complete beginner

Amanda

New Member
Local time
3:02 AM
Joined
Aug 21, 2009
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5
Hi all,

I'm a complete beginner. Please be patient with me!

I stumbled on this site after returning my first e-bike to Toys R Us. It was the cheapest ebike- an Ezip trailz- and I bought it on a whim. I rode it twice and then some wires snapped and I could barely pedal the 70+ pound thing home. I probably could have fixed it or exchanged it but decided to try something better instead..something a little faster, with more range...lighter...something I can reliably go to school with, go shopping with etc, without worrying about getting stranded and having to pedal a monster uphill.

For now, I'm just reading (and reading) about different kit options, laws, etc.

If anyone has recommendations for a kit (or bike) that's good for beginners, I'd appreciate it! I'm leaning toward gas bike kits because of price, range, and power uphill. Possibly something from bikeberry (?). The thing I'm worried about most is building a bike and then getting pulled over by police. I want the bike to be as inconspicuous as possible if it's not legal.

Goodbye from Missouri!

Amanda
 
Welcome to Mbc

Welcome Amanda..Eno (Down Under)..I think you might be "girl member" number 6 on Mbc..Keep reading all the posts and your decision will be easy. Legal wise you need to stick to the 48cc motors and in some states they require a licence and registration ..punch legislation laws to SEARCH and its all there..Good luck and welcome again Eno (Oz)
 
welcome aboard.

Some states have specifically legalized these bikes. In those that haven't, they are usually not clearly illegal at least. Though there are a few places.....

But most of us have found that if you ride it like a responsible vehicle operator the police don't seem to care very much. It seems that you can get away with it as long as you're cool.

Good luck and have fun.
 
Look at the GEBE and STATON kits with the Robin Subaru engine.

Golden Eagle Bike engines

Staton inc. Both very reliable great for transportation, about 300-600 bucks, but you wont have to worry that much , the chinese engines are like Fords ( fix and repair daily ) ,.......
 
Hi Eno and Bluegoatswoods,

Here's from the mo DMV:

The Missouri statute definition of a motorized bicycle is as follows:

"Any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, which produces less than three (3) gross brake horsepower, and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground."

A motorized bicycle does not have to be registered with the Missouri Department of Revenue. However, you must have a valid driver license (though no motorcycle endorsement is required).

____________________
I'm a little confused about this because when I was looking at the NHTSA site, it said that a motorized bicycle under 20mph with functional pedals doesn't need a license. Does federal law supercede state?

Problem is, I have no driver's license and under MO state law, and it seems you need one for a motorized bike no matter how slow it is.

Guess I justhave to forge ahead and see what happens...:devilish:
 
Look at the GEBE and STATON kits with the Robin Subaru engine.

Golden Eagle Bike engines

Staton inc. Both very reliable great for transportation, about 300-600 bucks, but you wont have to worry that much , the chinese engines are like Fords ( fix and repair daily ) ,.......

Thanks for the advice. Do most kits come with good directions? I've never done this kind of thing before. Part of the goal is to learn how to put it together. If any kit comes with a good manual with pictures that would help!

Thanks,
Amanda
 
One other question:

Does the quality of the bike you're converting matter much? I've got an old Giant Acapulco in the garage.

One reason I'm leaning toward bikeberry is that they have bike + engine kit DIY packages for around 300$ (poor student here)..and people here seem to say that the Grubee engine kit is ok.
http://www.bikeberry.com/motorized-26-micargi-pantera-gts-beach-cruiser-diy.html
Any opinions on that^ would be appreciated.
 
There are good e-kits out there

Sorry you got a bad e-bike. They aren't all like that. Browse the photo gallery to decide what you like. All the gas kits work, whether 2 stroke, 4 stroke, frame mount, rack mount, etc.
 
ordered from dax

I ordered a kit from thatsdax and hope to get it soon. Thanks guys for replying. When the kit comes and I start putting things together I might have some q's for you all.

Best wishes,

Amanda
 
G'day Amanda & welcome to MBc.
Dax's instructions are better than most,but if u have any questions don't hesitate to ask....were here to help.
 
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