Comment The hub motor is the limiting factor (Score 3, Interesting) 520
No hub motor-powered e-bike is going to operate as a pedal bike. The unsprung weight, lack of gearing, and the fact you're fighting the inertia of the motor detracts from the experience.
At ZVO, we tackled that series of problems and created an e-bike that's light (39 lb.), easy to pedal and uses whatever gearing is currently on the bike -- from derailleurs to hub transmissions. As a result, we have a bike that will do over 35 MPH and climb hills, as well, without pedaling, but encourages dual drive modality -- pedal with motor assist -- for the most daunting hills while you're training.
We don't think powering a bike is sacrilegeous. Anything that gets more people out among other folks and encourages a sense of community is a good thing. Anything that relieves road congestion is a good thing. Anything that encourages excercising more than the right foot is a good thing.
