I put this in the lounge section because it's not about a specific bike... just an attempt to start a conversation. If it belongs somewhere else... well.. sorry. Please move it for me. Thanks.
This may be a bit rambling... sorry, it's how I roll.
So... the topic of electric bikes seems to be polarizing (pun intended... deal with it
). Some people are all for them, some people are completely opposed. What are your opinions? What would it take for you to consider an electric bike? Are they "ready for prime time"? If no, why not?.
Most of the major car companies are offering a fully electric car and the technology is really improving. It's happening a little more slowly for bikes, but the Brammo Empulse promises 100mph and 100 miles per charge. That ain't bad. Personally, I'm excited about the advances in the technology (what can I say, I'm a geek
), but in my opinion, none of these vehicles will take off. The reason for this is that these vehicles are only suited at this point for commuting. They'll take you back and forth to work, and shopping, but then you gotta recharge them. There's an effort by some companies (I used to work for one) to create an infrastructure of charging stations. In theory, that would help to change the "commuter only" thing, but on a long trip, nobody is going to want to park for 3 or more hours a few times a day to do something they can do at the gas pump in 10 minutes (gas prices would have to get DAYUM high to justify that). Most of us would be OK with a commuter car (or bike) to tell the truth... but we will never admit that to ourselves. I don't need an SUV. A car is just fine... but I have an SUV for that twice or three times a year that I drive the fam to the coast and need the extra space for the dog. Same kinda thing. I could probably be perfectly happy with a commuter bike... but I MIGHT need the extra range once or twice a year... so I won't get one.
My solution is this (and why haven't I heard anyone talking about it??): re-usable, quick-change, standard-sized fuel cells. No, not hydrogen cells specifically... They could be batteries, fluid cells, or any other way of storing energy. With that, you could pull into a station, swap your cell for another in 5 minutes, and be on your way. Range is no longer an issue. Standardization would obviously be the key, but it would be EASY. I thought of this as I was in Home Depot today. They have a self serve propane tank exchange. Yeah, it's expensive, but only because your paying for convenience. Propane tanks have a standard connector. Doesn't matter what BBQ grill or other propane appliance you have... one tank fits all (ok, there ARE two thread sizes, but that's why the tanks have threads on the inside and outside of the connector). I don't know... maybe someone is already working on this kind of thing for vehicles, but I haven't heard about it.
Anyway... that's my long and rambling stream of consciousness. What are your thoughts on the whole electric bike (or car) thing in general?
BTW... I tried to stay away from the topics of pollution and the relatively finite nature of petroleum as those topics often go hand in hand with politics. Please try to do the same... Thanks.
Lance
