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  1. Big Tom

    Any Howard County MD eBike riders want to meet our legislators?

    No, it is an old fashioned show up and shake their hands type meeting.
  2. Big Tom

    Is it possible to lower the PAS level?

    To get the exercise you want with the safety of having a motor to get you up hills then your best bet is a geared hub drive with a throttle only power. Get a small motor - I like 500W - and a small 36V battery = 8AH gives about 15 miles. This keeps the weight down so it handles more like a...
  3. Big Tom

    Frustrated and need help with battery shipping

    It seems like it would be cheaper to get a battery sent to Hawaii from China or buy one there. I was able to travel Southwest with 12V 7 ah lithium batteries that I ran in series to get 48V You can take up to the maximum CARRY ON limit. Once you get past TSA there are no other check points...
  4. Big Tom

    Any Howard County MD eBike riders want to meet our legislators?

    Hi, there is a sustainability meeting with elected legislators at the State/local level on 1/08 and if there is anyone who would like to attend or make comments about improving infrastructure and raising the size limit you are welcome to attend. Send me a PM for the information. Thanks for...
  5. Big Tom

    commuting jacket "armor" type stuff? road rash protection?

    Have you considered a windshield? It will also help your performance. I've seen some scooter ones that would work on a bike, if you can find room for them on the handlebars! Often it's the wind chill that gets you, windshield/fairing is the solution..
  6. Big Tom

    Looking for a visor for your bike helmet?

    Yes, but I ended up having to hot glue them on. I think your mirror will be OK, there is a lot of room and you don't have to pull it all the way down. Worst case maybe you notch the face shield so the mirror can stick out. For $4 is it worth a gamble? BTW the come with an elastic band, I had...
  7. Big Tom

    Looking for a visor for your bike helmet?

    In the pursuit of everything you would need to commute on an e-bike the wind and rain were a problem. As a motorcycle helmet has visors I thought "Why Not?" Here is a safety face shield from Harbor Freight ($3.99) cut down and attached with velcro to my helmet. I'm sure I can find one for...
  8. Big Tom

    Hilly 10mile commute - suggestions?

    Get a kit and modify your bike. The kits are starting to come with hubs that work with cassettes. If your existing Giant has 7 speed rear I would start with a geared 500W 48 V setup. I've used a 36V 500W GEARED hub that does the trick in most cases and it costs under $400 with Chinese battery...
  9. Big Tom

    Flying with lithium batteries

    I use an inexpensive 500W kit 36V and a very expensive 700W 48V system there. #36V 10 ah and (4) x 12V 7 ah lithium that makes a pack about 3.5" x 15" x 8" (guessing on the size) I only use geared hubs, torque is my main consideration. The 700W Bistro kit has the best motor I've used. The new...
  10. Big Tom

    Flying with lithium batteries

    Can't do that for international travel. The expense is another issue
  11. Big Tom

    Help with Lithium Battery Production??

    Ebikes are not the only thing lithium batteries are used for. Batteries are a storage device and lithium batteries are ideal for off grid solar applications. The big picture for any country is to be energy independent and part of that involves energy storage.
  12. Big Tom

    Help with Lithium Battery Production??

    Costa Rica sees the future of electric vehicles and understands nothing moves without a power source. To bring the manufacturing local would be a good source of jobs that would be sustained by internal consumption. This would assure their mandate to be carbon neutral has a chance to succeed...
  13. Big Tom

    Flying with lithium batteries

    Not a problem. Nobody blinked an eye. At the moment you can take a battery pack no larger then 100 watt hours. You can take up to 20 on Southwest, not sure on others. A 12V 7ah lithium was as close as I could get for an e-bike. The Dakota batteries worked well. If you had a DIY kit for a...
  14. Big Tom

    Help with Lithium Battery Production??

    I realize there will be investment, and the government may be able to provide help. Those are the things that need to be presented and discussed. I agree assembly is the first place to start, however it should not be the last.
  15. Big Tom

    Rain Capes - the answer to commuting in the rain!

    You need a longer cape, one that will go over the handlebars.
  16. Big Tom

    Rain Capes - the answer to commuting in the rain!

    Here is a link to an Amazon Search Use Bicycle Rain Cape...
  17. Big Tom

    Rain Capes - the answer to commuting in the rain!

    You laugh but that's a great idea if you market it to the 22 - 32 age bracket. The colors would draw attention and that's the idea! You could print a shower cap for your helmet . I can see Batman or Superman, the cape flowing behind as you ride... LOL
  18. Big Tom

    Rain Capes - the answer to commuting in the rain!

    LOL That is why there are fashion designers! I just want to arrive dry.
  19. Big Tom

    Rain Capes - the answer to commuting in the rain!

    Rain Cape, not poncho. To keep you dry it needs to go over the handlebar, I have one that has a zippered parts that allow you to put it over instruments so you can see them. Someone suggested using a shower cap to waterproof your helmet. I thought that was a great idea.
  20. Big Tom

    Help with Lithium Battery Production??

    Hi Everyone, I'm trying to find someone experienced in manufacturing lithium cells and batteries that would consult regarding the process. The government of Costa Rica is interested in exploring the possibility of making batteries in their country. For those not familiar with Costa Rica, they...
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