist level or having an assist that works more like a cruise control (based on a speed) rather than providing consistent power based on the assist level. So, I liked the more granular control I could get with the Ride1Up and its power based assist. If I was buying today, I would be looking more at their mid-drive Prodigy which uses a quiet Brose motor and has a responsive torque sensor system. It didn't even exist when I bought mine, but it would have cost about $1000 more.

 

[eytonxav]

I remember when I started to shoot target with a handgun, I read somewhere that once you got the skills you would not lose it, the same as with riding a bike.

Definitely not true for handgun shooting. It is a perishable skill that requires continuous practice, otherwise you are kidding yourself. Used to shoot USPSA.