Study Guide
Electric Bike Basics Pedego Electric Bikes make riding more fun. You can pedal normally (or not), and get power when you want it. You have the freedom to go farther and faster, and to conquer hills and headwinds with ease. It feels like being a kid again! How fast? All Pedego Electric Bikes are governed at 32 km/h in accordance with the power assisted bicycle classification provided by Transport Canada. How far? Range varies between 30 and 120 km (or further). Depending on the battery, rider weight, terrain and surface, tire pressure, weather, speed, and level of pedaling. How long to charge? Our batteries take 2-6 hours to charge from a standard wall outlet, depending on battery size. Your pedaling conserves the battery, but doesn t charge it. What about exercise? Pedego owners actually get more exercise because it s so much fun that they ride more than they ever would on a pedal-only bike. There are studies to back this up!
Just like a regular bike only better! MOTOR State-of-the-art geared motor delivers best in class hill climbing and acceleration. BATTERY Lightweight, long-lasting lithium battery with Samsung or Panasonic cells and an industry-leading two-year full replacement warranty. THROTTLE Comfortable and convenient twist-and-go throttle for full power on demand.
Throttle and Pedal Assist THROTTLE In Canada, we are fortunate to have the luxury of throttles on our electric bikes which are forbidden in Europe. Throttles provide full power on demand and customers love them because they give us complete control. They re especially helpful for getting started from a standstill (sometimes it can be awkward to gain momentum), getting a quick burst of power to climb a hill, or safely getting through an intersection. If you can t pedal, or you just don t feel like it, that s okay too. PEDAL ASSIST Pedal assist systems sense your pedaling and provide assistance automatically. They re most popular among experienced cyclists that want a more natural, bike-like riding experience. Pedal assist is wonderful for long rides with few stops on relatively flat ground, because you can just relax and enjoy the ride without holding a throttle in place. It s like cruise control. BOTH IS BEST Our experience shows that the ideal electric bike has both pedal assist and a throttle, and the next best thing is one with only a throttle. All Pedego Electric Bikes sold in the Canada have a throttle, and the large majority of them also have the option of pedal assist. We don t have any bikes that are pedal assist only (except what we send overseas), simply because most people like the choice. Even if you prefer pedal assist, why wouldn t you want the option of using a throttle?
Hub Motors vs Mid-Drive A hub motor is the indisputable choice for most people. The riding experience can t be beat, and it s the most affordable option. It s the best of both worlds! We speak from experience on this subject. Pedego is not necessarily opposed to mid-drive motors. In fact, we ve experimented with several of the top systems. However, they haven t lived up to our standards. Plus we ve found most people simply don t like the way it feels riding a bike with a mid-drive motor especially when compared to our hub motor. Bottom line: You pay more and get less with mid-drive motors. A possible exception to this rule is certain hardcore cyclists that prefer mid-drive motors for technical mountain biking. Power and Freedom Most quality mid-drive systems come from Europe where strict laws limit the power to 250 watts and forbid the use of a throttle. Canadians are allowed (and prefer) more powerful motors and the freedom to use a throttle. All Pedego Electric Bikes sport 500 watt motors with significantly more power than a typical mid-drive, and they provide full power on demand with a twist-and-go throttle. A 500W motor is the maximum allowed by Transport Canada for it to qualify as a Power Assisted Bicycle.
Maintenance Mid-drive motors can be high maintenance. They put much higher strain on the drivetrain of the bike and cause the chain, chain ring, derailleur, and cassette to wear out more rapidly than usual. These parts are expensive and inconvenient to replace. Hub motors are completely sealed and self-contained, and they require no additional maintenance. User-Friendly Mid-drive motors use complicated electronics to coordinate the motor s power with your pedaling and shifting. It is much more important to be in the correct gear when you are riding a mid-drive motor. You are forced to constantly shift gears while riding, and it s not as smooth as shifting a regular bike (or one with a hub motor). Many people are intimidated and/or annoyed by all this extra hassle. The bottom line is it s easy to learn how to ride bikes with hub motors and it s more fun. They seamlessly deliver power right where it s needed working totally independent of your pedaling and gear shifting. It s similar to the difference between driving a manual and automatic car. HUB MOTOR Throttle (On all Pedego bikes) Powerful (All Pedego motors are 500 watts) Maintenance Free Fun and Easy to Ride Affordable MID-DRIVE No Throttle (usually) Less power (usually 250 watts) Higher Maintenance Constant Shifting Required More Expensive These are all great reasons to prefer a hub motor over a mid-drive, but the most important reason is impossible to describe: it s the way they actually feel when you ride them. We like hub motors better. Most people agree. We think you will too.
Battery Placement For everyday riding conditions, the obvious place for the battery is the rear rack. It s the most convenient and logical way to carry extra weight on any bike. Most experienced bicycle commuters and tourists carry their luggage on the rear rack for the same reason it just makes sense. For extreme and off-road riding it s nice to have the weight of the battery more evenly distributed in the down-tube of the bike with a lower center of gravity. The Pedego Trail Tracker and Ridge Rider both feature a down-tube battery for that style of riding. But not everyone is a hardcore mountain biker, and the difference is hardly noticeable for the average electric bike rider. For casual riding or commuting on typical streets and paths, it s kind of like splitting hairs. Mag Wheels Mag wheels are made of a special magnesium blend to be incredibly strong. They are a great option for heavier riders that otherwise might not be able to safely ride. They are maintenance free because there are no spokes to replace or adjust. They also look pretty cool. Mag wheels are available as an upgrade on Boomerang Plus and 26 Interceptors only.
Battery Information RANGE The most common question people have is how far can the bike go? The short answer to this question is far enough! Generally speaking, any Pedego battery should last longer than you. We don t hear many stories of people running out of juice. With that said, this can be a complicated question because there isn t a standard and everybody makes vastly different claims about range. So we ll go over some simple math that can help you objectively predict the range of any electric bike. All batteries have both a Voltage and Amp Hour rating. If you multiply the two together, you get Watt Hours. Watt Hours is a measurement of the amount of energy stored in a battery. Volts x Amp Hours = Watt Hours This is where it gets tricky, because there are so many variables. On average, you can expect to use between 7-15 watt hours per kilometre. This number fluctuates so much because of differences in terrain, rider weight, weather, speed, how many times you stop and start and (most importantly) how much you pedal. Below is a table with the estimated range for an average rider for some typical Pedego batteries.
V A h WATT HOURS ESTIMATED RANGE (7-15 Wh/km) STANDARD 36 10 360 25-50 km (7-15 Wh/km) LONG RANGE 36 15 540 35-75 km POWERFUL 48 10 480 30-70 km PREMIUM 48 15 720 45-100 km *The Stretch (48V 13Ah & 48V 17Ah), Ridge Rider, and Trail Tracker (48V 14Ah) models have slightly different batteries, but the idea is the same. SELECTION Pedego offers a range of different batteries that are classified by their voltage and amp-hour ratings. The voltage determines how powerful the bike will feel and the amp-hours determine how far you can go on a single charge. Choosing the right battery for you depends on individual need and budget. You can use this chart to help people make the right choice. 36V 48V 10AH Experience shows that most people are completely satisfied with the standard 36V 10Ah battery. It usually provides more than enough power and range, and it s the most affordable option. The more powerful 48V 10Ah battery is best for riders over 200 pounds and for overcoming steep hills or strong headwinds. The extra power makes it more fun and exciting to ride. 15AH The extended range 36V 15Ah battery is best for trips over 30km or if you plan to pedal very little (or not at all). It can really come in handy to have excess capacity. The 48V 15Ah battery is the best of both worlds, and it s the most popular option. It has all the power of the 48V 10Ah battery and the extended range of the 36V 15Ah.
Battery Life You can expect your battery to last about 2-4 years. Lithium batteries usually won t stop working altogether. What happens is they gradually lose their capacity over time. Pedego batteries are backed up by an industry-leading two-year full replacement warranty. To prolong the life of your battery it s suggested that you: Avoid high temperatures e.g. storing cars during summer or in direct sunlight for long periods Avoid regularly discharging it completely; keep it topped up as lithium ion batteries don t have memories. It is ok to run the battery flat now and again so long as it is recharged promptly. Avoid storing it at 100% when possible and avoid leaving it plugged into the charger for long periods of time. If the battery is to be stored for long periods (e.g. winter), try and store it between 80% and 40% charge. Check every month or so to make sure you still have some green lights and top up as necessary. Do not let your battery go flat for a long period of time or it may not be recoverable! Charging Time A battery will take between 2-6 hours to charge with a standard wall outlet. It uses very little energy about ten cents worth! Pedego bikes have a smart charger that will automatically shut off when it s done. Ideally,
charge the battery when you are present and don t leave it charging overnight (see battery tips above). As the battery is a dense source of energy, it is industry best practice to charge in an area where any overheating of the battery wouldn t cause problems. This applies to any large lithium-ion battery. Battery Cells Pedego batteries are made up of individual Li-ion cells designated 18650 because of their size (18mm x 65mm). These are very common cells found in countless consumer electronics, electric bicycles, and even electric cars. There are basically two types of 18650 cells: those made by reputable, name brand suppliers, and everything else. The name brand cells are naturally much more safe and reliable than cheaper cells. Pedego Electric Bikes use premium cells made by name brand suppliers Samsung and Panasonic. Charge by Pedaling The battery is charged by plugging it into the wall, and the more you pedal the farther you can go. Your pedaling conserves the battery, but it doesn t actually charge it. The technology does exist that would allow you to charge your bike by pedaling, but it s expensive and we ve found that it just doesn t make sense in the real world. The type of motor required to do this is typically less efficient than the Pedego geared hub motors and any range gains are offset by the loss in efficiency. It also makes it harder to pedal, and that s not fun! Even under the most ideal conditions, like riding downhill, the amount of energy you would get back is minimal.
Maintenance Aside from keeping your battery charged, maintaining a Pedego Electric Bike is the same as any bicycle. After the bike s been ridden about 100 km or so, you ll need a basic tune-up. This is standard procedure for all new bikes as they re broken in. The most important (and simple) thing you can do is check your tire pressure regularly, and keep them inflated as indicated on the tire. If you re riding in wet conditions, you ll want to take extra care and make sure you keep your drivetrain clean and well-lubed. Other than that, you ll likely need minor adjustments from time to time, and even the best parts do eventually wear out. We suggest you bring your bike into a Pedego dealer for a check-up at least once or twice a year to ensure the most safe and pleasant riding experience.
Comparing Models CITY COMMUTER & INTERCEPTOR The Interceptor and City Commuter are our two most popular models and have more similarities than differences. Neither is better than the other, it s just a matter of preference. The first difference is that the Interceptor is only available with the 48V battery and neither of the 36V options are available. Both bikes have five levels of pedal assist and an independent throttle assist. The Interceptor is nearly identical to the 48V City Commuter, and the primary difference is the frame.
The Interceptor uses a beach cruiser frame that s designed to be comfortable. It features beach cruiser geometry that promotes a very upright riding position and allows you to put both feet flat on the ground when you stop. This laid back posture doesn t really lend itself to rigorous pedaling it s for cruising. Also, the Interceptor s step thru model is lower and easier to get on and off than the City Commuter step thru. The City Commuter uses a more traditional frame that s still very comfortable but allows for more vigorous pedaling if you want. Both bikes use standard-sized bicycle stems and handlebars that can easily be changed but the the Interceptor uses wide, swept back bars that really allow you to sit straight up and relax your upper body. Because they are quite wide, they can take a little time to get used to, and it s common for people to have mixed feeling at first and learn to love them in a very short period of time. The City Commuter uses traditional city-style handlebars that many people find to be very natural and familiar. The quick release adjustable handlebar stem allows you to easily dial everything in just right for you at any particular moment. This is great for multiple riders sharing a bike or if you plan to change your riding style and position frequently. Though in practice, most people find the position that works best for them and just leave it there. The next difference is the size of the wheels and tires but the differences between them are pretty subtle for average cyclists. The standard Interceptor comes with 26 diameter x 2.35 width tires and the City Commuter is 28 x 2.00. So the Interceptor has a smaller diameter wheel with a wider tire and the City Commuter is a larger diameter wheel with a slightly more narrow tire. The wider tire is going to provide a bit more cushioning for a smoother ride, while a more narrow tire will have less rolling resistance and be a bit more efficient. The smaller diameter wheel is inherently a bit stronger and will accelerate better, while the larger wheel should be a bit more stable at high speeds. The sizes above are the standard sizes for both the bikes. There are smaller frame options for the City Commuter (26 x 2.00 ) and step-thru Interceptor (24 x 2.35 ). There will be a Pedego bike to fit most customers. The final differences are: the City Commuter comes with fenders and the fenders are an optional extra on the Interceptor; and the chain guard on the City Commuter has better coverage than the Interceptor. The 26 Interceptors are available with Mag wheels and the City Commuter is not.
COMFORT CRUISER & INTERCEPTOR The Comfort Cruiser and the Interceptor share the same frame styles. However, the Comfort Cruiser is 36V with throttle only. The Interceptor is 48V with LCD display and pedal assist. The Interceptor comes standard with a balloon package including upgraded tires (Schwable Fat Franks), seat, and grips. The balloon upgrade is optional on the Comfort Cruiser. The Comfort Cruiser includes a rear light. The Interceptor includes both front and rear lights. Mag wheels are available on 26 Interceptors. They are not available on any Comfort Cruisers.
PLATINUM INTERCEPTOR & INTERCEPTOR The Platinum Interceptor is a premium version of the Interceptor. The frames are the same, but it is not available with a 24 step thru frame. It features more advanced PedalSense technology including a torque sensor: Level 0 allows you to ride normally without any assistance. Levels 1-4 use a state-of-the-art torque sensor to deliver proportional assistance based on how hard you pedal Level 5 provides full power whenever you pedal it doesn t matter how hard (cadence sensor) Levels 1-5 all have a throttle override for full power on demand Level 6 is throttle only without any automatic pedal assistance
A larger front chain ring and 10-speed drivetrain allow you to comfortably pedal along at higher speeds. A suspension fork and upgraded hydraulic disk brakes are also included. The handlebars are also slightly different, and some people may find them more relaxing. Mag wheels are not an option on the Platinum Interceptor. BOOMERANG & BOOMERANG PLUS The Boomerang and and the Boomerang Plus share the same frame styles. These provide an ultra-low step-thru bike which is
great for riders who have difficulty lifting a leg over normal bikes. Some customers just love the style of the Boomerang. The Boomerang is 36V with throttle only. The Boomerang Plus is 48V with LCD display and pedal assist. The Boomerang Plus comes standard with a balloon package including upgraded tires, seat, and grips. The balloon upgrade is optional on the Boomerang. The Boomerang includes a rear light. The Boomerang Plus includes both front and rear lights. Mag wheels are only available on Boomerang Plus. BOOMERANG PLUS & INTERCEPTOR
The Boomerang Plus and Interceptor are almost exactly the same in terms of componentry and functionality. The biggest difference of course is the frame. The chain guard of the Boomerang has more coverage than the Interceptor. LATCH FOLDING BIKE The key difference with the Latch is frame functionality. When the bike is folded, it can fit into many more spaces than the standard Pedego bikes (e.g. the trunk of a car or a smaller storage space in an apartment). It is much easier to transport the Latch without a bike rack. The frame also feels quite a lot different to ride than the other Pedego bikes and the smaller wheels are slightly less range-efficient. It is a smaller bike, with a short cockpit. The Latch is the only bike with a front-wheel motor. In some circumstances this can have less traction than the rear-wheel motor (e.g. steep hills with loose surfacing).
Perhaps the other key difference is that it has an internal rear gear hub, so there is no derailleur and you can shift gears when stationary and without rotating the pedals. The electrical functionality of the bike is similar to that of the City Commuter and Interceptor. STRETCH CARGO BIKE The Stretch has the same electric functionality and componentry as an Interceptor or 48V City Commuter. Again the biggest difference is the frame. This is the truck of the Pedego family and there are limitless ways you can load the bike: put kids on the back for example, and groceries on the front or use it for commercial purposes, such as pizza delivery. It can hold up to an astounding 400 pounds but
is surprisingly nimble and rides like the Interceptor. (Note the 250-pound rider weight limit still applies to this bike.) The relatively short wheelbase gives it a handling advantage over many other cargo bikes. The Stretch has bigger battery options than most other Pedego bikes with 48V 13Ah and 48V 17Ah on offer. The smaller 24 diameter wheels give a low centre of gravity, extra strength and more torque. The battery is also mounted in a lower position to assist with the balance of the bike. Up to four pannier bags can be mounted on the extended rear rack and the bar is compatible with almost all bags. The front cargo tray is very solid and fixed to the frame so it doesn t tip when turning corners. The foot beds and rear vertical bars can be moved quickly to create different cargo configurations. RIDGE RIDER & TRAIL TRACKER
RIDGE RIDER The Ridge Rider is Pedego s cross-country hardtail mountain bike that s great for off-road riding, although it is not designed for hardcore downhill trail riding. The bike has premium compentry and electrical functions similar to the Platinum Interceptor. It features more advanced PedalSense technology including a torque sensor: Level 0 allows you to ride normally without any assistance. Levels 1-4 use a state-of-the-art torque sensor to deliver proportional assistance based on how hard you pedal Level 5 provides full power whenever you pedal it doesn t matter how hard (cadence sensor) Levels 1-5 all have a throttle override for full power on demand Level 6 is throttle only without any automatic pedal assistance Two front chain rings and 10-speed drivetrain allow you to better control cadence at higher and lower speeds than the normal 7-speed Pedego bikes. A suspension fork and upgraded hydraulic disk brakes are also included. The battery is mounted in the down tube to lower the centre of gravity, which can be useful in off-road riding. The riding position is much more forward than the recreational Pedego bikes, in keeping with the intended use. TRAIL TRACKER The Trail Tracker is fun bike designed to be ridden in gentle to moderate off-road conditions, with the fat tires making it especially suitable for loose surfacing like sand, mud, gravel or snow. The electric functionality is the same as the Interceptor and City Commuter with five levels of pedal assist and an independent throttle assist. The battery is mounted in the down-tube to lower the centre of gravity, which can be useful in off-road riding. The riding position is much more forward than the recreational Pedego bikes, in keeping with the intended use. The seat on the Trail Tracker is slightly more sporty than the traditional Pedego seat. The Trail Tracker is available in two frame sizes in Canada: the standard 26 wheel; and a smaller 24 wheel version. There is also a 20 wheel version that can be imported from the US, but be aware that in most jurisdictions in Canada the minimum riding age for electric bikes is 16 years old.
TRIKE The electric trike is the perfect bike for someone who loves to ride but perhaps doesn t have the balance to ride a two-wheeled bike. The trike has disc brakes front and rear and an internal three-speed gear hub so you can change gears even while stationary. The bike has a comfortable saddle with back support and an adjustable handlebar stem like the City Commuter to easily get the perfect riding position. The trike features more advanced PedalSense technology including a torque sensor: Level 0 allows you to ride normally without any assistance. Levels 1-2 use a state of the art torque sensor to deliver proportional assistance based on how hard you pedal.
Level 3 is throttle only without any automatic pedal assistance The 250W hub motor is mounted in the front wheel and the 36V 11Ah battery is mounted in the down-tube. As with other pedal-assist Pedego bikes, there are front and rear lights that can be operated from the LCD control console on the handlebars. TANDEM The Pedego tandem cruiser is the only electric tandem we know of available in North America. It is based on the Pedego cruiser frame and only comes in a 48V version. The tandem is a throttle-only bike similar to the Comfort Cruiser series. The balloon upgrade is an optional extra for the Tandem.
Sizing The following numbers are meant to be a rough guideline but people s proportions, flexibility, and preferences can vary greatly. For shorter riders, a suspension seatpost can sometimes be replaced by a standard seatpost for an extra few inches. Likewise, a longer seatpost can often be used to accommodate taller riders. BIKE HEIGHT 24 Step Thru Interceptor/Comfort Cruiser 5 2 and under 26 Step Thru Interceptor/Comfort Cruiser 5 4-5 10 26 Classic Interceptor/Comfort Cruiser 5 8 and up 26 Step Thru City Commuter 5 2-5 6 28 Step Thru City Commuter 5 6-5 10 26 Classic City Commuter 5 4-5 11 28 Classic City Commuter 5 10 and up Boomerang 5 4-5 11 Stretch 5 3-6 3 Latch 4 11-6 3 Ridge Rider 5 7 and up 26 Trail Tracker 5 7 and up 24 Trail Tracker 5 4-5 9