There are those travellers who want to take a bicycle along
for themselves or their children when holidaying in their
caravan, campervan, camper trailer, motorhome or RV.
Bicycles are a great way to keep the kids occupied, keep fit
or to run those quick errands to the shops.
Types of Bikes
There are the conventional touring bikes, mountain bikes,
triathlon bikes, folding bikes as well as electrical or
power assisted bikes.
Mountain bikes are normally strong and robust to withstand
use off the bitumen or bike tracks. They are sometimes
called dirt bikes and usually of robust construction and
come with a thicker more nobly bicycle tyre.
Folding Bikes
As the name suggests these bikes are able to be folded to
enable them to be more compact for travel. A number of these
types of bicycles will fold up small enough to fit in the
boot of the car. The folding procedure varies between makes
and models. To some extent the size of the folding bikes
will also vary between big wheeled and small wheeled bikes.
So, take some time to research and determine which folding
bike is best for you.
The bicycle seat and handle bar heights are normally
adjustable and in some makes and models the length of the
folding bike is also adjustable within a range. Be sure to
check the model you choose will withstand the rider’s
weight.
A few brands and their features are:-
‘On-yer-bike’
- have a range of folding mountain bikes. The manufacturer
claims the bikes have an aircraft grade aluminum frame,
shimano gears and rear coil suspension.
Giatex
–
these are one of the folding bikes designed to change the
frame length. The length may be reduced or increased by a
telescopic tube secured by two quick release clips and it
does not require any tools to get it into motion. The
wheels come in 16 inch or 20 inch, it has a Shimano
RevoShift grip shift changer, front and rear brakes, rust
resistant frame as well as a small rear carry rack,
kickstand, bell and reflectors. The seat and handlebar
heights are adjustable. A carry bag is also available.
The 16 inch weighs 12.5 kg (27.55 lbs) and the 20 inch
weighs 13.86 kg (39.55 lbs). Their website indicates a new
range will be available soon.
If your were to put the rear passenger seats down on a
Toyota Landcruiser GXL two bikes would fit neatly inside the
passenger compartment across the vehicle.
Dahon
–
this company has a good range of folding bikes using their
DFS Folding Technology. The features vary between the
various models available. The manufacturer claims they use
high quality materials and components such as stainless
steel spokes and frame latches. The ‘Glide P7/P8’ model is
a step through type and weighs 16.5 kilos (36.3 lbs) fully
equipped.
Folding bicycles are available from Camec, caravan stores,
on-line bicycle stores and ebay.
Electrical or power assisted bikes
What is a power assisted or motorized
bicycle ?
A motorized or power assisted bicycle is one that
has either electrical (battery) or fuel/gasoline
(two stroke or four stroke engine) to assist with
peddling. Some bikes can be propelled by the motor
without the need to peddle but others have motors
that will only run if you are peddling.
Electrical or battery driven bicycles
often come with a battery charger you can plug into your
household standard power point. The weight of the bike
is likely to vary depending on the size of the battery.
The performance of an electric bicycle
can also depend on a number of factors such as the type
of terrain, battery size, weight of the rider and any
bags, wind conditions and correct tyre inflation.
Bicycles propelled by fuel/gasoline
motors can be either 4 stroke or 2 stroke (usually run
on unleaded petrol with 2 stroke oil at a ratio of 50:1)
and the size of the tank capacity can be optional. Some
models have the tank on a carry rack and others mounted
to the frame. The weight of the bicycles vary, of
course, depending on the size of the tank capacity but
roughly from 25 kg – 50 kg.
As there is zero emission the electric
bike is considered to be the more environmentally
friendly of the two.
Zuma Power Products in Wollongong NSW
supply a folding electric bike with a top speed of 25 kph
and a range of 30 – 50 km. The folding electric bike
features, disc brakes front and rear, 12 inch coloured
alloy wheels, adjustable handle bars and seat height and
will withstand a maximum load of 110 kg. The gross
weight of this folding electric bike is 22kg without the
battery and the net weight is 36 kg with the battery.
It folds to 78cm x 36cm x 60cm.
Are electrical or power assisted bicycles
legal in Australia and do they require registration?
It is legal, under current Australian road regulations, to
ride either a purpose-built powered bicycle or a modified
electric pushbike where you would normally ride a bicycle so
long as the engine output is 200 watts or less. You must
also be 16 years of age or over.
You are required to wear a bicycle helmet and the helmet
must comply with Australian Standards. The power assisted
bicycle is exempt from registration and CPT (compulsory
third party) insurance but the bicycle must have a working
at least one working brake,
bell or horn and a red reflector on the rear. If you are
riding at night there must be front and rear lights fitted.
In some states, it is illegal to ride a
bicycle that has an internal combustion engine (eg:
diesel or petrol motor attached) on roads or road
related areas (such as paths).
Further information is available from your state or
territory Road Traffic Authority or Transport Authority.
Where can I get a motorized bike?
Electric or battery power assisted bicycles as well
as folding models are available from :-
Electric Vehicles Pty Ltd of St Kilda, Victoria,
Australia – they claim to develop and design many of
their products here in Australia and can ship
anywhere in Australia. They also claim that one of
their electrical bicycles, the Sherpa MK3, is the
lightest folding electrical bicycle available. An
electrical bike car rack is also available for
purchase.
The Electric Bicycle Co P/L of Cheltenham, Victoria,
Australia is an importer/distributor.
Fuel powered bicycles, including folding models, are also
available from Rotary Bicycles Australia who have
distributors in a number of states.
Power assisted kits are available if you want to convert
your existing bicycle.
Some motorized bicycle brand names or suppliers are
Zuma e-Bike,
Avanti,
Dahon, Heinzmann, Sakura, Powabyke, Optibike, Five Flags,
Island Hopper and Urban Mover. Electric and fuel powered
bicycles may also be purchased from on-line bicycle stores
as well as ebay.
Search this Site
