StuinCM

Regarding e-bikes, or more specifically, "E-Assist bikes" in Chiang Mai. This is Stu and Mong from the shop referred to in some of the above posts. We are in a new shop, Mong Cycles, about 30m down Chang Moi Road (141/2-3 to be exact) from the old Top Gear shop. We are working with a Swiss gentleman who imported e-assist units (from China, of course, but find them to be good quality so far, but certainly not of the level produced and widely used in northern Europe) that are designed to be added to a regular bike. At this time we only have 26" wheel options but the firm in China makes different sizes and we can get those if needed. The e-assist kit contains a 26" rear wheel (motor in hub) and 7-speed freewheel, battery, control unit, and two versions of power control. One version only has a throttle on the right grip like a motor bike / scooter that controls when and how much assist is added by the motor. The second version has a sensor at the bottom bracket and a LCD display that allows you to set the level of assist from 1 - 5 (least to greatest), shows speed, battery charge remaining, etc. This version also has a throttle control on the grip. This version, with the battery turned on, will want to always give you some assistance depending on the level selected, 1 - 5, plus the instant response throttle.

We can install these units on most mountain bikes, either your own bike or a new bike. As the kit uses a 7-speed cassette it requires a corresponding 7-speed shifter and derailleur. Bikes with this setup of 7-speed components are usually not very expensive bikes, so the entire e-assist bike can be created for a reasonable price I think, especially in comparison with US / European models. I was just back in the US and saw some of the e-bikes; they were very nice all-in-one units, designed from the start to be e-bikes, but they ranged from $4500 - $6000+. Our kit prices start around 20,000B for the simple throttle type, 24,000B for the LCD/constant assist unit. Bike and installation extra.

One caveat; the battery unit can go inside the frame triangle IF the bike is large enough, but recently mountain bike frames have become much more compact in the center and the battery units can be too bike for smaller bikes. In those cases we mount the battery in a rear rack. We will add some pictures of the two bikes we have made up soon for reference.

We are new at this I will admit but agree it is a product and trend likely to eventually find its way to Thailand. I lived in China for two years and there were heaps of them in use there (but not that many with pedals attached).

We hope anyone interested can stop by the shop to see bikes, get service on their bikes, check out the e-assist bikes and go for a test ride.

Cheerz, Stu & Mong