RVing with E-Bikes

[sheridany]

@Rich W. you might want to consider folding e bikes that can stow in your basement unless you want to ride trails then they won’t work.

Lectric eBikes - Electric Bikes Built so Everyone Can Ride

True adventure starts with Lectric eBikes, one of the fastest growing electric bike companies in the nation. The flagship XP 2.0 series offers the most accessible, affordable Class 3 ebike in America, designed to be foldable – with elite features like fat tires, variable peddle assist and...

lectricebikes.com

 

[AbdRahim]

On securing your e-bike, I was informed by the management at one coastal park I recently visited, that there is a ring of e-bike thieves working the west coast, paying transients to go into RV parks specificially to steal e-bikes which they then re-sell. Sounds a little far-fetched, but these days… So I’ll take the warning seriously and lock up the frames and wheels and if the batteries are removable without a key, I’ll keep them inside. I also will not buy used from Craigslist for a variety of reasons, this one included.

The phenomenon is real. A retired local police ifficer here on the east coast had his weapon stolen from his truck, in the campground. The thieves were caught. It was discovered that these people are sent around the country and trained to steal certain items. In one night items were stolen from many vehicles here. Lovely world without moral values.

 

[Scotttkd2]

Hi Rich, I was in an RV park in coastal San Diego county last Jan where I know the owners, and they indicated they were having ebikes stolen nightly. Sign of the times I'm sad to say.

 

[Neal]

I've enjoyed my Trek PowerFly 4 but it's heavy and I really enjoyed my Trek Marlin 7 mountain bike which I still have. They are heavy and they are hot items for theft and after a few bikes got stolen while several of us were in AZ we all got bike insurance. I went with this company, around $200/year.

Bicycle insurance to protect all cyclists | Velosurance

Protect your bicycle or e-bike against theft and accidental damage with bicycle insurance. Medical, liability and vehicle contact coverages are also available.

velosurance.com

I also use a bike alarm and Apple AirTag under the seat.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com: Apple AirTag 4 Pack : Electronics

Amazon.com: Apple AirTag 4 Pack : Electronics

www.amazon.com

 

[Rich W.]

Bought a pair of these today: Turbo Tero 3.0 | Specialized.com
each with rack, light, kickstand, fender kit, and probably a few extras like some bags, helmets and stuff. One meduim (for the boss), one XL for me.

 

[Gizmo]

Too bad, they don't make E-Bikes like my three-wheel electric scooter. If you try to push it without the key in it the motor will power on and will spin the wheels in small burst forward and then in reverse and the siren goes off.

 

[Rich W.]

These have a walk-the-bike mode with light assist since they weigh 51lbs. I guess if you get a flat and have to walk a ways…I don’t know. But its there if you need it. Actually you can adjust the assist in 10% increments, with your phone no less. There’s an app for that….

Since I probably mis-read your post and have it backwards, they also have a motion sensing alarm that will tell you someone is messing with your bike. I think I’ll get insurance so I don’t have to worry too much; that and some decent locks.

 

[Jim]

I think I’ll get insurance so I don’t have to worry too much; that and some decent locks.

Very nice bikes. I think insurance would be a prudent move.

 

[Rich W.]

Today was gadgets and add-ons day. Among other things, for my wifes bike I got a cell phone mount as per her request. I’m going with a cycling GPS. I chose a simple one because I don’t need all the extra capabilities of the latest/greatest.

The GPS Store, Inc. GPS Systems, Marine Electronics

The GPS Store, Inc. Official Site - The Worlds Favorite Source for Marine Electronics, Garmin GPS units, Furuno, Lowrance, Raymarine & Accessories.

www.thegpsstore.com

I bought one of these for each bike: Garmin Varia RTL515 Radar Tail Light | The GPS Store . Apparently it sends an audible and visible signal to the display or compatible phone when traffic approaches from the rear, as well as providing another tail light.

Also a little bag that is secured snugly under the seat that will contain a spare inner tube, some basic tire tools, and a couple CO2 tire inflator kits, and a small bag that rides on the top of frame just behind the gooseneck for keys, wallet, phone etc. The bike sales guy recommended against a handle bar bag for handling reasons. Bigger bags for the rear rack will come after need/want is determined.
Lizard Skins Mega Cache Saddle Bag

Profile Design Aero E-Pack TopTube/Stem Bag

 

[sheridany]

I am glad my DW hasn’t seen this thread.

 

[paxdiver]

Well, I've finally joined the E-Bike club. I've absolutely loved my Trek Marlin 7 and will keep her, she's going to get fixed up in Flagstaff in a week from the little incident I mentioned on this site leaving Vegas not long ago. But this past week I took the leap of BROKENESS and bought a Trek Powerfly 4 electric mountain bike. It's nearly identical to my Trek Marlin 7 but with improved components and a 500W battery. I went to South Tempe to test ride it and it was a grin ear to ear with the torque and power of the motor. Great reviews on the Bosch CX Performance motor, and it rode nice. While I enjoyed my Trek Marlin 7 I never really rode it outside of the campground due to my stellar physical shape (literally and figuratively) but I think this is going to give me that nudge to get out of the campground, go find bike paths either paved or trails as I can take it anywhere and get outdoors more. So far in the few days I've had it, Amazon has made about 214 deliveries and I got all of the goodies I want on it including a top of the line Kryptonite U-Lock.

Who else has entered this evolution of crazy expensive biking but joy of riding opportunies abound?

Powerfly 4 Gen 3 - Trek Bikes

Discover your next great ride with Powerfly 4. See the bike and visit your local Trek retailer. Shop now!

www.trekbikes.com

I have done the same, e-bike has been liberating. Bad knees have finally slowed me down for hiking. The bike had opened the door. I absolutely love the e-bike. When planning camp sites I research nearby bike paths and trails. Good luck with your adventures!

 

[Neal]

Make sure your bike rack can handle the weight of your bikes. Know the limits and also do not travel with a bike cover on as I did and nearly took out a Loves fuel truck! Thread on here somewhere.

 

[NWIP]

I highly recommend having insurance as we had one stolen and 2 drowned in hurricane Ian. This is company we had them insured after first one was stolen. Ultimately policy is written by Markel at about $145 per bike for a year.

Spoke Insurance

Bicycle Insurance for cyclists in America

www.spokeinsurance.com

 

[Rich W.]

Make sure your bike rack can handle the weight of your bikes. Know the limits and also do not travel with a bike cover on as I did and nearly took out a Loves fuel truck! Thread on here somewhere.

I’m building a custom rack to hold these bikes. Part of it will be removable and double as a bike rack, all of it lockable. And I will get insurance. My first quote was over $300/year so I like the suggestion above from @NWIP. I’ll also check with a couple others that I use for various things. I’m up to a little over $9k for two bikes (“had to” upgrade one) so it makes sense to insure them.

 

[Jim]

I’m building a custom rack to hold these bikes. Part of it will be removable and double as a bike rack, all of it lockable. And I will get insurance. My first quote was over $300/year so I like the suggestion above from @NWIP. I’ll also check with a couple others that I use for various things. I’m up to a little over $9k for two bikes (“had to” upgrade one) so it makes sense to insure them.

Darn Rich, I've owned cars that didn't cost that much.

 

[Rich W.]

Darn Rich, I've owned cars that didn't cost that much.

Like my ‘70 Challenger or ‘64 Chevy pickup, Corvair Van (Greenbriar Sports Wagon I traded for the labor on a brake job) or a handful of VWs, and countless dirt bikes, and many other cars I can’t remember, all of which I bought for $200 or less? Yeah, I’ve had similar thoughts.

Along with the enjoyment of longer rides, ease of getting back to base, and some minor exhilaration, I’m hoping for a health benefit without sacrificing my knees, or worse. I also want to spend some of my $$ on myself rather than leave it behind, but it is a bit of a balancing act since I’d also rather not run out early either. So far it looks like I’ll be ok.

This is also my Christmas present to us and one is red, the other green, and you can’t pick colors if you want to buy inventory in stock, so it must have been meant to be. Anyway Im not taking any cruises, or traveling to Europe, and don’t have kids in school, so….new toys. I’ll post some pics when I pick them up in a week or so. And of course we have more than ten times this much in the DW‘s horses so this is cheap by comparison.

 

[Jim]

I also want to spend some of my $$ on myself rather than leave it behind, but it is a bit of a balancing act since I’d also rather not run out early either.

Yes, lol, I deal with this equation on a daily basis.

 

[Rich W.]

I highly recommend having insurance as we had one stolen and 2 drowned in hurricane Ian. This is company we had them insured after first one was stolen. Ultimately policy is written by Markel at about $145 per bike for a year.

Spoke Insurance

Bicycle Insurance for cyclists in America

www.spokeinsurance.com

So far two on-line bike insurance quotes came out around $380/year for one bike. I’ll try progressive and state farm since I use them on other stuff. It might be covered for theft under my home owners.

Edit: This is the Tero 5.0 that I “had to” upgrade to after running the numbers on the range calculator. Interestingly with the more powerful motor and bigger battery, this brings us within one mile of range and 100’ of elevation change under the same conditions with the extra 90lbs that my bile will be carrying over the DW’s 3.0. If we were both riding the 3.0 version, I would have about 26% less range. I had this $1600+ realization late last night and made the change today. Probably get the bikes at the end of next week.

 

[NWIP]

I will say I had better luck after I called Spoke than the online quote, I asked if there was a multiple bike discount . Also our bike’s are class 1 and I think rate is higher for class 2/3 bikes.

 

[Rich W.]

I will say I had better luck after I called Spoke than the online quote, I asked if there was a multiple bike discount . Also our bike’s are class 1 and I think rate is higher for class 2/3 bikes.

Thanks. I’ll call - it’s almost always the best way to get things done. These bikes are class 1 unless you do a firmware change. I found this article and chart on the three classes interesting - I didn’t even know about this a few days ago.
What Are the Classes of Ebikes? Where Can Ebikes Be Ridden?