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Electric Bike Conversion Kit

eLation Ebike

Reviewed by Jo on 27 June 2008

Rating: / 5

Convert your pushbike to electric with the eLation system. Your electric bike can still be used on bike lanes and does not require a license. Avoid the traffic jams and get to work under your own steam or switch on the motor if you are feeling lazy or to get you up the hills, so you don’t arrive in a sweat.

 

The eLation system is a kit using the most advanced type of lithium battery, brushless motor and light alloy components to convert a standard bike to electric. Travel up to 40km (depending on speed and terrain) on a single charge or extend that by pedaling or a combination of pedal and motor.

 

A lithium iron phosphate LiFePO4 battery powers the 200 watt electric motor. A lever controls the speed and the gear wheel drives the motor. The design of the electric motor allows you to keep the original gears. Riding the converted electric bike does not require any license or insurance, it can still be used on bike paths, plus it’s easy to park.

 

The eLation Ebikes were featured on Australia’s New Inventors in 2006 where the invention was selected as Viewer’s Choice on the night and was voted into the Grand Finals.

 

NoMade from recycled materials
NoMinimises the use of pesticides / fertilizers
NoFairtrade
YesAussie made
YesSustainable
NoMinimises chemical use
YesLifecycle impacts considered

What does this table mean?

 

Options

  • 200W systems are the only road legal kits for Australia.
  • 300W systems are also available. They are road legal for New Zealand and off road use in Australia.
  • 500W systems should be available in the future.

 

The conversion kits are suitable for most types of bike straight from the box. Minor changes may be required in some circumstances. For assistance or advice contact info@elationbikes.com.au.

 

Cost – The 200W system is $1,300, 300W is $1,340. New batteries are currently around $400. Batteries are expected to last for around three years if charged daily.

 

Where to buy

Kits can be purchased online, or through agents throughout Australia.
 

 Raw material – The material for the lithium iron battery is sourced from China. The material for the alloys comes from Australia.  

 Manufacturing – The motor is made in Taiwan, the lithium battery is made in China, the remaining components are made in Australia. The parts are assembled in Australia using electric production machines and hand assembly tools.

 Distribution - The eLation system is distributed from a number of suppliers within Australia. Distribution is via courier.

 Product use – The eLation kit provides an alternative mode of transport to the car. The battery pack can be removed for safety while the bike is parked. The LiFePO4 battery pack can give up to 1000 charges before it needs to be replaced. The motor itself is quiet and non polluting (if renewable electricity is used for charging). Although the variable geared drive is more difficult to initially install, once installed it is virtually maintenance free providing moving parts are lubricated and that electrics do not get submerged.

The LiFePO4 battery is safer and has lower life cycle costs than other lithium ion cells

 Waste management – If you upgrade your bike, the eLation system can be transferred onto the new model. Batteries have an expected life of around three years. Currently there are no recycling programs for LiFePO4 batteries which are generally disposed of to landfill. However CSIRO are currently researching methods to separate out the lithium from the other metals to recycle.

The electric motor is made of approximately 80% of materials that can be recycled.

The product is packaged and delivered via courier. Packaging is minimized, incoming packaging is recycled and product packaging is reusable and can be recycled where facilities exist.

                                                                                                                                

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