Frequently Asked Questions..........Page 1

• The ecoLove is provided with a state of the art, Steplessly variable, electronic speed control. The rider controls the speed by a handlebar twist grip similar to the 'accelerator' of a motorcycle. The maximum speed depends on the road, wind and battery conditions as well as the weight of the rider and condition of the bike. Under optimum conditions, speeds upto 22 km/h are achievable. 18 km/h is a more likely figure.

How far can I go on it?

• At 18 km/h, it will go over 15 kilometers with no loss of power. After that, it will continue for another 3 to 4 kilometers at reduced speeds. This range may vary 3 kilometers either way, based on conditions such as hills and traffic. You can increase the range substantially by pedalling intermittently

How do I charge it?

• Simply connect the charger to the bike's battery and a 230 V outlet. A good charger will restore 70% of the charge in 3 hours and you're ready to go. It will charge to 'full charge' in about 6 hours, but this is not always necessary. The battery does not have a memory effect, so you can partially charge it with no degradation of the battery. A good habit is to charge it immediately after use so that it is always available. An occasional "Full Charge" is a must for battery longevity.

What will it cost to recharge the ecoLove?

• A six-hour recharge will cost around 1 Re. depending on electricity tariff in your area and condition of the battery.

What do these bikes cost ?

• Depends upon the basic bike model that you select . Please refer to the price list.

Where can I ride it ?

• Almost anywhere that you can ride a normal bicycle. Even inside large buildings like offices, airports, warehouses and stadiums where engine driven vehicles would not be allowed.

Where do I get it fixed if it develops an electrical problem ?

• If you bought it from an authorised dealer than that is the right place. Otherwise find a competent mechanic who has some electrical knowledge.

Can I climb hills with it ?

• You will get less tired climbing a hill with power assist. But the battery range will reduce to that extent.

Why don't you make an add-on kit for my bike ?

• We have add-on kits for many models of bikes. If you wish to install it yourself, you can have some fun, get some know-how and confidence for future maintenance and save some money too. We can provide detailed instructions on how to do it.

Can I order a particular model of bike that I prefer?

• Yes, provided they fall within certain criteria.

What about custom electronics and motors and gear ratios ?

• There is a lot more to this. There are features, such as power limiters, lighting power supplies, and auxiliary battery packs which we offer as options. Please consult us with any requests for your particular application.

What other models are under development ?

• We are developing a three wheeled version with many features for use by vendors, postmen, couriers, aged persons, ladies and for anyone who does not want to ride a two wheeled thing. A kit is also available for converting the hand-pedalled invalid three wheeler into a motor assisted vehicle.

Can I carry the charger with me?

• Certainly. Our charger weighs only 1 kg and fits in a backpack.

What if the battery runs out of power?

• It takes only a few days to learn the characteristics of the bike. The loss of power is an indication that you have only a few kilometers left. It doesn't just stop suddenly. So you reduce your speed and the remaining range goes up. At worst, you'll get home more slowly and be thriftier with the power next time.

Is it fragile?

• Not exactly. The basic bike is a standard bicycle. The mechanical parts and the motor that we have added are quite strong. Too much vibration on rough roads may affect the electronics and the battery. A little bit of care will go a long way.

How long does the battery lasts before it needs replacement?

• We expect about one or two years of usage with about a charge per day average. 400 to 600 cycles are realistic. Battery degradation is a gradual thing.

What is special about the ecoLove?

• Not only is the ecoLove a comfortable, balanced, high performance bike, but the electric assist turns you into a dedicated cyclist.

Will I go too fast?

• Above 20 km/h you're on your own. The electric assist stops assisting, while a freewheel keeps it from appreciably affecting the way you ride. The aim of the ecoLove is not to change your riding habits, but to let you do for a longer time, what you would otherwise be able to do on your own for a shorter time.

How much does the ecoLove weigh?

• The complete ecoLove weighs about 27 kgs. including a removable battery , electronics and a frame and motor drive.

Can the existing brakes safely stop the ecoLove?

• The brakes of the basic bicycle are quite adequate. The additional weight is only 12 kgs and the bike does not go fast unless you assist by pedalling very briskly.

Can I ride the ecoLove without assist?

• Absolutely! The ecoLove gives you only as much assist as you choose and you may turn off the system entirely. Because of the unique drive train, you will feel no added friction or drag when pedalling without the assist. The battery can be quickly removed (less than three seconds !) allowing rides without the added battery weight.

Where can I buy an ecoLove electric bicycle?

• ecoLoves are sold through independent bicycle dealers nation-wide and also directly from the manufacturer

How do I turn the unit on an off?

• A key operated switch is provided. In an emergency situation, battery connection can be easily pulled apart. Removing the battery itself is also very quick.

How long has the ecoLove been in development?

• We are working on this project for almost five years now. We went thru many ideas before finalising the present concept.

How many horsepower is the electric motor?

• Our electric motor is designed to provide up to 200 Watts (intermittent) of shaft power. This translates into approximately 0.25 Horsepower. On a continuous basis, a bicycle needs around 110 watts on smooth level road. (0.15 hp)

Does the battery get charged when braking or going downhill?

• While regenerative braking could generate a small amount of excess energy that could be put back into the batteries, our tests and system studies have shown that the benefits are very small and are counterbalanced by increased friction and drag. Moreover, recharging the batteries while riding can overcharge and damage them. Therefore we did not include regenerative braking in the ecoLove system. The ecoLove drive system has been designed so that the motor can stop turning when the bike is coasting. This reduces losses associated with spinning up the motor and a more pleasant riding experience.

What type of drive system is used on the ecoLove?

• ecoLove has integrated a second motorised chain into the rear hub of the bike. By utilising two chains we are able to keep the traditional bicycle "feel" when pedalling without assist.

What is the benefit of ecoLove's two-chain system?

• ecoLove's two-chain drive-train provides the ecoLove increased torque from the electric assist for acceleration and more effective hill climbing. By integrating the drive-train with multi-speed gear system (optional), you may take advantage of the bicycle gear shifting. This design will not limit your choice of tires, slip in wet conditions or generate excessive tire wear.

How many levels of drives are available on the ecoLove?

• You can select from two types of power assist to be combined with your own effort.

What is the warranty on the batteries, motor etc ?

• The basic bicycle frame and front fork etc are from a reputed bike manufacturer and would carry their own warrantee. Other mechanical parts carry a one-year warrantee. Electrical items like system electronics and the motor drive are warranted for 6 months from date of purchase. The batteries are warranted directly from the manufacturer. (See user manual for details and limitations)

Are there any security features designed into the ecoLove?

• A locking arrangement is provided for the battery as it is very easy to remove. The whole bike should be protected by the user with conventional locks.

Does the battery have a "memory" like the cellular phone battery ?

• No! Unlike the Nickel Cadmium batteries found in most computers and cellular phones, the ecoLove battery may be partially recharged at any time. Our "Smart charger" recharges the 12-volt sealed lead acid battery without over-charging. You can leave the charger connected to the battery whenever the bike is not in use.

How long to recharge the battery pack?

• The battery can be completely recharged in 4-8 hours depending on the battery condition using the standard battery charger.

Can I charge the battery faster.

• Yes. Higher ampere charger can do this. But unless you are very careful, fast charging can damage the battery. There are more expensive special batteries that can be fast charged. But the cost is prohibitive.

How long will the batteries last?

• The ecoLove system reserves the bottom 30% of the battery to prolong its life. Without this system, a completely drained battery would give only 100 recharges. By using 70% of the battery capacity we increase the number of recharges to 400-600 cycles. If you use only half of the available charge, you can get up to 700-800 cycles. As you can see, the battery life is dependent on how often you use it and how deeply you discharge it. Riding 10 kilometers with normal pedalling 4 to 5 times per week would allow about 2 years of battery life. If you keep recharging after every short trip also, the battery life will extend.

What about Solar battery charging ?

• A really good idea. Makes the bike more eco-friendly. Photo Voltaic (PV) panels are available from many sources. You also need a charge controller. You will still need a battery charger for cloudy days, overnight charging and 'boost' charging.

What is the maintenance on the ecoLove ?

• Normal bicycle maintenance is required. The bicycle, battery, motor, and drive system can be washed off and wiped dry while the system is turned off. Chain adjustment and lubrication is just like that on a normal bicycle.

Can the motor overheat?

• If you continuously use full throttle without the bike reaching some speed, the motor can overheat. That is why we suggest using pedals for accelerating and motor for going at constant speed. A bit of overheating is quite harmless.

How do I get spare parts for my ecoLove?

• Most mechanical items are available at bicycle shops. The special items that we have added will be available at authorized dealers or from the place you bought your ecoLove from. How do I find the serial number on my bike?

  Bicycles have their serial numbers and model numbers engraved on the frame.

  It's a good idea to write the bike's model number and serial number in the Owner's Manual for future reference.

How long will the belt last?

• Our belt has been high-torque, high-heat, and high-speed tested in industrial and automotive usage. Very unlikely to wear out soon.

What if I want to go longer distances ?

• Some pedalling increases the range substantially. You can also carry a spare battery complete with mounting clamp. You can buy, borrow or rent this spare battery.

Do I need any special skills to ride an ecoLove ?

• No special skills are needed. If you can ride a bicycle then you can ride an ecoLove

Will it fit on women's bicycle? ( called step-through or lady's bicycle)

• Yes, if you order that way. Other than different mounting, the step-through systems perform the same as the standard systems.

What happens if the battery gets wet in the rain?

• The battery on the ecoLove is very well sealed against moisture and is therefore very safe. There is absolutely no problem riding in the rain or through shallow pools of water. Of course you should never submerge electrical items.

Do I always have to pedal?

• Not really. You do have a choice. Although capable of pushing you along without help, electric bikes are designed to work with your pedalling. When you add light pedalling, you'll notice quicker acceleration, faster top speeds, and better pulling power. The average person who rides at 10 km/h on a standard bike can do 15-20 km/h on an e-bike with the same effort.

What happens if I don't "recharge promptly after each ride"?

• When left discharged, batteries become "content" or "dull" at that reduced voltage. Then they resist being charged to full capacity. However, simply adding a trickle charge (or discharge) prevents the battery from becoming complacent.

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