Mongoose 26" electric bike bicycle at Wal-Mart for $279.46

This is much cheaper than any electric bike I've seen. They also have a couple of 20" electric bikes by Mongoose. I saw it in my local Wal-Mart, even though the link shows it only being available on-line.

Linky

SPECIFICATIONS:

Real transportation for pennies per charge! This Comfort Series electric bicycle has a unisex low-standover-height design with suspension fork and removable battery box. It reaches a top speed of 15 MPH with a range of 18 to 25 miles with normal pedaling. For young adult to adult up to 240 lbs.

450W of power from a DC earth magnet Motor
Plug and Play battery box design with easy-access charger port
UL-listed Currie Smart Charger with 1-color LED status display
Top speed: 15 mph (rider weight and terrain contingent)
Range: up to 25 miles with normal pedaling
Alloy linear pull brakes
26-inch alloy rims
High-rise handlebars with adjustable rise stem and Krayton grips

Shimano 7-speed gearing with twist throttle
Comfort design saddle with alloy Post
Aluminum comfort frame, unisex
Alloy cotterless crankset and custom chainring with dual sided pedals
Total weight: 90 lbs



Speeds: Up to 15 mph
Frame: Aluminum frame
Brake type: Alloy linear pull brake
Wattage: 450-watt motor
Shipping Weight (in pounds): 62.0
Product in Inches (L x W x H): 52.0 x 16.0 x 42.0
Assembled in Country of Origin: USA and/or Imported
Origin of Components: USA and/or Imported
Wal-Mart No.: 000764906

pardon my retardation, but what the heck is an electric bicycle?

like do you still pedal? if not, whats the point of the pedals?
if you do, then whats the electric for?

i don't get it

Another scenario where it is useful is commuting short distances. Assuming you don't want to get to work/school all sweaty, you can just use the motor.

Also, since these have pedals, you don't need to license and insure them to use on public streets, and you don't need a motorcycle driver's license (you may want to check with local authorities to verify this).

One drawback is the weight when you are using the pedals only - will be harder to pedal than a non-motorized bike.

titewad said: ionizer said: pardon my retardation, but what the heck is an electric bicycle?

like do you still pedal? if not, whats the point of the pedals?
if you do, then whats the electric for?

i don't get it
Power assist up hills.also very handy when you are at stop at an intersection, or stop at a crosswalk on a bike path as you go through them at close to full speed instead of having to build up your speed again. Or just to see the looks on people's faces when you are cruising 10-12 miles an hour on a flat road without pedaling. Even when you are pedaling you do it almost effortlessly, it's like the bike wants you to pedal. I do prefer having my electric motor on a single speed with coaster brakes though. I think it is safer.

NYS prohibits the use of electric bikes on public roadways.
This rule is enforced in NY city. At one time electric and gas powered mini scooter were popular in nyc. The cops started to confiscate the scooters and issue fines against the riders. check NYS motor vehicles website for regulations.

Specifications say: Total weight: 90 lbs
Wal Mart says, Shipping Weight (in pounds): 62.0

Hmmm???

Electric bicycles cost only pennies a charge, with the right batteries(a123) cost 1/3 the cost of operating a car per mile, including battery replacement. A bike with a crystalyte phoenix motor can easily sustain 45 mph at 72 volts(about 120v max). They can be used for by people that are not in the best shape, have some sort of injury, or as a commuter so that when you get to work you aren't dripping with sweat. They produce about 1/900th of the emmissions a car produces. They dont have to be licenced, registered. And they use no oil. They are very viable.

Go USA!

burb72 said: Electric bicycles cost only pennies a charge, with the right batteries(a123) cost 1/3 the cost of operating a car per mile, including battery replacement. A bike with a crystalyte phoenix motor can easily sustain 45 mph at 72 volts(about 120v max). They can be used for by people that are not in the best shape, have some sort of injury, or as a commuter so that when you get to work you aren't dripping with sweat. They produce about 1/900th of the emmissions a car produces. They dont have to be licenced, registered. And they use no oil. They are very viable.

thanks ed bagely

Eliu91 said: Does anyone know if this bike is good in general? Or is this just a huge deal even if the bike is crap?

Not familiar with electric bikes, but I'm guess it's not switchable to another bike right?

I believe it is switchable to bio diesel (oil [fat] burning)

Thanks for the reply.

I just want to make sure I'm not buying a gimmick, I don't think I'll need the motor all the time so I want to make sure the bike is at least decent.

Also seems like motor is useless if the bike gets destroyed/falls apart.

I would quess 24V, so two 12V, 10 or 12 Ah gel batteries. Expect them to last one year if used daily. Replacement would be around $60.00. I bet this thing has a steel frame, and not aluminum. That has to be a misprint. Otherwise very good deal. I ride daily with the dog 5 or 6 miles, but would never pedal if I had this.

The cops have to catch you first... just keep going down one way streets and they won't be able to find you let alone catch you.


dkong said: lui1828 said: NYS prohibits the use of electric bikes on public roadways.
This rule is enforced in NY city. At one time electric and gas powered mini scooter were popular in nyc. The cops started to confiscate the scooters and issue fines against the riders. check NYS motor vehicles website for regulations.

Too bad, it sounds perfect for Manhattan, based on above posts.

Do check your local laws if you want to be legal. I bought a moped (49cc engine + pedals) in Oregon thinking it would make a great commuter here in the suburbs and was equivalent to a bicycle (as it was back in NY in the 70’s), in DOT’s view. Well, it turned out that I did not need a motorcycle endorsement, but I had to get it registered/insured and wear a motorcycle helmet. Oh, and I was not permitted to ride on the sidewalk, or in the bicycle lane, with the engine running. One sunny afternoon I was straddling the white line, buzzing along at 25MPH, and a truck whooshed past me at 45MPH, leaning on its horn, so I decided to sell it, and bought a 250.

quik2 said: isn't a 26" bike pretty big bike? Would a 5'9" rider be comfortable riding a 26" bike?

26" is pretty much the standard size for a garden-variety adult bike, but my wife, who is about 5', prefers a 24". Of more importance is the vertical adjustment of the seat and frame size. You pretty much have to try the individual bike to see if it can be adjusted to be comfortable for you.

Replacement batteries are at: webstore.currietech.com (which redirects to AMAZ0N)

I know it sez unisex, but it looks like a girl's bike to me.

For health's sake spend the $300 to buy a REAL BIKE from a bikeshop. You will be a lot more heathier and happier.

TheNYCCharles said: The cops have to catch you first... just keep going down one way streets and they won't be able to find you let alone catch you.


dkong said: lui1828 said: NYS prohibits the use of electric bikes on public roadways.
This rule is enforced in NY city. At one time electric and gas powered mini scooter were popular in nyc. The cops started to confiscate the scooters and issue fines against the riders. check NYS motor vehicles website for regulations.

Too bad, it sounds perfect for Manhattan, based on above posts.

Too risky. There are bike cops all around on the UES.

sesquipedalian said: I would quess 24V, so two 12V, 10 or 12 Ah gel batteries. Expect them to last one year if used daily. Replacement would be around $60.00. I bet this thing has a steel frame, and not aluminum. That has to be a misprint. Otherwise very good deal. I ride daily with the dog 5 or 6 miles, but would never pedal if I had this.

The costco description says the frame is high tensile steel, not aluminum.

AmishBoy said: Specifications say: Total weight: 90 lbs
Wal Mart says, Shipping Weight (in pounds): 62.0

Hmmm???

The Costco description says the bike weighs 68 pounds - seems like that's about right.

Mongoose is back in stock