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Charging Ebikes


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CA on 6/30/2021 7:28:25 AM:
I am planning a trip to ride the Katy Trail next year. I have some people that want to participate but are not avid bike riders. I saw that E Bikes are allowed on the trail.

We are wanting to do an end to end ride averaging 50-70 miles a day.

Are there sufficient places along the trail to charge the bikes?

 
Ray (webmaster) on 6/30/2021 8:04:44 AM:
Hopefully we'll hear from experienced ebike riders - I really don't know much about ebikes, but this seems to be a hot topic so I did a little googling after seeing your question.

Here's what I found out:

- most ebikes go anywhere from 20 to 50 miles on a charge, depending on the size of battery and how much assistance is used during the ride

- ebikes take 2.5 to 6 hours to fully charge; again this depends on your battery, model, etc

- once you get charged up to 80-90%, it's not an efficient use of time to wait around to get to "full"

- ebikes use regular power outlets; you'll need to carry a charging cord

- good places to charge: restaurants, libraries, convenience stores, any place that might have an outdoor power outlet

- check with the business before plugging in

Obviously you will charge up overnight, but you'll probably also need to recharge once or twice during the day as well if you're planning 50+ miles per day. Lunch would be a good time to do this, just stop somewhere that can provide an outlet.

I've never really noticed whether the trailheads have power outlets. If they do, this seems like a very convenient option. But again, you'll have to plan a nice long rest stop while waiting for the recharge.

Again I am not an expert, but based on the above info, there should be ample places along the trail to recharge. Just use the maps and business listings to make a rough plan for good recharging points, remember to always ask the business first, and be prepared to hang out for a few hours.

This is a useful link where I found most of this info: https://www.cynergyebikes.com/about-ebikes-s/117.htm

Good luck with your trip!

 
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 6/30/2021 10:07:46 AM:
I guess you could buy a trailer and carry a gas generator with you, just make sure you pull off the trail before firing up that charge station. ;-)

 
Katy Trail Supporter from Katy Trail-End to End on 7/1/2021 4:26:59 PM:
Ray has useful e-bike info. I ride the KT with an e-bike (Class 3 but don’t tell anyone) and haven’t noticed trailheads with outlets. Just plan a stop where you purchase something an ask for maybe a 1-2 hr. charge (+20-40% battery level ) but not a large group at the same time. 60 miles is my longest distance on a 100% charge doing low level power setting about 16-18 mph max. I have 480wh battery too. You only need a throttle assist e-bike if it is heavy 60 lbs an your on sand or very loose chad. Pedal assist Class 1 or 3 are the best e-bikes.
Since we’re getting infrastructure money ?? having MDR add exterior outlets to trailheads would be nice for e-bikes.