Frequently Asked Questions..........Page 2

• The ecoLove is significantly different from existing competitive bicycles in that it has a direct drive, two-chain system, that has been integrated with the original hub. Many bikes have a drive through a friction roller that slips (especially in wet condition) and damages the tyre. They also require particular types of tires to be used. Another main difference is the method of speed control.

What kind of speed control mechanism is used ?

• The twist grip control changes some electrical parameters in a circuit. To control the speed of a D C motor we need a variable voltage D C power source. However if you take a 12V motor and switch on the power, the motor will start to speed up: but not immediately so it will take a small time to reach full speed. If we switch the power off sometime before the motor reaches full speed, then the motor will start to slow down. If we switch the power on and off quickly enough, the motor will run at some speed part way between zero and full speed. This is exactly what our controller does: it switches the motor on in a series of pulses hundreds of times per second. To control the motor speed it varies the width of the pulses - hence known as Pulse Width Modulation.

How about braking? Does the motor fight against the braking ?

• Braking is just like normal. The added weight is not noticeable when stopping. The throttle is spring-loaded to 'off'

I live on a steep hill. Will the ecoLove pull me up it ?

• With light pedalling, you can ride up most hills faster than normal. However, very steep hills present a problem for the standard system. Steep hills overload the system. If you encounter such hills regularly, consider getting a 'Hill-Climber' System. A 'Hill-Climber' System provides better hill-climbing ability at the expense of top speed (reduced from 18kmph to 12kmph due to a different gear ratio)

How easy is it to install the drive myself ?

• With most of the things preassembled, it's easy. Allow four hours to read the instructions and perform the installation. Before starting, check out our installation tips.

Are there any special characteristics of the ecoLove battery?

• Yes. When new, it require a few charging cycles before the battery reaches its full capacity. Lead-acid batteries do not have a memory effect like nickel cadmium batteries. However, they will deteriorate if left uncharged. You must always charge the battery promptly after each use to ensure a long life. This may mean taking the charger with you. Cared for properly, the battery is good for over 500 charges. Cared for poorly may result in 200 or fewer charges. (The special charger supplied with your ecoLove will not overcharge the battery.)

Do you have a gauge that tells me how much power remains in the battery?

• Although ecoLove offers an optional fuel gauge, most people rely on "feel". A few miles from battery drained, it will seem that you're not going as fast. It's like a flashlight where, as the battery drains down, the light gets yellow and then dim over time. As your battery nears the end of it's range, it won't feel powerful enough.

We read and hear about many new types of batteries. Why have you selected the old-fashioned lead acid type battery for the ecoLove ?

• The main reason is price and easy availability. Also important is indigenous production.

  Comparison of Batteries .

• e.g. Lithium Ion battery is 25 times more expensive for the same range as a lead acid battery. And 100 times more expensive for the same weight which will give you only four times more range.

Can I change the top speed by having a different gear ratio in the drive system ?

• Altering the Top Speed is possible. This will be a long and technical answer.

  The ecoLove is supplied with a 9 or 10 tooth chain sprocket and a 22 tooth freewheel. We consider this set up ideal for general city driving and minor hill climbing.

  Upon request, we can also supply a 11 or 12 tooth sprocket in place of the standard sprocket. With a larger sprocket, the top speed will be increased to about, and acceleration will be reduced and some hill climbing ability will be lost. Range will also suffer if you maintain high speeds without pedaling (See explanation below).

  Although we consider the factory set ups to be ideal for the design, it is possible to change the drive ratio, and thus alter top speed and acceleration characteristics. Before attempting this, there are several aspects which should be considered. The factory set up provides both, some hill climbing abilities and a top speed of about 18 kmph.

  The drive system has an overall speed reduction ratio of about 12.5 The motor peak speed is limited to about 3000 RPM. The motor speed is transmitted to the rear wheel first through a cogged belt that provides 5.13:1 speed reduction, and then via a chain and sprocket set that provides a further 2.44:1 speed reduction.

  If you would like to alter the chain ratio, this can be accomplished by changing the size of the sprocket. These are available with 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 teeth . For each tooth you increase in size, the top speed will theoretically increase. The opposite is true if you decrease the size of the sprocket (or increase the size of the freewheel). Less ratio (i.e. less than 12.5:1) equates to higher top speed, but less hill climbing ability and acceleration. More ratio equates to lower top speed, but more acceleration and hill climbing ability.

  Too much speed can result into too much heat and over-temperature problems. One other thing you should know, about batteries, if you are thinking about changing chain ratios or altering top speed. Batteries actually change the amount of energy they will deliver ("Capacity") depending upon how quickly they are discharged. This is called the "C" rate. "C" stands for "Capacity" "C/1" means the entire battery capacity is discharged in 1 hour, "C/0.5" means the entire battery capacity is discharged in one-half (0.5) hour, and so on. In general, the higher the number in the denominator, the better the battery will perform.

  In other words, discharging slowly (gentle riding) will equate to more battery capacity and longer range. For example, the battery delivers 15 amp-hours at a C/20 rate, but only 10 amp-hours at a C/2 rate and only about 7 amp-hours at a C/1 rate. The ecoLove with its factory set-up is designed to cruise at 15-18 km/h for about one hour. In other words, it is designed with a C/1 battery discharge rate. (when new, and gaining some capacity after an initial period of usage. Batteries work better after a break-in period.).

  If you travel faster than 13 km/h, the battery discharge rate will be higher In other words, the faster you go, the faster the batteries discharge. Because batteries are chemical processes, they have a limit as to how fast the chemical processes can take place. By discharging the batteries quickly, some of the capacity is lost. Faster speed means less range, because not only do you have more wind resistance, but you also have less battery capacity Altering the set up of your ecoLove may also change the status of your warranty. Read your warranty, and please consult with an ecoLove dealer if you have questions.

I've still got more questions. Whom to ask ?

• ---------------------------------------------------Write a letter or email to info@ecozen.com

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