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PowerSmart now offers a range of economical electric moped scooters perfect for commuting or for general run-arounds. The electric scooters run on rechargeable Li-ion batteries and powerful motors capable of up to 35mph. You may never need to rely on petrol again! | ||||
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F.A.Q. of PowerSmart E-Bike
F.A.Q. of Electric Power-assisted Bike
F.A.Q. of PowerSmart E-Bike 1. You use Lithium batteries. Are they safe? PowerSmart was the very first company to import electric bicycles with Li-ion power packs, starting with Panasonic's WiLL bike in 2003. We have a track record others envy in this area. Our PowerSmart electric bikes have powerpacks that use Lithium Manganese batteries. These are distinct from the standard Lithium ion batteries that have a Cobalt cathode. These are prone to thermal runaway - ie explosion and fire. The bad news is that this cheap variant is finding its way into more and more electric bikes. Manganese, unlike Cobalt, is a safe and more environmentally benign cathode material. If you're buying a Lithium powered electric bike from someone else, ask them about battery safety - if they cannot guarantee that they use Lithium Manganese, it's simple: don't buy! 2. What is your relationship with the manufacturer of your bikes? We have formed alliance with manufacturers of electric bikes and Lithium Manganese batteries for electric bikes. We have met with PowerSmart, our manufacturer, many times and are in daily contact with them. As a result, we have contributed many ideas to the design of these bikes. That's why they're so well suited to British roads. 3. Is the bike light enough to lift unaided? A lot of electric bikes come with heavy steel frames and old-fashioned lead acid batteries. PowerSmart bikes are built around alloy frames and use lighter battery technology, and are, on average, around 10-12kg lighter than most electric bikes. And they all come with removable batteries, making them even easier to transport on a bike rack. 4. Is it fitted with reflectors, mudguards and a bell, as required by law? All PowerSmart bikes come with the complete set of accessories required by British law (BS6102). Some importers forget to check their bikes for this. 5. Does it have the power to climb hills? The PowerSmart XEB0003K.A races up most hills and our XEB0004K.A model has been given the title 'best hill-climber' by A to B magazine. We've heard from customers that certain cheaper electric bikes ground to a halt when faced with even a small hill. 6. How far will it go on a single charge? The PowerSmart XEB0003K.A, for example, will carry you between 25 and 50 miles on a full charge, depending on terrain, use of the motor and rider weight. 7. How smooth is the ride? Is there any suspension? The PowerSmart XEB0003K.A offers the smoothest bicycle rides around, thanks to their sprung saddles, front and rear suspension and specially-designed tyres. The riding position is perfect and feels very safe indeed. 8. What gears do you use? Are they any good? Our PowerSmart XEB0003K.A model is fitted with excellent, low-maintenance Shimano Nexus gears. You can shift up and down the gear range at a complete standstill, handy when you have to stop for a red light and then make a quick getaway. 9. What is the frame made of? Will it corrode? ALL our bikes are built around a durable but lightweight corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy frame. Many cheap electric bikes still use a heavier steel frame - not even stainless steel - that will be prone to rust. 10. Why is your bike fitted with tiny wheels - won't that make it a bit uncomfortable to ride? All our bikes are fitted with either 26 inch or 700C tyres that mop up the bumps and guarantee a smooth ride, mile after mile. They also come with puncture resistant tyres. Certain electric bikes come with tiny wheels that make for a disconcerting riding experience. Avoid! 11. Will I feel embarrassed or unsafe riding this bike around? All our bikes have excellent road presence and give a commanding riding position. We've avoided over-trendy or clunky designs in favour of elegant lines and attractive colours. These are not novelty bikes, they look, feel and perform impressively. 12. Is it legal to use in the UK? All PowerSmart bikes are legal to use on UK roads, even without a driving licence. We offer the option of pedal assistance on our most recent stock which means you can use them on the continent too. F.A.Q. of Electric Power-assisted Bike Why We Choose LiFePo4 Battery?
LiFePO4 Power Battery: The new generation power solution for Electric Vehicle-----a most advanced technology in the world ---the application tendency for lithium iron phosphate as cathode (LIFEPO4 technology).
Key Features and Advantages of LiFePo4 media
COMPARISON CHART OF VARIOUS LITHIUM BASE BATTERIES
Care and Maintenance for Your New e-Bike You should in general take care of your e-bike the way you would with a regular bicycle You should check the effectiveness of the brakes before each use. For your e-Bike, you should also take note of the following:
How to Assemble Your New e-Bike If you purchased your e-bike unassembled, please follow these instructions to assemble your e-bike under the guidance of an adult or a qualified technicianAssembly is quite easy as most of parts are already assembled; you need only to put a few large pieces together to complete the job You may click to the following link to view the demonstration of assembling the e-Bike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxA6AZ8NRIk&feature=PlayList&p=9D1077C3DB0BED9D&index=0&playnext=1 Remarks: The link is subject to change without advance noticeFor more information, please refer to the following websites:
Check the Package is Complete and Undamaged Your e-bike comes in a carton containing the following:
Stand the main body of the e-bike on the kickstand. Insert the stem of the handle bar subassembly into the steering column that is at the front of the main body frame. Make sure that the fork (that will hold the front wheel) is pointing forward, and orient the handle bar accordingly. Insert the stem all the way and tighten from the top using the big hex wrench. 
Step 2: Attach the Front Wheel Fender Make sure that the fork from the steering column is pointing forward. Place the front fender within the fork: locate the small projection with a screw hole at the top of the fender, fit it to the bolt at the back of the base of the steering column; attach the supports (two on each side) to the base of the fork using four small bolts (supplied). After all five points (the dorsal point and the 4 support points) are properly attached, use the multi-wrench to tighten. 
Step 3: Attach the Front Wheel Make sure that the fork from the steering column is pointing forward. Place the front wheel within the fork and between the two brake pads on either side, seat the axial stem properly within the receptacles at the tips of the fork, and tighten the nuts with the multi-wrench. Make sure that the front wheel moves freely and does not wobble from side to side. Reposition the wheel and re-tighten if necessary. Step 4: Assembling and Adjusting the Front Brake You may need another person to help you with this step. The front brake is installed and assembled except that the cable was relaxed to allow the installation of the front wheel. After properly installing the front wheel, the cable can be tightened again. Using the small hex wrench, loosen the screw that tightens the cable so that the cable is completely free to slide back and forth. Arrange the several pieces of metal and rubber along the brake cable in their correct positions by referencing the rear brake. Squeeze the brake arms so that the brake pads are against the wheel, but leave sufficient clearance of 1/8 inch on each side (you might want to insert some scrap material, such as a piece or cardboard, between the wheel and the brake pad to ensure there is sufficient clearance). Pull the cable at the end to take out all the slack, tighten the cable by means of the small hex wrench. Test the brake by lifting the front of the e-bike and setting the wheel in motion (turn it) and apply the brake at the handlebar to stop it. If you could not set the wheel in free motion, or if you could not stop it by apply the brake, you need to re-adjust by increasing or decreasing the clearance. Caution: Do not operate the e-bike until you are satisfied that both the front and rear brakes are operational. 
Step 5: Installing the Light and Dynamo Assembly (Note: Installing of the light and dynamo assembly is optional. Some people prefer battery-powered LED light as opposed to dynamo-powered light.) Attach the light and dynamo assembly to the special receptacle on the right side of the fork for the front wheel. Tighten slightly. The front light has a wire already connected to the dynamo. Connect the loose electrical wire that runs from the rear light to the same connection point at the dynamo. Operate the lever to check that the two dynamo positions are properly assembled to the effect that the dynamo can engage and disengage from the front wheel. Tighten the nut and bolt. Test the installation again by checking that, in the engaged position with the front wheel turning, the lights are turned ON. Step 6: Installing the Seat and PedalsInsert the pedestal stem of the seat into the seat column of the main body frame, use the built-in lever to tighten. Attach a pedal on each side of the crank, tighten with the multi-wrench. Inflate the tires to proper pressure. At this point, your e-bike is a completely functional bicycle, although without any battery operated function as yet. Check all tightening points to make sure. Take a short ride. Adjust the height of the handlebar, and the height and the tilt of the seat, if necessary, for maximum comfort. Step 7: Installing and Charging the BatteryRemove the battery from the box and turn the switch to the ON position. The LEDs on the battery should light up to indicate that the battery is functional and that there is an appreciable amount of charge in the battery. Install the battery by first seating it at the base at an angle and then gently push it into a vertical position. You need to insert and turn the key anti-clockwise to lodge battery snugly into the top bracket. You should also see the charge level indicator at the handlebar will also light up. Remove the key, make sure the battery is in position and not movable. Turn OFF the battery. Remove the charger from the box, attached the power cord and insert that to any wall outlet. Insert the plug at the end of the smaller cable into the charging terminal of the battery and start charging. The charging terminal is on the side of the battery opposite to that of the switch. The LED on the charger glows RED while charging and glows GREEN when charging is complete. The battery should be turned OFF while being charged. When the LED on the charger turns Green, disconnect the charging cord and cover the charging terminal with the metal cap. The battery has a series of LEDs as charge level indicators. There is a similar series of LEDs on the handlebar. If a battery is installed on the e-bike and turned ON, the LED indicators will show the charge level of the battery. 
You are now ready to start using your e-bike. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 How to Determine Which Type of Bike to Buy When you go to buy a bike, you will find that you have a choice between mountain bikes, road bikes or hybrids. But which bike makes the most sense for you? Step 1 Everyone knows how to ride a bike. However, we all had to learn to do it at some point. Here are some tips on how to teach your child to ride their bike. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 After mounting the child on the seat, hold on the bike for a while during the ride. Give them confidence. And then let go. Repeat this step as necessary.Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 How to Pick a Bike for a Toddler A bike is a toddler's first real sign of independence. It is similar to when a teenager gets his first car and it's exciting for him and for you. The question, though, is how to pick a bike for a toddler with all of the choices available out there. Just follow these guidelines. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Take the extra time to plot out your bike tour, and your journey down the road will be much more enjoyable. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Step 10 How to Select the Right Battery! Some of our customers are confused to choose the right battery for themselves. Here, we'd like to share our ideas. Step 1 Step 3 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 • Riding a brand new bike around town is a great experience, everything works efficiently and you don't get strange clunks or whirrs as you go. You may find you have a similar feeling when you get your bike back from a full service at your bike shop. • The great thing is, if you take a little bit of time to regularly look after your bike you will retain it in this condition, making your ride faster and more enjoyable and extending the life of the bike. By keeping your bike in good condition it will be more reliable and you will need fewer replacement parts, so saving money Racing Bicycles - Light and Fast The Tour de France has existed for over 100 years. It is the most well-known bicycle race in the world, bar none, covering more than 2200 miles over the course of 23 days. Although it takes place primarily in France, its route often passes through neighboring countries. It is a test of endurance, skill and some of the most technologically advanced bicycles ever made. The bikes used in the Tour de France are racing bicycles, specially designed to deal with the numerous demands cyclists must put on them during a race. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the cycling association that oversees all competitive cycling events around the globe, defines the requirements of a racing bicycle. Racing bicycles are designed to do one thing-go fast. To that end, there are two important characteristics to this kind of bike. One, it is light weight, which means that the cyclist has to put in less effort to propel the bicycle; and two, its makeup is as aerodynamic as possible, up to and including the position assumed by the cyclist. It is the combination of these two attributes that allows the racing cyclists to attain the speeds they do for the amount of time required. Every component of a racing bicycle is designed to weigh as little as possible. The wheel rims, for example are usually made of aluminum alloy, a very lightweight material. Alternatively, some bicycles have carbon fiber rims, which weigh even less. Most such rims have triangular cross-sections, which allow for greater aerodynamic efficiency. To further reduce weight and increase aerodynamics, many racing bicycle wheels have as few spokes possible. Some high-end wheels have spokes with bladed cross-sections, which further reduce wind resistance. The tires of racing bicycles are lightweight, narrow and have a thin, smooth tread. They are inflated to a very high pressure, which increases the potential speed of the bike. The term "groupset" refers to the mechanical components of a racing bike, which exclude the frame, fork, wheel set, bars, stem, pedals, saddle and seat post. Derailleur gears are an essential part of any groupset. These gears consist of a chain, multiple sprockets (wheels with teeth), and a mechanism that shifts the chain from one sprocket to another. This system is what allows the racing cyclist to adjust his or her speed and effort according to the terrain. The shifting mechanism can be located on the bike's stem, handlebars or frame, but total integration systems utilize combine brake and shift levers that allow the cyclist to shift gears without moving his or her hand. Derailleur was developed in the late 19th century and aside from the introduction of total integration, they have changed little since that time. There are a number of different manufacturers who produce complete bicycle groupset, including Shimano, Campagnolo and Mavic, although the first two are probably the most well known. The various companies have different design philosophies, and cyclists are often loyal to one brand over all others. As with the non-groupset components, the mechanical elements of a racing bicycle should weigh as little as possible. As a result, carbon fiber has become popular in the manufacture of such elements. They are used for shifters, brake levers, cranks and parts of derailleur. Cycling can be an enjoyable pastime. It can also be a great way to beat the congestion on your way to work or school, and keeps you fit and saves money. Following a few simple road safety rules can keep you out of trouble, and help keep you and your bike safe on the roads. Riding Tips * Know the cyclists highway code * Be aware of your surroundings by looking and listening. Always give clear signals for your safety and for that of others. * Always look behind you for other vehicles before turning and changing direction and signal clearly by sticking out your arm wide on the direction you are about to travel. * Never go through red traffic lights, and think carefully about then to go through an amber signal. * Avoid undertaking large vehicles particularly at junctions as you may find them turning into you, or the space between you and them narrowing suddenly. Long vehicles turning left may swing to the right first. * Never cycle after heavy drinking or taking drugs. Being Seen* Make sure lights and reflectors are kept clean and in good working order. * At night, use lit front and rear lights and has an efficient red rear reflector. Wear something that is light colored, reflective or fluorescent to be seen by other road users. Maintenance and protection* Keep you bike in good working order: regularly checking brakes; keeping the saddle and handlebars properly adjusted; making sure gears and chains are working properly and are oiled; checking tyres are in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure. * Wearing cycle helmets. Where to Race Your Pocket Bike While many Pocket bike owners race their pocket bikes at competitions and go-kart tracks, others simply enjoy zipping around on their pocket bikes for recreational purposes in open local areas. There are many options for legally racing your pocket bike with friends and in organized competitions. A racing sanctioning body has been established to promote racing in North America called NAPRA, the North American Pocket Bike Racing Association. Go-kart tracks offer a road racecourse that is perfectly scaled to Pocket Bikes You can give your local go-kart track a call or get in touch with NAPRA itself to see if any tracks or leagues are offering racing in your area. Major kart tracks across the country have adopted pocket bike racing, and there are sure to be more as the national interest in pocket grows with every passing day. Outside of pocket bike competitions, you can ride your pocket bike on private property in enclosed courses. Here are some guidelines for recreational pocket bike riding: find a clear, open area that allows for high speeds, be sure there are no major obstacles or obstructions that could cause harm or injury, ride on a relatively smooth surface to maximize control, and steer clear of public roads and pedestrian-heavy areas. Is it legal to use electric bikes like ours on British roads? Yes. They even have backing from the government. In response to a question raised in Parliament September in 2003, Transport Minister George Jamieson MP stated on September 15, 2004: "Electrically assisted pedal cycles complying with the requirements in The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Construction and Use Regulations 1983 are able to use facilities provided for ordinary bicycles. The Government are committed to encouraging more cycling as a healthy, useful and enjoyable means of travel." In summary, under the regulations referred to above, an electric bicycle is not considered a motor vehicle and therefore does not require a licence, third-party insurance, road tax, registration plates if:
All our electric bicycles comply with these rules and with the new EN 15194 standard that will come into force across the European Union shortly. You will not need to register your bicycle, hold a licence, take out compulsory insurance or pay road tax. However, you must be aged 14 years or over. |
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