why no throttle-panasonic solution?

[qeeeme]

as far as i understand for the motor directly acting on the chain like the panasonic one there is a sensor of the torque applied and the frequency of cycling and there is a programm telling from those parameters ahich power is delivered by the unit. the motors are all programmed for a low or unexistent power at high frequency and low torque (because of legislation 25km/h). only on flyer s is offered another programmation allowing a power at higher frequency.
why is not a kind of throttle offered on such motors? like if i want i can decide which assistance to get? it has to do with the market or the technology?

 

[flecc]

The primary reason is the Japanese market, where there are stringent laws.

Only one to one power ratio is permitted, so that rules out throttles completely. There are also maximum speed restrictions, in many urban areas e-bikes must share the pavement and keep below 8 mph. The design doesn't permit power increases readily, since the motor size and the space for it keeps power low.

Panasonic are obviously not interested enough in the rest of the world market for anything more powerful, since they know from the Lafree experience how small the world market is. In nearly seven years that sold 20,000 bikes worldwide, peanuts for a company like Panasonic and it's parent Matsushita. They probably sold well over that every year in Japan.

In any case, bike transmissions aren't suitable for high motor power and cyclist power combined, and even on the low powered Lafree quite a few hub gears failed. Hub gears in particular can't cope with top performing cyclists now, and having that power doubled would lead to high wear and premature failures.

I think the formula they have for the world market now is very good, the option of a slight power boost in high power mode for steep hills, coupled with very long range. That meets most people's requirements quite well.
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[Erik]

Swiss Flyer offers an optional "push-help" with max 6 km/h speed, so it is possible with the Panasonic motor.

Flyer knows their way around the Panasonic motors.

http://katalog.biketech.ch/Elkat_exp_46/pdf/10044.pdf
Flyer-Prod.-Katalog_2007

With the optional Schiebehilfe you can comfortably get your FLYER bicycle up the steep ramp from the cellar . The maximum speed depends on the gear and is max. 6 km / h (walking-speed). If you get off your Flyer on a steep mountain out of solidarity with non-FLYER drivers, you can walk comfortably next to your FLYER without having to push its weight.

 

[flecc]

True Erik, but that sort of power is miniscule. My other bikes can be walked up steep slopes on the throttle with batteries so flat they cannot be ridden.

The point stands that it's not possible to power these on throttle for more power in cycling without scrapping the present electronics, and even if that were done, the tiny motor is very limited in what it could do.

I'm sure BikeTech would have done it if it were possible.
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[Erik]

Apart from that, the push-help would be good on my soon-here Agattu, because it's a disgrace to watch my wife start, with one foot on the pedal pointing straight down and the other foot kicking off on the ground.

The push-help would do the kick-off for her.

Her excuse is that she first learned to ride a bike when she was 14.

I remember when I leaned to ride, at age 7, that my father found it very important that I learned to get on the bike and take of with style like a man.

 

[flecc]

When you get the bike Erik, you will see that you do get the push-help.

If your wife starts with one pedal half way up and the foot on it, the other foot on the ground, when the pedal is pushed the power is instant. A twistgrip throttle would make no difference since pedal pressure is exactly the same as throttle opening.

Remember, the power is maximum at low speed, so the pull away is strong. I'm sure your wife will find it very easy after the first time.

Of course there are three power settings, Eco, Standard and High, so they can be used during riding as a three step throttle, though I don't know of anyone who has found that necessary.
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[Erik]

If your wife starts with one pedal half way up and the foot on it, the other foot on the ground, when the pedal is pushed the power is instant.
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Well, she stubbonly refuses my efforts to teach her this on her normal bike.

 

[flecc]

Perhaps she's not a born cyclist.

How about an e-trike for her?

 

[Erik]

I think I will show her the picture, I love sleeping on the couch anyway - NOT

 

[flecc]

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