Owner | Mark Smith |
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Owner's Other EVs | 2021 CycleBoard Elite Pro 2012 Organic Transit Naked ELF 2FR 2019 Segway-Ninebot GoKart 2007 Optibike 600 2012 HCF 301 Scooter 2018 GoMonster HoverKart 2018 Hoverseat XL Kit |
Location | Hillsborough, North Carolina United States map |
Web/Email | WebPage |
Vehicle | 2014 Optibike Helia This series of Optibike ebikes included a more ergonomic seat than most e-bikes along with ergonomic bar grips. The monocoque frame has custom patterns painted as requested by the person who ordered this ebike. Otherwise the Helia is similar to the R8 series. |
Motor | Optibike Brushless DC The electric drive train is a custom 750w geared DC mid-drive motor. The updated motor in this Helia uses ceramic and delrin gears and is MUCH quieter than the prior generation. |
Drivetrain | Human power is delivered from the bike crank through a chain drive to a 14 speed Rohloff SpeedHub. The electric motor uses an integrated freewheel in the bottom bracket to merge torque from the attached pedal arms with the bottom bracket motor. |
Controller | Optibike Custom controller with charge controller integrated. |
Batteries | 37.00 Volt, Lithium-Ion Custom internal frame 29Ah battery pack. Optional external frame mount 37V/14Ah battery pack was available until ~2014. We have one external pack that still holds over 75% of original rated Ah capacity. |
System Voltage | 37 Volts |
Charger | High Power 37V 3A |
Instrumentation | Custom battery state of charge and operating controls are included with dual-LED lights mounted on the handlebar. |
Top Speed | 31 MPH (49 KPH) In 14th gear heavily pedalling, full throttle, slight downhill to a radar speed sign. |
Range | 50 Miles (80 Kilometers) This is another Light EV we have never taken more than 25 mi from home base. With the range extending battery pack, we estimate we could go 80 mi on rolling terrain. |
Watt Hours/Mile | 14 Wh/Mile |
Seating Capacity | 1 |
Curb Weight | 56 Pounds (25 Kilograms) Without the spare battery pack or any rack, this ebike is right at 56lb. With the range extending battery pack the weight jumps to 78lb. |
Tires | Scwhalbe Evolution DD Marathon Mondail 26"x2.15" Double Defense touring tires. This is a full suspension "trail ebicycle" with air filled Fox shock pair in the front and one frame mounted Fox air shock for the rear. |
Conversion Time | Two months. |
Conversion Cost | ~$5k |
Additional Features | Optional: an extended range external battery pack was available in 2014. We obtained a refreshed external pack and it increased the range by ~2/3. The external pack replaces the rear fender on this or our 2007 Optibike 600. |
This was purchased from the manufacturer, Optibikes LLC, as a completely refurbished ebike in April 2020 on the recommendation of a female member of our group as one of the few ebikes on the market designed with feedback from women. Legend: before refurbishing it was ridden on set of a well known streamed "TV" show by an unnamed actress! A Triad EV Association (TEVAnc.org) member Light EV (LEV). |