Haters are everywhere, but Bring them on. Let’s convert them to Electric!

The Internet nowadays is a great tool to connect to peers, but expressing our opinions could cause hate speech, which is different from feedback.
Our CEO, Felipe Rodrigues, answered Kev in the most polite way he knows and used all his EV Tech arguments to defeat the hater and push Ebikes and EVs one step further!

This is the post that attracted Kev to our page:

This is Kev’s message, it reads:
“You go your way, we’ll go ours. Tell me , what is the point of having a bicycle with an electric motor ? Surely , the whole ethos of riding is to keep fit . Not be dragged around by a motor and battery which needs to be charged on the national grid. My vehicle may be also a green denier, but I start it at the beginning of my journey, and turn it off when I arrive. It doesn’t have to recharge overnight, nor are it’s batteries likely to overheat and cause an expensive, damaging fire. Not to mention potential loss if life.

Now, these damned bikes streak along our pavements, 40klms per hour in heavy foot traffic. That’s good, isn’t it. You can’t hear them, they rip past before you are aware of the danger….and worst still , there are operators of these machines out there, who are so arrogant and self entitled, I wonder if they have any empathy for anyone. And you blokes think you are doing the environment a service ! Well, that’s just as arrogant too.”

As you can read, Kev is not happy, but we understand him. He grew up in a world with no other alternatives to commuting. Eventually, he hasn’t caught up with recent technologies and updated data about pollution caused by the productive cycle of fossil fuels.

Now see how Felipe answered Kev:

“Let’s meet in the same way because, in the end, we are all on the same planet.

1. “What is the point of having a bicycle with an electric motor?” R: With an electric motor, the cyclist can travel further and maintain a higher average speed, allowing people to cycle more days of the week. Some can replace their car with an ebike and save the money and time of their lives. Suppose you still need to be more open to this art piece of technology. In that case, I leave you with this analogy: Why have internet, camera and text message on a mobile phone if the main functionality is to make phone calls?

 

2. “Not be dragged around by a motor and battery which needs to be charged on the national grid.” R: There are three ways of exercising on an ebike: A. riding with zero electrical assistance, the bike will be a bit heavier than a regular bike, which is suitable for exercising, and the rider still has the dashboard with odometer, speedometer and many safety items like front and rear lights and brake lights. B. Riding at maximum power and trying to go as fast as possible is good for cardio and training reaction time. C. Going for long rides, crossing 10-15 suburbs while on a regular bicycle, one could only cross 3-5 suburbs in the same timeframe.

 

3. “My vehicle may also be a green denier, but I start it at the beginning of my journey and turn it off when I arrive. It doesn’t have to recharge overnight, nor are its batteries likely to overheat and cause an expensive, damaging fire.” R: If your car is petrol-powered, you must consider where your oil comes from. Australia imports 100% of its oil from overseas, which means we have less than 3 weeks of oil in land as reserves; if there’s a war, Australians could be at extreme risk of extinction if the oil stops arriving at our ports. To extract-transport-refine-transport to final consumers, your petrol vehicle produces 100x more emissions and environmental damage than you might think you’re causing in your daily drives. Your car’s refuelling and oil changes have caused many oil spills and environmental damage. Also, the dispute over oil has created many wars, and petrol prices are low because government subsidies account for 10 billion AUD per year. All appliances in your home are electric, your computer is electric, the lifts in buildings are electric, the train is electric, your mobile phone is electric and we don’t see many things catching fire, isn’t it? Have a look at data of petrol vehicles catching fire vs. electric vehicles catching fire; you will see that there are more petrol vehicle fires than electric vehicles in a proportional rate (fires/vehicle sold). Look at the benefits of EVs; with 1 standard solar panel (200Wp), one could be self-sufficient with their electric bicycle that’s less than 1m² on their roof. Someone will have electricity for their ebike for 25 years. For an E-car, we would need about 30 similar panels; that’s why ebikes are great; they are so efficient and require less material to manufacture and to top up their batteries. For example, we estimate that 1 SUV could manufacture about 150 E-bikes in raw materials and energy to manufacture the components. Isn’t it saving the environment?

 

4. “Now, these damned bikes streak along our pavements, 40klms per hour in heavy foot traffic. That’s good, isn’t it? You can’t hear them; they rip past before you are aware of the danger….and worst still, there are operators of these machines out there who are so arrogant and self-entitled, I wonder if they have any empathy for anyone.” R: We discourage people from riding on the footpath, and you have to see the cyclists’ side, too; the cars do not respect cyclists, and the government wants cyclists to cycle on the road. A road bike ridden by a weekend cyclist can easily keep up at 40km/h, so that’s not an ebike-related issue, but cycling in general. About being arrogant and self-entitled, have you ever considered that people are driving cars that weigh 2000kg or more, that have hundreds of horsepower, that are extremely loud like sports cars and motorbikes, that their cars occupy 10m² when on the road, that each car only carries 1 driver in most vehicles on weekday trips and that all those drivers are not aware how their oil arrives in their fuel tank? Moreover, road rage incidents are all over the internet; type it, and you will see. Most of them are caused by people in cars; why are they so stressed? Why are they arrogant and self-entitled, thinking they can block traffic and assault others? We think people would live better driving smaller and lighter vehicles and exercising while they commute; those are two things an ebike can do and will certainly reduce the stress of living in the city.
5. “And you blokes think you are doing the environment a service! Well, that’s just as arrogant, too.” R: We understand your viewpoint because we at the office also have our driver’s licence, and we have had cars in the past. However, you’ve never ridden an electric bicycle, and your viewpoint shows it. When you jump to this side of the fence, you will see how much brighter, less stressful, lower commuting costs and healthier life can be. You might deem this greener invitation arrogant, but it is not an ignorant thing. When you permit yourself to experiment with an electric bicycle, Cyberbikes will be here next to you.”

 

Until now, Kev hasn’t replied to our post.

 

Hope he comes for a test ride very soon.

 

If you know a better way to reply to a hater, please leave it in the comments below. We’d love to hear your feedback.

 

 

The Ultimate Guide to Electric Bikes for Sale in Sydney and Australia

Introduction: Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have taken the world by storm, revolutionising how we commute and explore our surroundings. This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of electric bikes for sale in Sydney and throughout Australia. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the landscape of e-bikes, from where to buy them to critical considerations when purchasing.

 

1. Where to Buy Electric Bicycles in Sydney:

• Local Bike Shops

• Specialised E-Bike Retailers

• Online Marketplaces

• Second-hand/Used E-Bikes

Among all those options, we strongly recommend you find a specialised retailer, such as Cyberbikes.com, that can perfectly understand your wants and suggest the best ebike for your needs.

It’s important to note that electric bikes (ebikes) will give you the sensation of being a superhero! That means you will use your electric bike more often than a regular bicycle; because an electric motor pushes you forward, you will not feel tired when cycling, allowing you to explore more and ride your ebike often.

 

 

2. Where to Buy Electric Bicycles in Australia:

 

• Nationwide Retail Chains

• Online E-Bike Retailers

• E-Bike Expos and Events

It’s excellent that Australians enjoy a vast outback, but will my new electric bike arrive where I live? Will it survive the conditions? Can I count on a warranty?

The answers lay down to who you buy your electric bicycle from.
Choosing a reputable company and ensuring their warranty extends long enough so you always see yourself covered.

We suggest looking at their Google and Facebook reviews, thoroughly visualising how you intend to use your future ride and enjoying any freebies, for example, free shipping when offered.

3. What to Look for When Searching for Electric Bikes for Sale:

 

• Battery Life and Range

This is an important part. We suggest only buying ebikes with batteries certified according to the norm UN38.3 and made with branded cells class A, which means companies like LG, Samsung, Panasonic, and Sony should be manufacturing the cells of your battery pack.

The range of your electric bike can be calculated following our Range Calculator.

Today, you should mainly focus on 48 Volts batteries, or if you’re on a budget, you could consider 36V batteries. However, 36V batteries might not last that long in the market.

 

• Motor Power and Type

There are two major types of motors in the market: HUB Motors and MID-DRIVE Motors.

HUB motors are installed on the axle/hub of each wheel. The hub motor could be installed on the front, rear, or both wheels. This is the most reliable and economical way to have an ebike. At Cyberbikes.com, we are big fans of HUB Motors because they simplify and make ebike user-friendly. Any inexperienced rider can ride an electric bike with a hub motor. Even though many people say that MID-DRIVE motors are better for off-roading, we cannot agree 100% with that saying because hub motors are perfect crawlers, always keeping weight where the tyre contact point is, but that’s a chapter itself for our next blog post.

MID-DRIVE motors are the real motors for those who want to climb hilly mountains and have a lightweight bicycle with weight centred on the frame. However, their associated buying cost, the constant maintenance of the drivetrain (chain, cassette, derailleur, shifter) and requiring prior knowledge from the rider, they are today not our favourite motors of choice. But they have their space in the market, and some still consider them the best motors. However, as e-bike specialists, we must alert you that while MID-DRIVE Motors still uses the conventional bicycle drivetrain (derailleur, cassette, chain, shifter), they will continue to have lower reliability and require more maintenance than hub motors. Remember, having the chain snapping in the middle of nowhere is not a fun experience!

When discussing motor power, anything above 250W should make you feel like a superhero. However, when climbing steep hills, you might think that 250W is not enough! That’s why we have installed 500W motors in our Cyberbikes and consider them a mix of many worlds. For example, they are lighter than more significant motor hubs. At the same time, they can provide high torque because of the expanded motor shell (in this case, the bigger, the torquier the motor is).

So, our recommendation is to stick with at least 500W. Hence, you’re sure to have a bike that will last for many years, and as we all age, you won’t need to acquire a new ebike as your current one has enough power for the years ahead.

 

• Frame Design and Material

The three most common ebike frame materials are aluminium, steel and carbon.

Aluminium	Steel	Carbon
Entry Level Bikes	Entry Level Bikes	Professional Bikes
Professional Bikes	Cargo Bikes	Racing Bikes
Affordable	More Affordable	Expensive
Light Weight	Heavy Weight	Ultra-Light Weight

To summarise, if you’re not a professional athlete looking to reduce the weight of your ebike, and your requirements do not include carrying over 100kg of loads plus yourself on the bike, we do recommend choosing an ebike made with aluminium that has its frame heat treated, and certified according to the EN15194 like our Cyberbikes do!

 

• Bike Style (Mountain, City, Folding, Moto style ebike)

This is a very peculiar choice, but we like to guide people according to the application.

The most versatile bicycle is the Mountain Bike because this bicycle can go on and off the road, has excellent clearance from the ground and has a geometry that allows quick steering and control at high speeds. However, it’s essential to consider the body weight and height of the rider. Hence, you feel comfortable on that type of ebike.

Folding ebikes are usually smaller, so a tiny person will feel better on this type of ebike. A city bike might be more equipped than a mountain bike, which is perfect for night riding, and that should be considered.

Another example is, if you like pedalling, stay away from bicycles that have a motorbike-style because their seat height is not adjustable. So, it will not be suitable for your knees when pedalling on that ebike.

Those are examples to illustrate usage. If you have any questions, please Contact Us.

 

• Pedal Assist Levels

Pedal Assist works like cruise control in a car. Once you select the assistance level on the LCD display, the ebike motor will kick in once you start pedalling. You will enjoy the electric assistance according to your chosen assist level. However, do not get too attached to the scale of these numbers because that scale can change depending on each bike and its factory setup.

You should look for an ebike that offers you at least 5 levels of assistance, so level 1 is 20% of the maximum power and level 5 is 100% of the total power.

 

• Display and Control Features

The display is a great thing to pay attention to. Ideal we recommend choosing a colour LCD display. With a decent screen size, you can easily read information such as battery %, speed, and kilometres travelled. Time running, and sometimes, depending on the display manufacturer, you can access extra features and tune up your ebike, giving it an extra boost or increasing its abilities.

 

• Throttle

Inside the ebike industry are two types of people: those who like to pedal and those who also pedal but enjoy the assistance of a hand throttle.

According to Australian law, ebikes can have a throttle, but the throttle should only be able to push the ebike up to 6km/h. However, when conducting research among customers and when limiting the ebike to those circumstances, it’s evident how much the law is against safety. Why?

This law has been imported from Europe, where bicycle lanes extend through the entire continent. That law works well when the drivers respect bicycles. However, in Australia, cyclists have to share their way with cars and, unfortunately, are seen as plagues, holding on traffic.

We strongly suggest you have a full throttle on your ebike. One of the reasons is reaction time. Imagine crossing an intersection where cars can drive at 60km/h until you have enough balance to stroke the pedals and move your ebike forward. The car has already hit you. With a thumb throttle, you could quickly zip across the intersection without the need to move your legs.

Another example is cycling through winding roads because the bike pedals could go very close to the ground. If you turn left and the left pedal touches the ground, you could fall off your ebike. So, having the thumb throttle allows the rider to continuously throttle and accelerate the ebike while cornering, which gives a considerable advantage, especially when cars are behind the cyclist.

Overall, the throttle is a positive thing in the ebike industry. It gives freedom to use your legs to accelerate the bike and an extra safety layer when finding balance on the bike, when crossing intersections and when turning.

See some examples in the short videos below:

 

 

 

• Braking System

The Braking System couldn’t be neglected. We strongly recommend you choose only ebikes with large disc brakes (over 180mm disc diameter), use enclosed hydraulic brake systems, and have brake sensors connected to the bicycle controller. But Why? Ebikes are heavier and faster than standard bikes, and because of that, the brake system is constantly under extreme usage! So, the best way to keep yourself and others safe is to oversize and leave extra room when you’re at high speed and a car cuts in front of you! Or when you’re cruising, and a pedestrian goes across without double checking.
This oversizing also improves reliability and reduces maintenance costs, which far exceed the initial investment of a brake system like this.

Check our Cyberbikes Models because they all have robust brake systems like the ones mentioned above.

 

• Warranty and Customer Support

You should choose an ebike with at least one one-year warranty for its electrical components and understand how its warranty works. Most bike companies do not attest that their bikes are waterproof, which means you could be in trouble if your ebike gets flooded. Check the IP rating of your ebike before buying. At least IP54 should be offered. We at Cyberbikes currently provide a 2-year warranty and are working to bring ebikes IPX6 and so on to the market. Stay tuned!

 

• Price Range and Budget

As an electric bike is a hybrid vehicle because it uses humans and electric power, we should expect it to cost more than a regular bicycle. And thinking that ebikes can assist us in longer journeys, we should consider comfort and reliability. As a general rule, in Australia nowadays, it will be hard to find a comfortable and reliable bike for less than AU$2000, as we strongly suggest going above to around $3000 when budgeting your electric bike. Why? It will ensure that your ebike comes from a renowned brand, has been properly manufactured, and that the ebike has all the certifications and will outperform other bikes in the market.

Of course, we cannot judge the product only by its price but know that cheap bikes are cutting corners to get those low prices.

 

4. When to Consider an Electric Bike Conversion Kit:

 

• Upgrading Your Current Bike

• Cost-Effectiveness

• Customisation and Personalisation

• Mechanical Aptitude and Tools

• Sustainability and Recycling

 

Converting an existing bicycle to an electric one can outstand factory bikes when correctly and professionally done. These bikes were made at the factory to be electric.

Cyberbikes has accomplished over 100 conversions in its history, but we have also seen unsuccessful projects. The most important thing to consider when choosing to convert a bicycle are:

a. Frame type: Can this frame bear the weight and impact I will cause? Is this a certified frame? It’s common at the shop to hear people keen to convert a road bike into a mountain bike; good luck with that because it will hardly work, and the budget to make it happen will skyrocket!

b. Is the motor and battery compatible with the frame I have? If you add a Ferrari motor to a VW beetle, will that be the best car in the world? I doubt it will. Also, is it helpful if I now have a Ferrari engine on my VW Beatle and the range is 10km? So motor power and battery size have to work together, and they have to respect your bike frame.

c. Suspension, tires and brakes: Is my bike capable of mimicking the road surface and overcoming obstacles, are the tyres grippy enough and are the brakes hydraulic? The battery and motor must be chosen according to the vehicle’s capacity to steer, stop, and overcome obstacles. Take a holistic approach to this one!

d. Will I assemble the ebike myself or hire a professional? If your hobby doesn’t include being in a garage surrounded by tools, converting an ebike is not for you. We’re not saying that you cannot do it. Still, we are saying that after you finish it, you might need a professional to fix your mistakes and realiably put your ebike to work. But if you’re keen to risk and want to have a go, you’re welcome and know Cyberbikes is here to support you every step!

 

Conclusion: Embracing the world of electric bikes opens possibilities for your commute, adventures, and overall well-being. Whether you’re in Sydney or anywhere in Australia, knowing where to buy and what to look for will empower you to make an informed decision. Additionally, an electric bike conversion kit could be the right choice to enhance your current bike’s performance. With this guide, you can embark on your electric biking journey. Happy riding!

 

 

Troubleshooting Problems – Bafang BBS01 BBS02 and BBSHD – Middrive – Ebike Conversion – Part 1

Dear Cyberbiker,

In this video, we will diagnose and repair the drivetrain of a full suspension ebike conversion.
The customer snapped the chain and then came to Cyberbikes, wondering what had happened.
Felipe installed a new ebike chain, tuned the gears and went for a test ride. All the gears were working fine except the top gear, 8th.
Then, Felipe rode back to the shop, removed the rear wheel, and removed only the last gear of the cassette. After replacing the 11T 8 Speeds sprocket, he went on a second test ride and ohh yeah, problem solved!
He then advised the customer only to engage the 8th gear once the bike is above 30km/h to avoid unnecessary wear of that last gear.

#cyberbikes #ebike #repair #specialist

Learn about Electric Bikes: The Future of Urban Mobility

As cities grow more congested and concerns about climate change continue to rise, urban mobility has become a pressing issue. Electric bikes have emerged as a popular solution to this problem, offering a clean, convenient, and cost-effective way to get around. In this article, we will explore the role of electric bikes in urban mobility and the benefits they offer.

The Benefits of Electric Bikes in Urban Mobility

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are equipped with an electric motor and battery. They are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas, as they offer a range of benefits over traditional bicycles and other forms of transportation.

#1 Eco-Friendly

One of the most significant benefits of electric bikes is that they are eco-friendly. They produce zero emissions, making them a greener alternative to cars and other motor vehicles. They also require less energy to operate than cars, which reduces their carbon footprint even further.

#2 Efficient

Another advantage of electric bikes is that they are highly efficient. They can travel at speeds of up to 25km/h with minimal effort from the rider, making them a quick and convenient mode of transportation. They are also much cheaper to operate than cars, requiring no fuel and having lower maintenance costs.

#3 Versatile

Electric bikes are also highly versatile. They can be used for commuting, running errands, or simply exploring the city. They are particularly useful for shorter trips, as they can be parked easily and quickly. This makes them an ideal choice for people who live in urban areas and need to get around quickly and efficiently.

The Role of Electric Bikes in Urban Mobility

Accessibility

Electric bikes are making cycling more accessible to a broader range of people. They are particularly useful for those who are less fit or have mobility issues, as they allow them to travel further and with less effort. This makes cycling a more attractive option for a wider range of people, which can help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Premium Option

Electric bikes are changing how people perceive cycling by offering a premium option equipped with the latest technology and features. Premium electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas, as they provide a range of features such as GPS tracking, smartphone integration, and advanced suspension systems. This is helping change the perception of cycling from a basic mode of transportation to a premium lifestyle choice.

Sustainability

Electric bikes are providing a more sustainable alternative to cars. They produce zero emissions, making them eco-friendly for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. They are also much cheaper to operate than cars, making them an attractive option for people looking to save money on transportation costs.

Conclusion

Electric bikes are playing an increasingly important role in urban mobility. They offer a practical, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to cars and other forms of transportation. They are also helping change how people think about cycling by offering a premium option equipped with the latest technology and features.

As cities continue to grow and become more congested, electric bikes are likely to become an even more popular mode of transportation. They offer a practical and sustainable solution to the challenges of urban mobility, and they are helping to create a more sustainable and healthy future for our cities.

Purchase premium electric bikes from Cyberbikes and explore the city or go wherever you want. Our electric bikes are designed to meet the needs of urban cyclists, with features like long battery life, powerful motors, and durable frames. We offer a range of models to suit different budgets and preferences, and our team is always on hand to help you find the perfect bike for your needs.

Top 7 Amazing Perks of Investing in Electric Bicycles

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, have gained tremendous popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These bikes have many benefits that cater to many riders, from the daily commuter to the weekend adventurer. 

If you’re considering investing in an e-bike, here are the top unique perks to make your decision even more accessible.

1. Save Money on Transportation

One of the top advantages of investing in an electric bike is the potential for cost savings on transportation. With an e-bike, you can save money on gas, parking, and public transportation fees. In the long run, you’ll save considerable money by replacing your car or public transit with an electric bike for some or all of your daily commute.

Additionally, the maintenance costs of e-bikes are generally lower than those of traditional bikes. Electric bicycles have fewer moving parts, which means there’s less that can go wrong, and when it does, it’s often easier and cheaper to fix.

2. Health Benefits

An electric bike offers numerous health benefits, just like a regular bike. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that promotes cardiovascular fitness, builds muscle strength, and increases flexibility. Even though e-bikes have a motor to assist with pedalling, you’ll still get a good workout, primarily if you use the pedal-assist mode sparingly.

E-bikes can also help you stay motivated to exercise, as they make cycling more accessible and enjoyable for people of all fitness levels. This is especially helpful for those recovering from injuries or living with chronic pain, as the electric assistance can make it easier to get back into exercising without overexerting themselves.

3. Environmentally Friendly

Electric bicycles are an eco-friendly transportation option, producing zero emissions. Choosing an e-bike over a car will lessen your carbon footprint and support a greener, cleaner environment.

Moreover, e-bikes can help reduce traffic congestion in urban areas, as they take up less space on the road and require less parking. This can improve air quality and less noise pollution in densely populated areas.

4. Faster and More Efficient Commutes

An electric bike can make your daily commute faster and more efficient. With the electric motor’s assistance, you can maintain a higher average speed than on a regular bike, allowing you to cover more distance in less time. This can be particularly helpful for those with longer commutes or who live in hilly areas.

In addition to faster speeds, e-bikes can help you avoid traffic jams and easily navigate through congested areas. Many urban areas have dedicated bike lanes, making your commute even quicker and more efficient.

5. Increased Accessibility

One of the most appealing aspects of electric bikes is their ability to make cycling more accessible to a broader range of people. The electric assistance provided by e-bikes can help overcome barriers to cycling, such as physical limitations, lack of fitness, or concerns about distance and hills.

E-bikes can also benefit older individuals who may struggle with the physical demands of traditional cycling. The electric assistance can help them maintain their independence and continue to enjoy the outdoors without putting undue strain on their bodies.

6. Versatility

With different models and styles available, you can find an e-bike to suit your specific needs, whether you’re seeking a comfortable commuter bike or a rugged off-road machine.

Many e-bikes have customisable features, such as adjustable pedal-assist levels and removable batteries. This allows you to tailor your riding experience to your needs, allowing you to switch between a more challenging workout or a leisurely assisted ride.

7. Fun and Enjoyment

The feeling of effortlessly gliding up hills and accelerating with the help of the electric motor is exhilarating, and it can make even the most mundane commute feel like an adventure.

E-bikes can also help you explore new places and enjoy longer rides without fatigue. This permits a world of possibilities for weekend adventures, allowing you to cover more ground and experience new trails and scenic routes.

Conclusion

With an electric bike, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – the freedom and fun of cycling combined with an electric motor’s assistance when needed. Whether you’re looking to improve your daily commute, tackle more challenging trails or simply enjoy a more effortless and enjoyable ride, an electric bike could be the perfect investment for you. Experience the thrill of e-biking and discover a new world of cycling adventures!

Cyberbikes represent a new era for Felps Ebikes, a company operating in Sydney since 2015. With a focus on solid innovation, quality, and sustainability, Cyberbikes is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an electric bike with performance and style. If you’re in the market for electric bicycles in Sydney, check out our impressive collection today.