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Rivian's TM-B electric bike

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240 points hasheddan | 2 comments | | HN request time: 0.419s | source
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ChuckMcM ◴[] No.45676493[source]
I tend to agree with comments that point out that 'modern' e-bikes are really electric motor cycles or the original "MoPed" from the 60's. And they have the same appeal, relatively cheap to operate, fit in between regulatory categories, don't require a garage to store, Etc. E-scooters aren't much better (just worse kinematics). That said, I never thought the Segway was ever going to be more than a 'niche' product whereas I had already lived in a city[1] with thousands of mopeds. To the extent they are embraced by urban planners with reduced parking mandates and their own roadways I think they are a net win for cities, when they terrorize pedestrians on sidewalks, not so much.

[1] Brussels.

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conradev ◴[] No.45678519[source]
The one thing about e-bikes that I don't get is: why the chain?

https://www.voromotors.com/products/emove-roadrunner-v3-seat...

This thing has 500W hub motors, no expensive derailleur, no chain to maintain, just tires and brakes. The hub motors have internal gearing. I love mine for getting around LA.

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1. tim333 ◴[] No.45680637[source]
The chain is to connect the pedals to the rear wheel as you might expect, assuming you want to be able to pedal.

I see the rivan thing has a toothed belt rather than chain.

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2. shellfishgene ◴[] No.45681536[source]
If I understood the article correctly in this case the pedals are not physically connected to the wheel, it states the pedals run a generator that charges the batteries. So for this specific bike it would actually be possible to remove the belt (save for the other disadvantages of a hub motor).