A2B article in Forbes Magazine

[calvin]

Yesterday, there was a write up concerning the A2B ebike in Forbes Magazine.

If the mainstream media starts to pay attention to ebikes, then it won't be long before increased demand follows.

 

[James]

It's not a matter of if...... Check out these electric bikes by Kia



http://www.gizmag.com/kia-electric-bikes/31076/

 

[kauaikit]

Great review by Jason....I too still ride a 2010 A2B Velociti, though with the 26" wheels.

I just happened to be at the right place & time to bid on it when Best Buys went out of the ebike business (OCT 2012) via an online auction. The price was so good I couldn't refuse.

It currently has around 1,580 "cardio" miles. Very reliable, and it works as designed.

I'm also riding other ebikes that I can compare. So, my only complaint is performance, which should be higher to allow around 25mph on level ground. It would be nice to be able to purchase the 800 watt rear hub, and 48 v battery source from A2B to upgrade it.

 

[JoePah]

Owned one of the first Metros and put 8000 enjoyable miles on it over 4 years.. After I found out that a new frame battery would be over 700 dollars installed, and the second battery would be $750, decided to sell it.

Was surprised when I looked at new A2B's.... nothing much had changed except that my $2500 bike was now $3800. Speed is still 20 mph and range is unchanged, and the frame battery is tough to replace and has 6 year old chemistry (?), and weighs close to 90 lbs with 2 batteries.

The Shima looks good except that large battery is still hanging out the back. Most other brands now have some sort of inframe easily replaceable battery.

Unless A2B Hero starts investing some development money, they will be soon forgotten.. Their bike design and quality were leading edge 5 years ago.

If I was in the market for an expensive eBike (3000 -4000), Hero would low on my list.

 

[Admin]

You make a few good points JoePah, I was impressed with the new key fob system on the Alva+ but the dial configuration for changing mode settings is a bit tedious, especially since it's positioned far from the left handlebar. Maybe A2B is just having to regroup after the mergers with F4W and Hero Eco. I could see it being a challenge simply to survive vs. innovating during that time period. Hopefully things will get better for them

 

[kauaikit]

JoePah… I'm starting to notice my 4'ish year old rear mounted battery on the '10 Velociti getting weaker. I intend to parallel a 46v range Lithium battery pack, or have the original battery case rebuilt using 18650 lithium cells for around 46v output. This way I can get the speed up to around 22/23mph. Not sure if the internal hub controller could take 50v, so I could then run around 25mph.

There is a guy on ES that removed his stock internal controller and installed a sensor-less one outside, on the bike, so he could run @ 72v's @ around 38mph! He first just serial connected his internal battery and his rear mounted battery (36v+36v), then decided to stuff lithium 5s packs in the original battery case.

The other option I was thinking is to located the UM 48v outside battery pack & their 800watt rear hub & do an upgrade for around 30mph runs!

 

[JoePah]

JoePah… I'm starting to notice my 4'ish year old rear mounted battery on the '10 Velociti getting weaker. I intend to parallel a 46v range Lithium battery pack, or have the original battery case rebuilt using 18650 lithium cells for around 46v output. This way I can get the speed up to around 22/23mph. Not sure if the internal hub controller could take 50v, so I could then run around 25mph.

There is a guy on ES that removed his stock internal controller and installed a sensor-less one outside, on the bike, so he could run @ 72v's @ around 38mph! He first just serial connected his internal battery and his rear mounted battery (36v+36v), then decided to stuff lithium 5s packs in the original battery case.

The other option I was thinking is to located the UM 48v outside battery pack & their 800watt rear hub & do an upgrade for around 30mph runs!

Well you're in the same boat I was in, in December. Top speed lagging, range down to 60%? Probably not the motor unless you're noticing intermittent cutouts.

I think upgrading the battery on the Velociti is very doable, so long as you keep the battery voltage off the charger below 48v (check the ES threads). You will need to model what cells and configuration will fit in that battery box, and a new charger...

Hope it works out for you. Otherwise you could just bend over and buy an old school A2B battery for $750... lol

 

[kauaikit]

JoePah….I've got a few idea's, as my desire is to get this ebike to run @ least 25mph and upwards to 30+!

The Falco upgrade too could work.

• http://www.falcoemotors.com/?page_id=1413

Or even find the A2B scooter 48v/800watt battery & hub to use on the Velociti frame.