Hotels, casinos, summer camps, religious organizations, and other small parties rely on minibus transportation services.A minibus is a vehicle designed to transport between 8-15 passengers, ideal transportation for both private and public usage.When purchasing a used minibus for sale, there are many factors to consider. Depending on style, bus size, and your budget, you can purchase a used minibus for sale that's well-designed,comfortable, safe, and an enjoyable ride for all passengers, as well as a perfect means of transport for smaller groups of people.

A used minibus is the perfect transportation for sports events, clubs, community events, private transportation needs, and group travel. Before purchasing a used minibus for sale, consider the size and type of minibus that will best match your needs. How many passengers do you intend to carry on a regular basis?

Once you've considered the size, you'll then need to consider whether or not you'd prefer a model that's wheelchair accessible. Many newer models are, and feature safety flooring that's slip resistant and removable seats for you to customize space and seating layout.If wheelchair accessibility is an important consideration, discuss that matter with the used minibus reseller—they'll ensure that the model you choose is best suited to the comfort of your passengers as well as structurally safe and appropriate for the needs of individuals in wheelchairs. Minibuses that are wheelchair accessible have rear entrances that are customized to fit passengers' personal needs—and sometimes feature additional heating, ventilation, and lighting as well.

It's estimated that almost 50% of mini bus transportation profit is put towards refilling and fueling the minibus. When considering a used minibus for sale, carefully consider the fuel type, engine, and fuel consumption. Select a used minibus for sale with the best engine and minimal fuel consumption to cut down on future gas costs. To avoid costly repairs, carefully inspect the used minibus for sale to ensure all of its parts are in working order—approximately 20% of used minibus income is spent maintaining parts and bus upkeep. Subject the used minibus for sale to a thorough technical examination and ensure that all repairs and maintenance have been documented.

What class used minibus for sale are you purchasing? You can choose between regular and luxury, depending on the number of amenities you'd like to provide for passengers.Party buses and upscale models feature DVD/VCR players, extra space, air conditioning and can bring in more income for you, as well as provide a more enjoyable journey for your passengers.

Bus drivers have a very important job. They are responsible for safely transporting millions of people everyday. When people are looking for alternative forms of transportation other than a car, they turn to minibuses . There are different types of bus drivers and ways to become a bus driver.Decide what type of bus driver you want to be. In some areas, inner city bus drivers are in high demand, while in other places school bus drivers are more popular. There are also bus services who offer long distance services.

Pay close attention to detail. Bus drivers must have a keen eye at all times and must be able to pay careful attention to traffic and weather conditions to prevent accidents. By paying close attention, this can prevent sudden stops resulting in injury to yourself or your passengers.Obtain a CDL license. In order to get your CDL license, you must be able to demonstrate safe minibus for sale driving tests. You must successfully complete a written exam that tests a driver's knowledge of bus driving rules and regulations. Each state has their own test so each test may be different.

Be ready to pass a physical examination. Physical exams are administered every other year. These test inlude hearing and vision tests.Meet the state age requirements to become a bus driver. Many states only require bus manufacturer drivers to be 18 years old or older. Any bus driver that is a part of the interstate commerce must adhere to minimum qualifications. According to these regulations, drivers must be at least 21 and be able to pass a physical examination every year.

 

source:livejournal ndy-auto

A minibus is a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers from one destination to another. Most minibuses can carry more passengers than a conventional vehicle, such as a car, truck, or van; however, they typically carry fewer passengers than a full-sized commercial bus, such as a city bus. Before you can legally drive a minibus, you need to be licensed.

Check your driver's license to see the year you received it. If you received it before January 1, 1997, you're legally able to drive a minibus for sale using your regular motor vehicle driver's license until you have to renew it.Get a minibus entitlement with your license when you renew it or if you received your license after January 1, 1997. You'll need to be issued this entitlement before you can legally drive a minibus.Fill out a special application when you renew you license in order to be issued a minibus manufacturer entitlement. This application proves that you've had a license to operate a motor vehicle and that you meet the medical requirements. Your local Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, or DVLA, can provide you with this application.

Submit a D4 medical report form. This is part of the application process to receive a license to drive a minibus. This form is completed by a physician and should be submitted with your application to your local DVLA.

 

source:blogigo ndy-auto

Minibus drivers in the UK must follow the general rules of the UK Highway Code. However, there are additional rules for driving a minibus, particularly if you own a U.S. license. It is possible to drive in the UK with a U.S. license, but there are restrictions on the type of vehicle you can drive, including minibus for sale .According to the UK Department for Transport, the legal definition of a minibus is a vehicle that weighs less than 3.5 tons and carries between eight and 16 passengers---not including the driver. Anything more than that and a vehicle could be classed as a coach or bus.

Drivers with UK licenses granted before 1997 are entitled to drive a minibus, as long as it's not for profit. Trailers weighing up to 1,600 pounds are also permitted. There are different rules for minibus manufacturer drivers that drive for "hire or reward", according to the Government Direct website. Driving for hire means taking money for driving passengers around in the UK. Drivers that want to drive for hire, or with licenses granted after 1997, need to pass a further test to attain a D1 PVC---passenger carrying vehicle entitlement. There are special allowances for anyone over the age of 21 driving for a social enterprise or non-profit company.

If you hold a full valid U.S. drivers license you are permitted to drive in the UK. However, this only covers vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons, and carrying only eight or fewer passengers. You're allowed to use your U.S. license for up to a year after arriving in the UK, but require a UK passport to drive after that period.It is possible to exchange your U.S. license for a UK version that enables you to drive minibuses. However, you will usually need to be a UK resident with a registered permanent address. You will also have to hand over your U.S. license in exchange for the UK one.

As well as adhering to general UK road laws, minibus for sale drivers have to follow additional rules. If towing a trailer, minibuses are limited to 60 mph on motorways and are prohibited from entering the outside lane. Many newly-registered minibuses are being fitted with speed limiters that stop the vehicle from reaching speeds above 62 mph. The driver must take responsibility for ensuring all child passengers under the age of 14 wear seat belts or child restraints while the vehicle is in motion.

 

source:blogigo ndy-atuo

A minibus or minicoach is a passenger carrying motor vehicle that is designed to carry more people than a multi-purpose vehicle or minivan, but fewer people than a full-size bus. In the United Kingdom, the word "minibus" is used to describe any full-sized passenger carrying van. Minibuses have a seating capacity of between 8 and 30 seats. Larger minibuses may be called midibuses. Minibuses are typically front-engined step-entrance vehicles, although low floor minibuses do exist.Minibuses are used for a variety of reasons. In a public transport role, they can be used as fixed route transit buses, airport buses, flexible demand responsive transport vehicles, share taxis or large taxicabs. Accessible minibuses can also be used for paratransit type services, by local authorities, transit operators, hospitals or charities. Private uses of minibuses can include corporate transport, charter buses, tour buses. Schools, sports clubs, community groups and charities may also use minibuses for private transport. Individual owners may use reduced seating minibus for sale as cheap recreational vehicles.

By size, microbuses are minibuses smaller than 8 metres (26 ft 3 in) long. Midibuses are minibuses bigger than microbuses but smaller than plenibuses (full-size buses).

There are many different types and configurations of minibuses, due to historical and local differences, and usage. Minibus designs can be classified in three main groups, with a general increase in seating capacity with each type:

    * Van conversions. Simple, optional extras
    * Body builds
    * Purpose built
The most basic source of minibus is the van conversion, where the minibus is derived by modifying an existing van design. Conversions may be produced completely by the van manufacturer, sold as part of their standard model line-up, or be produced by specialist conversion companies, who source a suitably prepared base model from the van manufacturer for final completion as a minibus for sale .

 

 

Van conversions involve adding windows to the bodywork, and seating to the cargo area. Van conversion minibuses outwardly look the same shape as the parent van, and the driver and front passenger cabin remains unchanged, retaining the driver and passenger doors. Access to the former cargo area for passengers is through the standard van side sliding door, or the rear doors. These may be fitted with step equipment to make boarding easier. Optional extras to van converted minibuses can include the addition of a rollsign for transit work, and/or a full height walk-in door, for passenger access to the former cargo area. For public transport use, this door may be an automatic concertina type. For other uses, this may be a simple plug style coach door. Depending on the relevant legislation, conversions may also involve wheelchair lifts and tachograph equipment.

Another method of building a minibus is for a second stage manufacturer to build a specific body for fitting to a semi-completed van or light truck chassis. These allow a higher seating capacity than a simple van conversion. Often, the second stage manufacturer is a bus manufacturer.
In a body-on-chassis minibus manufacturer , a cabin body is installed on a van or light truck chassis encompassing the drivers area. These designs may retain some outward signs of the original van, such as the bonnet and grille. Other designs are visually a complete bus design, and it is merely the chassis underneath that is from the van design.

The body-on-chassis approach gives the advantage of higher seating capacity, or more room for passenger comfort, through a larger cabin area. There is also the advantage of being able to have the drivers seat positioned in a small cubicle, next to the main passenger entrance, allowing the driver to collect fares in a transit bus role.A next generation approach to the van-derived or cutaway chassis approach, is for manufacturers to produce an integral design, where the whole vehicle is purposely designed and built for use as a minibus for sale . This is usually done by an integral bus manufacturer, although large automotive groups also produce their own models. These designs are often available in long high capacity versions, and may attract different designations, such as midibus, or light bus.

 

from:wiki

A bus system, comprising: a bus connected to an output; a multiplicity of drivers connected to said bus at respective connection points; a multiplicity of line sections each connected to said bus via a respective said driver; and said minibus for sale being formed with an optional break point between at least two of said connection points. A bus system, comprising: a bus connected to an output; a multiplicity of drivers connected to said bus at respective connection points; a multiplicity of line sections each connected to said bus via a respective said driver; and said bus being formed with an optional break point between at least two of said connection points. In semiconductor memories, for example, line sections are routed from individual memory cell arrays to buses that are capable of transmitting a multiplicity of signals. Such buses may be tristate buses, for example, that is to say buses that are capable of assuming three states, namely “driven high”, “driven low,” and “not driven”.

When the kids go to school there are school bus safety tips everyone must remember. These tips involve the parents, kids, the bus driver, and all motorists. Here are the important 'back to school' school bus safety tips that will keep students safe.Every mini bus manufacturer stop should be safe for kids going back to school.
• The area should be well lit, especially during the winter months when the mornings remain dark longer.
• The bus stop needs to be easy to get to and be a safe distance away from traffic.
• When it snows the bus stop needs to be cleared so the kids do not have to climb over a snow pile to access the school bus.

Upstream of the connection points to the bus, the individual line sections contain the drivers, which amplify the signals in the individual lines of the respective line sections and select the line section or the line which is currently able to connect to the bus. Upstream of the connection points to the bus, the individual line sections contain the drivers, which amplify the signals in the individual lines of the respective line sections and select the line section or the line which is currently able to connect to the bus. The more drivers there are connected to such a tristate bus  1  , the lower the operating speed of the tristate bus  1  becomes. This can be attributed to the fact that each further driver adds more source and drain paths and additional circuitry, which increases the capacity of the china minibuses system. A higher capacity results in a loss of operating speed, however.

When a child is waiting at the school bus stop they need to be seen. To accomplish this have the kids wear colorful clothing. When the school bus schedule has the kids waiting in the dark put a piece of reflective tape on their outer layer of clothing.As the school bus arrives at the bus stop kids should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching it. When the bus drives opens the door it is safe to move towards it to get on. There is no need to race to be the first one on.School buses do not have seat belts. Kids need to remain seated at all times until the bus arrives at its destination. The bus driver should conduct a bus safety training so kids know how to brace themselves in the case of an school bus accident and where the exit door and exit windows are.

School buses do not have seat belts. Kids need to remain seated at all times until the bus arrives at its destination. The bus driver should conduct a bus safety training so kids know how to brace themselves in the case of an school bus accident and where the exit door and exit windows are.In other words, the bus in the bus system according to the invention can, depending on requirements, readily be broken between two connection points, which means that all the drivers in the signal direction upstream of the break point no longer contribute to the capacity of the bus system. That is to say that, in the minibus for sale system according to the invention, all the drivers situated “before” the break point are disregarded, permitting a considerable reduction in capacity which, for its part, in turn considerably reduces the decrease in the operating speed of the bus system.

When exiting the bus kids need to walk slowly down the stairs and ensure that clothing and straps do not get hooked on anything.
• Move away from the bus so the school bus driver can see kids are safely out of the way before they resume.
• Do not get off the bus and walk along side of it. This is a blind spot for bus drivers and a very dangerous place to be when the bus moves.When the school bus lights are flashing and the 'stop sign' is extended drivers must stop. That is the law! The safety of kids going back to school depends on all drivers, sharing the road with the school bus, to be aware that 'where the bus goes there will be kids'. Every year there are injuries and deaths associated with a driver passing the school minibus when the 'stop' arm is extended and the kids assuming they can cross the road safely. Yes, it is frustrating being stuck behind a school bus yet the last thing you want is to hit a child as you were trying to get passed the bus.

Accordingly, an opportunity is provided, if required, of breaking the bus between at least two connection points between the bus and the line sections. That is to say that the bus can readily be broken between two connection points between the bus and the line sections in the bus system according to the invention. Hence, the output signals from all the drivers situated on the bus before the break point in the signal direction are disregarded during evaluation of the signals produced at the output DOUT. An optional break point can be created, for example, by designing the bus  1   (cf. FIG. 3  first) between two connection points  2  such that it can easily be broken between these two connection points. This can be done, for example, by the action of an appropriate laser beam, by etching or by another form of removal. In other words, the break point arranged as an option in the bus system according to the invention makes it possible to ensure that drivers which are not required have no concurrent effect in the formation of the output signal DOUT (cf. FIG. 3 ), in order for long term operation of the bus system to be ensured in this manner.

A motorized bicycle includes a drive system which can be fitted quickly and easily onto an existing bicycle in such a manner that the bicycle can be pedalled in a free-wheeling mode in which the motorized system does not significantly increase the force needed to pedal the bicycle. The motorized bicycle includes a wheel onto which is mounted a drive gear, a driven gear connected to the drive gear, and a drive device connected to the driven gear. The drive device includes a motor adapted to rotate an output shaft, a rotatable drive shaft, a first drive device detachably connecting the output shaft to the drive shaft, and a second drive device detachably connecting the drive shaft to the driven gear. The second drive device is centrifugally activated via rotation of the drive shaft by the first drive device. The drive system is mounted on a base which can be adjustably mounted on the bicycle's frame.

Motorized bicycles are a great way to go green, save money and get some fresh air, but there are many options and restrictions to look at when purchasing one.Find out what the restrictions are in your state. The laws on riding motorized bicycles vary greatly from state to state.Decide on an electric or gas motor. Generally speaking, quality gas motors are more expensive and require more maintenance but will travel faster and farther while electric motors are less expensive and require less maintenance and travel shorter distances at lower speeds.You also need to decide on whether to purchase a kit to add a motor to an existing bicycle or just buy fully built motorized bicycles .

This invention relates to a motorized bicycle and, more particularly, relates to a motorized bicycle which has driving power which can be supplied by pedalling only, motor operation only, or a combination of pedalling and motor operation.  Motorized bicycles have been designed which include a drive gear driven by either an engine or pedals. Early designs typically included chain or gear mechanisms which were driven by a motor and which were in constant contact with the bicycle's drive sprocket and with the pedals. While these motorized driving mechanisms did provide a means of supplying auxiliary power to a bicycle, they suffered from several disadvantages. For example, the motor and its drive system were typically in direct communication with the pedals at all times, requiring the bicyclist to drive the motor when pedalling. The drag of the motor significantly increased the force needed to pedal the bicycle. Moreover, the drive systems of these early motorized bicycles were extremely difficult to retrofit onto existing bicycles because they required complicated driving arrangements which necessitated extensive modifications of the bicycles onto which they were mounted. As a consequence, these systems could not be used on multi-speed bicycles.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,575,873 to Henney discloses a motorized bicycle manufacturer which was designed to avoid some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. Henney's bicycle can be powered by pedalling only, by motor operation only, or by a combination of pedalling and motor operation. Henney also discloses the use of a clutch which allows the motor drive unit to be disengaged mechanically from the rear wheel. Once the motor unit is disengaged, the bicycle can be pedalled without the added resistance of the motor drive elements. For example, if the rider desires some light exercise, he can put the clutch in neutral and pedal the bike as if it were non- motorized. While Henney is desirable from this viewpoint, it also has several disadvantages.

Now it is time to find the product. If you live in or close to a big city, you may find a dealer with a showroom. Check with local bicycle and scooter dealers to see of they carry what you are looking for.If you do not find anything locally, do not despair. The Internet is loaded with manufacturers of both kits and pre-built motorized bicycles.If you are not mechanically inclined, seek a second opinion on your chosen bicycle or kit before purchasing. The right engine can make or break your experience with your new motorized bicycle.If you are satisfied with your selection, then it is time to buy and begin enjoying your motorized bicycle supplier .

First, the location of the motor on the rear wheel as disclosed by Henney results in an unbalanced bicycle because the center of gravity is moved to the rear and because the motor is mounted on one side of the wheel, giving the bike a tendency to fall over to one side. Also, Henney's device is uneconomical to retrofit on existing bicycles, due to the fact that the entire rear wheel of an existing bicycle must be removed and discarded and replaced with the wheel, motor, and transmission assembly disclosed in Henney. If the existing bike is a multi-speed type of say 3, 10, or 15 speeds, then all the gearing associated with the rear wheel will have to be removed and discarded and a special rear wheel installed, which allows only two speeds. Today, multi-speed bicycles are predominant, and the advantage of the multi-speed gearing is lost in a design such as Henney.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,280,932 to Moulton discloses a power-assisted bicycle capable of being pedalled only, powered only, or both pedalled and powered. Through the use of separate chain drives and separate free wheel sprockets on the rear wheel, the Moulton design also allows the bicycle to be pedalled in a free-wheeling mode without the added resistance of the motor drive elements. Moulton is disadvantageous, however, because it requires a separate drive chain and drive gear mounted on the rear wheel, thereby increasing the weight and cost of the system and making it harder to retrofit the same onto existing bicycles. Moreover, even in the free-wheeling mode, the bicycle is noticeably harder to pedal because the pedals must drive the extra gear on the rear wheel, the second drive chain, and the drive gear for the second drive chain.

Another object of the invention is to provide a china motorized bicycles having a drive system which can be fitted quickly and easily onto an existing bicycle in such a manner that the bicycle can be pedalled in a free-wheeling mode in which the motorized system does not significantly increase the force needed to pedal the bicycle.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the motorized bicycle includes a wheel having a drive gear mounted thereon, a driven gear connected to the drive gear, and a drive device connected to the driven gear. The drive device includes a motor adapted to rotate an output shaft, a rotatable drive shaft, a first drive device detachably connecting the output shaft to the drive shaft, and a second drive device detachably connecting the drive shaft to the driven gear. The second drive device is activated via torque resulting from rotation of the drive shaft by the first drive device.

The invention is directed at a power assist module for a electric bicycle china comprising a power source; a motor, connected to the power source; an output drive gear, controlled by motor through gear reduction; a multi-geared hub, mounted on a wheel of the bicycle; and a motor drive system connecting the output drive gear with the multi-geared hub; wherein rotation of the output drive gear by the motor, causes the drive chain to rotate the hub, thereby rotating the wheel of the bicycle. Bicycles have been a form of transportation for many years and in some countries, the main mode of transportation. In more recent times, bicycles have been equipped with means to reduce the amount of energy required by the rider to propel the bicycle, such as by adding electric drives. Prior art electric drives for bicycles can be divided into various categories such as a friction drive on the bicycle wheel; an electric through the pedal shaft to the rear wheel; an electric through the chain to the rear wheel; an electric drive through a freewheeling sprocket (chain or gear); a direct drive to the rear wheel; or a wheel hub motor.

Motorized bicycles are a great way to go green, save money and get some fresh air, but there are many options and restrictions to look at when purchasing one.Find out what the restrictions are in your state. The laws on riding motorized bicycles vary greatly from state to state.Electric drives through the pedal shaft to the rear wheel are usually heavy, bulky gearboxes with electric motors attached. The disadvantage of this system is that a rider must pedal when the motor is in operation. Although the electric drive can be isolated from the rider, the rider must still pedal at the drive speed to augment driving force. Versions that allow the motor to drive the rear wheel without turning the pedals are available, but they require additional non-standard mechanisms, which increase the cost of the bicycle. A further disadvantage of this type of drive is that, in high gear, the pedal shaft turns at about one third of the speed of the rear wheel; therefore, the rotational speed of the motor must be reduced by a factor of about three times when driving through the pedal shaft. As the power from the motor is transmitted through the pedal shaft to the rear wheel has to be sped up again, to about three times the pedal shaft speed. Both the additional reduction and the subsequent acceleration add to friction losses and a loss in overall efficiency of the bicycle.

Decide on an electric or gas motor. Generally speaking, quality gas motors are more expensive and require more maintenance but will travel faster and farther while electric motors are less expensive and require less maintenance and travel shorter distances at lower speeds.You also need to decide on whether to purchase a kit to add a motor to an existing bicycle or just buy a fully built motorized bicycles .Another disadvantage of drives through the pedal shaft is that the bulky transmission and motor combination around the pedal shaft requires the battery to be relegated to a higher position on the bike frame, away from the center of the bicycle, causing balance problems. A disadvantage of electric bicycles with drives through the chain to the rear wheel is that they do not allow multiple front sprockets. The drive gear, typically mounted after the front crank sprocket, shortens the flex length of the chain which can result in the chain wear and dislodging from the electric drive sprocket.

Now it is time to find the product. If you live in or close to a big city, you may find a dealer with a showroom. Check with local bicycle and scooter dealers to see of they carry what you are looking for.If you do not find anything locally, do not despair. The Internet is loaded with manufacturers of both kits and pre-built motorized bicycles.Wheel hub motors are similar to a normal bicycle hub with flanges including holes for spokes on each side and an axle through the center. However they are much larger in diameter and much heavier. When applied to the front wheel of a bicycle, they create a gyroscopic force that at high speeds makes the bicycle hard to steer and thereby dangerous in some conditions. When applied to either the front of rear wheel of the bicycle, wheel hub motors increase the polar moment of inertia significantly in both the vertical and horizontal planes. This is an undesirable characteristic from a handling and safety point of view.It is, therefore, desirable to provide a novel motorized mode of transportation that overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of prior art electric and/or motorized bicycles manufacturer .

It is, therefore, desirable to provide a novel motorized mode of transportation that overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of prior art electric and/or motorized bicycles. If you are satisfied with your selection, then it is time to buy and begin enjoying your motorized bicycle.It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous motorized or electric bicycles . Accordingly, the need exists for an electric powered bicycle that includes at least one of the following advantages. Firstly, one advantage is a simple, inexpensive multi-speed drive wheel that can be efficiently driven by a motor. Another advantage is a speed shifting apparatus that can be used to shift the multi-speed drive to increase torque multiplication as the bicycle begins to climb steeper hills such that when the hub shifts to larger reductions, the torque required from the motor to climb the hill is reduced and the efficiency increases. Another advantage of the invention is an increase in efficiency with a lighter bicycle. Another advantage of the invention is a drive arrangement that is independent of the bicycle drive where the rider can be assisted while pedaling at any speed or effort while the drive operates at an efficient range. Yet a further advantage is a low polar moment of inertia for the drive wheel so unassisted riding feels similar to a normal bicycle. Another advantage is a motor/drive unit and battery that can be retrofitted to an existing bicycle such that the battery can be in a position that is low and close to the center of the bicycle.

In a preferred embodiment, a brushless, direct current electric motor is used, but not installed to the wheel as the manufacturer intended. Instead, on a front drive embodiment, the motor is mounted to brackets that are, in turn, mounted to the fork of the electric bicycle manufacturer , just forward of the frame. A conventional chain can then be operatively connected around the sprocket(s) to drive the standard internally geared hub in the front wheel. The difference in the size of the sprockets can be adjusted to obtain the desired top speed of the bicycle, depending on the highest gear ratio of the multi-speed hub chosen.

A bus circuit of this invention has a bus line. A bus input circuit and a bus output circuit are connected to the bus line. The bus line is charged by a precharge circuit. The bus output circuit outputs an output signal to the bus line by discharging or not discharging potential of the bus line. The bus input circuit inputs a signal from the bus line. The minibus for sale input circuit includes a feedback circuit which inputs potential of the bus line as the signal, amplifies the signal in accordance with a change of the signal, and feeds back the amplified result to the bus line.

Most of the rules for safety during bus travel are similar to general ideas for safety overall. But because so much of that experience entails being second in control (outside of the driver, schedules, etc.) it is worth the effort to mesh your efforts with theirs for a successful trip--whether it is long term or a short jaunt across town. Here are tips.When commuting by bus, use bus stops that are lit well and not isolated or dangerous. Often bus stations are in a close proximity to train stations, and some even share waiting rooms and other amenities. If lighting leaves something to be desired, consider perching in front of adjoining stores' light, and make a note to report to the minibus manufacturer where their lights are burned out or broken.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a bus circuit of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a bus circuit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a bus circuit according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a bus circuit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 5(A) to 5(C) are a circuit diagram of the bus circuit of the first conventional bus circuit, an operation timing chart and an input/output characteristic diagram of the hysteresis circuit, respectively;
FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C) are a circuit diagram of the bus circuit of the second conventional bus circuit, an operation timing chart and an input/output characteristic diagram of the comparator used in the embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the construction of the bus circuit of the third conventional bus circuit; and
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the construction of the bus circuit of the fourth conventional bus circuit.

The present invention relates to a bus circuit, and more particularly, to a bus circuit for signal transmission/reception by a plurality of circuit devices via a common minibus for sale signal line.

As an example of a conventional bus circuit of this type, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 61-58317 discloses two conventional bus circuits.

Referring to FIGS. 5(A) through 5(C), a first conventional bus circuit 600 has a feedback circuit 610 and bus input/output circuits 671 and 672. The bus circuit 600 is a static-type bus circuit. The feedback circuit 610 comprises a hysteresis circuit 612 which receives a bus signal, a buffer 613 which receives an output from the hysteresis circuit 612, and a transfer gate transistor 614 which receives an output from the buffer 613. The transfer gate transistor 614 is in an off state during the first-half cycle of a data transfer period, then it is in an on state during the last-half cycle of the data transfer period for transmitting the output from the buffer 613 to a bus signal line 601.

If the circuit is designed such that the level V1 is lower than a low-level judgment level V L of the hysteresis circuit 612, a signal, which is obtained through the hysteresis circuit 612 and the buffer 613, accelerates the discharge potential on the minibus supplier signal line 601. When the transfer data signal is at a high level, high-speed operation is similarly attained by designing the circuit such that a rising voltage V2 of the bus signal line 601 in the first-half cycle of the data transfer cycle is higher than a high-level judgment level V H . In the first conventional bus circuit, since a feedback circuit is additionally connected to the bus signal line 601, the hardware in the bus circuit and the amount of load on the bus signal line increase.

Upon boarding, seek posted instructions of emergency procedures and exits. Also, commit to memory the number of the bus, and be alert to your surroundings as well as the people on board. In the event of an emergency, the two-way radios in buses--or phones owned by drivers--can contact the base operations.City bus drivers have specific routes, but in extenuating circumstances, might agree to let you off at an unscheduled stop. For maximum safety, have someone meet you at your destination.MiniBus for sale stations tend to be a gathering place for homeless people because they are so often open 'round-the-clock. Be alert for your own safety and watch your belongings, whether stationary or moving around before embarking.

In FIGS. 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c), a bus circuit 700 includes a precharge transistor 702, a feedback circuit 710 and bus input/output circuits 771 and 772. The second conventional bus circuit 700 is a dynamic (precharge) type bus circuit. The feedback circuit 710 comprises a comparator 712 which receives a bus signal, a 2-input NOR gate 715, to which an output from the comparator 712 and a precharge signal T PC are inputted, and a pull-down transistor 713 which inputs an output from the 2-input NOR gate 715 as a gate input for pulling down a bus signal line 701. The feedback circuit 710 is connected to the bus signal line 701.

The bus signal line 701 is charged when the precharge transistor 702 is turned on by the precharge signal T PC . When low level data is transferred in the data transfer cycle, the bus signal line 701 is discharged by discharge transistors 734 and 730 in the minibus china input/output circuit 771. When the level of the bus signal line 701 becomes lower than a low-level judgment level V L of the comparator 712 as shown in FIG. 6(c), the pull-down transistor 713 is turned on by the output of the NOR gate 15. While the feedback circuit 710 accelerates the discharge from the bus signal line 701, since the feedback circuit 710 is additionally connected to the bus signal line 701, the amount of hardware of the bus circuit and the load on the bus signal line also increase.

When alone, try to sit nearer to the driver, and if the bus isn't full, sit next to an empty seat. Don't make it too apparent that you are alone, and avoid going anywhere with anyone solo during stops.

A minibus or minicoach is a passenger carrying motor vehicle that is designed to carry more people than a multi-purpose vehicle or minivan, but fewer people than a full-size bus. In the United Kingdom, the word "minibus" is used to describe any full-sized passenger carrying van. Minibuses have a seating capacity of between 8 and 30 seats. Larger minibus for sale  may be called midibuses or light buses. Minibuses are typically front-engined step-entrance vehicles, although low floor minibuses do exist.

Minibuses are used for a variety of reasons. In a public transport role, they can be used as fixed route transit buses, airport buses, flexible demand responsive transport vehicles, share taxis or large taxicabs. Accessible minibuses can also be used for paratransit type services, by local authorities, transit operators, hospitals or charities. Private uses of minibuses can include corporate transport, charter buses, tour buses. Schools, sports clubs, community groups and charities may also use minibuses for private transport. Individual owners may use reduced seating minibuses as cheap recreational vehicles.

There are many different types and configurations of minibuses for sale , due to historical and local differences, and usage. Minibus designs can be classified in three main groups, with a general increase in seating capacity with each type:

    * Van conversions. Simple, optional extras
    * Body builds
    * Purpose built
The most basic source of minibus is the van conversion, where the minibus is derived by modifying an existing van design. Conversions may be produced completely by the van manufacturer, sold as part of their standard model line-up, or be produced by specialist conversion companies, who source a suitably prepared base model from the van manufacturer for final completion as a minibus.

Van conversions involve adding windows to the bodywork, and seating to the cargo area. Van conversion minibuses manufacturer outwardly look the same shape as the parent van, and the driver and front passenger cabin remains unchanged, retaining the driver and passenger doors. Access to the former cargo area for passengers is through the standard van side sliding door, or the rear doors. These may be fitted with step equipment to make boarding easier. Optional extras to van converted minibuses can include the addition of a rollsign for transit work, and/or a full height walk-in door, for passenger access to the former cargo area. For public transport use, this door may be an automatic concertina type. For other uses, this may be a simple plug style coach door. Depending on the relevant legislation, conversions may also involve wheelchair lifts and tachograph equipment.

Another method of building a minibus is for a second stage manufacturer to build a specific body for fitting to a semi-completed van or light truck chassis. These allow a higher seating capacity than a simple van conversion. Often, the second stage manufacturer is a bus manufacturer.

In a body-on-chassis minibus supplier , a cabin body is installed on a van or light truck chassis encompassing the drivers area. These designs may retain some outward signs of the original van, such as the bonnet and grille. Other designs are visually a complete bus design, and it is merely the chassis underneath that is from the van design.

The body-on-chassis approach gives the advantage of higher seating capacity, or more room for passenger comfort, through a larger cabin area. There is also the advantage of being able to have the drivers seat positioned in a small cubicle, next to the main passenger entrance, allowing the driver to collect fares in a transit bus role.A next generation approach to the van-derived or cutaway chassis approach, is for manufacturers to produce an integral design, where the whole vehicle is purposely designed and built for use as a minibus for sale . This is usually done by an integral bus manufacturer, although large automotive groups also produce their own models. These designs are often available in long high capacity versions, and may attract different designations, such as midibus, or light bus.

 

source:wiki

The present invention relates to a bus whose top is so constructed that it possesses sufficient rigidity also in case of a lateral rolling-over of the vehicle over its roof caused by accidents in order to prevent thereby that the entire upper portion of the top is compressed up to approximately the lower edge of the windows.

Consequently, it is proposed in accordance with the present invention as solution to the underlying problems that roll-over girders constructed as hollow bearers be arranged approximately above the front axle and above the rear axle or within the area between rear axle and the rear end, which are supported at their lower ends on the frame structure of the vehicle.

A bus system has a bus, a number of units which can be connected to one another via the bus, and a bus controller. The units request the city bus manufacturer for bus access when they require a connection to one or more other units, and the bus controller decides which unit will be allocated to the bus. The bus system is distinguished in that at least some of the units which can request bus access are allocated values which indicate how long and/or how frequently the relevant unit can be allocated the bus or has been allocated the bus, and in that these values are used to decide whether a unit which is requesting bus access is allocated the bus, or whether a unit which requires bus access is requesting the bus at all.

 

 

Product Name:Mini bus NDY 6728
Item No.: NDY 6728
Description:

Model		NDY6728
Chassis		HFC6700KY6
Engine	Model	CY4102BZLQ  Euro II
	Type	Diesel,Vertical,in-line,water-cooled,4-stroke,4-cylinder,supercharge inter-cool
	Max.Output(kw/rpm)	88/2800
	Max.Torque(N.m/rpm)	343/1400-1800
	Displacement(ml)	3856
Dimension(L*W*H)(mm)	7235*2270*2750
Wheel base (mm)	3856
Seats	24~29
Max.Speed(km/h)	≥98
Fuel consumption≤(L/100km)	22
Configuration:
Door	Manual folding door(Optional:Automatic folding door),Driver-side door
Seats	Adjustable,high backres driver seat;high backrest, immobile seat
Window	Sliding side window
Lamp	Single ceiling lamp,Step light lamp
Video system	AM/FM stereo cassette(Optional:Multi disk VCD)
Air-conditioning system	Dependent air-conditioning,Dependent water warming
Inner Trimming	Inside Mirror,Sun Visor(Left) (Optional:Left side luggage rack,Dormer window with air-circulating function,Rear wiper)

 

 

A bus system, comprising: a bus; a plurality of units connectable to one another through said bus; and a bus controller configured to receive from said units requests for bus access when said units require a connection to one or more other said units, and to decide which unit will be allocated said bus; wherein at least some of said units that can request bus access are allocated values indicating how long and/or how frequently said respective unit can be or has been allocated said bus, and said bus controller is configured to use the values to decide whether a respective said unit requesting bus access is allocated the bus, or whether a unit requiring bus access is even requesting said bus.

Federal law requires that drivers of mini buses or any vehicle carrying more than 15 passengers must have a Commercial Class B Driver's License with a Passenger Endorsement, which usually requires passing a road test. Most states use the federal standard of requiring a commercial license for drivers of 15 passengers or more. Other states have more stringent standards, and, in California, it is required for drivers transporting 10 or more passengers. If the mini bus has air brakes, the license must have an Air Brake Endorsement.

The term mini bus usually refers to a 15 to 26 passenger vehicle that is built on a small truck chassis, but some also apply the term mini bus to converted cargo vans that can carry up to 15 passengers.
The top heavy, lightweight 15-passenger vans have such a comparatively poor safety record that The Motor Vehicle Safety Amendments Act of 1974 now forbids the sale of new vans carrying 10 or more passenger to organizations that would use them to transport children such as schools or day care centers. Each instance of such a sale is punishable by a $1,000 fine. Many states have placed additional restrictions on the passenger van variety of minibus for sale .

The present invention relates to a drive mechanism of an electric bike which has a drive motor positioned at outer side of the front fork thereof. A power output shaft of the drive motor vertically extends from a gearbox and directly coupled with axle of the front wheel through a gear. The drive motor drives the front wheel into rotation so as to achieve the effect of an auxiliary or a full drive for the bike. Besides, the drive motor and related components are well distributed to the front wheel so that the loading of the rear wheel can be effectively reduced, thereby improving the control performance in riding.

An electric scooter bike is basically a bicycle with an electric motor and a battery that runs the motor. The battery needs to be charged after 40 miles or so, unless you have a pedal bike that recharges the battery as you pedal. Some scooter bikes are the kind that you stand on with an electric motor and tiny wheels. The motors on some electric scooter bikes can be extremely powerful and reach speeds of 50 mph or more.

With the development of the environment protection in worldwide modern countries, the electrical transportation means have been more and more valued. Since the structure of the electrical bike is more simple and the promotion cost is lower, it can be regarded as one of the more successful electrical transportation means
A conventional electrical bike, disclosed in TW Pat. No. 470036, describes that a drive motor is installed at the rear wheel while the power control unit of the drive motor is placed at the lower part of rear fork of the bike frame. The action of the pedal will be detected by the power control unit. And the motor can be driven by a pull rope disposed at the handle bar, thereby saving the labor of the cyclist.

Know the field. When you go shopping for an electric bicycle , be sure you know the kind you wish to purchase. Light electric vehicles (LEVs) can be large or tiny. A small stand-up-and-push type scooter is for short distances and can be carried in a car or into your office. A standard pedal bike can be made into a scooter bike with a kit or can be bought ready-made. Kits for standard pedal bikes have a lightweight battery and a small motor that fits inconspicuously in the front or rear wheel.
The motors on scooter bikes have a range from 250 to 1,500 watts. The size of the motor will determine what kind of battery will be carried on the bike and how long the battery will last before it needs charging.
Choose a large motor on a ready-made scooter if you want to go fast and carry items or people with you. Alternatively, if your goal is just to get there with the least amount of pedaling, at a speed of 20 mph, then a kit to convert your standard bike to a motorized bike is for you.

Another conventional electrical bikes, disclosed in TW Pat. No. 467091 and 404383 describe a disk-like housing for the wheel hub on the axle of the rear wheel. Within the disk-like housing is included an electric motor in cooperation with a flywheel to join a manual drive portion. Therefore, the rear wheel can be electrically or/and manually driven for locomotion.

Find sources. LightEVs are now very popular and can be purchased at motorbike stores as well as online. Check out  Motorized bicycle to see lists of light electric vehicles, manufacturers and kits (see Resources).
Look at "A to B Magazine" (mostly available in the UK) and check in your library or bookstore for the "National Cycle Network Guide" and other informative books about electric scooter bikes.

Moreover, a further electrical bike, disclosed in TW Pat. No. 371937 describes a gear lever and a power switch mounted on the handle bar. A brake is mounted on the front tube of the main frame. A battery set is interposed between the upper and the lower traverse tubes. Besides, an electromagnetic reduction servomotor unit is installed at the rear side behind the seat. The main drive shaft of the reduction motor is joined with a plurality of unidirectional sprockets in connection with a wheel chain. Accordingly, the rear wheel of the bike can be driven by the wheel chain.

Check out the prices. A ready-made electric scooter bike can cost as little as $350, but the range of prices for ready-made scooter bikes goes all the way up to $3,000 for the Currie/EZIP/IZIP Bicycle.
An Amped bike kit costs $330, but kits to convert your standard bike to electric power may cost as much as $1,049 for a Bmc 1000w Brushless Hub Motor electric bike eBike kit.

The main power source of the above-mentioned is installed at the center or at the rear end of the main frame of the bike. Therefore, the rear wheel of the bike is directly or indirectly driven through a transmission unit. Most of the conventional electric bikes are rear wheel drive so that the structure of the rear axle having motor and control elements in addition to chain, toothed wheels, brake and derailleur elements becomes more and more complicated, thereby increasing difficulty of the whole development and the production cost. Moreover, the repair of the bike becomes more difficult. Furthermore, the increased weight is loaded only to the rear wheel, thereby resulting in a great deal of wear and tear and affecting the control effect.

A vehicle of the "Volkswagen" minibus for sale with sliding side doors and rear engine drive has a tray-like subframe affixed centrally in a cut out portion of the main frame. The subframe has a front wall, a rear wall, one side wall and a planar bottom at a level well below the conventional floor level. A normally upstanding wheel chair ramp is pivoted to the bottom, on a fixed axis at the level thereof, in an opening in the opposite side wall of the rectangular subframe. The track for the side door has a section along the ramp. The lowered floor level brings the eyes of the patient down to window level.

Find a taxi or minibus. Taxis are the fastest way to get around a Caribbean island. Almost all of the islands are equipped with a relatively safe and speedy fleet of taxis. If you're concerned about safety, choose taxis that are "official" or are part of a large company. If you're very comfortable on your Caribbean island use a minibus, which can fit a few more people and their luggage and will save you a bit of cash on your ride.

This invention is intended to permit a wheel chair occupant to be driven about in a Volkswagen minibus for sale having sliding side doors, or in a similar vehicle of other manufacture, the wheel chair occupant being able to see out the windows while seated. The windows, driver's seat, passenger seats of the vehicle remain unaffected but the invention contemplates the removal of the central portion of the vehicle frame and the welding insertion therein of a rectangular tray-like subframe. The bottom of the subframe is planar from side to side of the vehicle at a level well below the level of the conventional floor so that a wheel chair occupant will be at the correct height to see the scenery through the vehicle windows.

An integral, one-piece, inverted U-shaped ramp is mounted on a minibus manufacturer , at the level of the side edge of the bottom, the ramp being normally upstanding but pivotable downwardly so that the free terminal tip is on the ground.

The gear shift control rod is sectionalized with universal joints to extend under the lowered bottom and permit changing of gears. A section of the track for the sliding door is fixed to the outside of the ramp to pivot downwardly therewith but to guide the closing door when the ramp is up. Limit switches and latches prevent the door from closing when the ramp is down and prevent the ramp from lowering inadvertently.

Ride the public or semi-public transportation. If you want to mingle with the locals of the Caribbean island, hop on the bus service. The islands' public transport systems are generally efficient and safe, especially by day. Ask the driver about your destination and return route and time before you get on. Check with your hotel about getting a semi-public minibus that runs that same routes as the buses but is slightly cheaper.

Rent a car or scooter. If you want some independence as you get around on a Caribbean island consider renting a car or scooter. Car rental works roughly the same as it does back home, as you pay for insurance, mileage and gas. Scooter rental is a very cheap, very easy and very romantic means of transport available on almost all Caribbean islands. Just make sure you get a helmet and know how to operate the scooter before you zoom off.

Set sail. If you're tired of your landlubbing ways, head to the dock or pier to use a truly Caribbean form of transport. Generally, there are ferry boats available from one part of the island to another. However, if you find yourself without regular ferry options talk to one of the local fishermen about hiring him for a small ride to wherever you want to go. Make sure that you know how to get back to your starting point before you set sail.

The origins of the motorized bicycle can be traced back to the latter part of the 19th century when experimenters began attaching steam engines to stock tricycles and quadracycles. This moved into attempts to fit the newly-invented internal combustion engine to the bicycle form.
Development diverged into two distinct streams: motorcycles, which are powered solely by their engines, and motorized bicycles as defined above. The closeness of the two forms in early years is demonstrated by Félix Millet's machines of 1892/93 and on. These had both pedals and an ingenious fixed crankshaft radial engine built into the back wheel. Within a few years motorized bicycles and motorcycles were recognizably divergent, with for example early motorcycles being longer, heavier and with a markedly different riding position from that of a contemporary pedal cycle. Later, development forked again with the advent of mopeds, small motorcycles fitted with pedals that can be used as a starting aid but which cannot, practically, be ridden under pedal power alone. This development appears to have been largely in order to exploit ambiguities between the regulatory framework for bicycles, powered bicycles and motorcycles - in jurisdictions where pedals were not required to meet the legal framework they were often simply omitted on otherwise identical models.

In the case of motorized bicycles , too, there were soon two parallel streams of development: motor assistance as an addition to existing machines, and purpose-built motor-assisted bicycles like the Derny and VéloSoleX, with stronger frames and sometimes with only token ability to be wholly human powered. In these cases some assert that the product is more formally a motorcycle or moped than a motorized bicycle, and some jurisdictions also take this view.

The gasoline-powered motorized bicycle eg the "vélomoteur" (VéloSoleX) was popular in France during the 1930s, and continued to be widely sold in early postwar years as a means of transportation during a period of gasoline shortages and limited automobile production. This continued in the 1960s and 1970s as young people could ride them without needing a license.

Other countries had relaxed licencing requirements eg lower age limits for electric bicycle , which increased their popularity.

British countries in the 1940s and 1950s developed both the “clip-on” motors for bicycles (35 to 49 cc), and the “autocycle” with a purpose-built frame incorporating pedals and a two-stroke engine (often a 98 cc Villiers engine), but without a gearbox (eg the Malvern Star).

Modern motorized bicycles follow both trends, with conversions being applied by hobbyists as well as commercial manufacturers. Hub motors in particular facilitate after market conversion, being built into the wheel and not requiring modifications to the drivetrain or frame, as well as having a low centre of gravity. Converting bicycles or tricycles has proven useful for some people with physical disabilities such as arthritis. The strength of tricycles is that they will balance even while stationary, but some people find it harder to ride a tricycle and claim it lacks agility. Portability is also compromised compared to bicycles.

The modern electric bike is true to the concept of a pedal bicycle with assisting propulsion, being ridable without power. Batteries have finite capacity, which means that the hybrid human / electric power mix is much more likely to be emphasised than is the case with a combustion engine. Electric bicycles are gaining acceptance, especially in Europe and Asia, in response to increasing traffic congestion, an aging population and concern about the environment. Electric vehicle conversion – converting conventionally-powered vehicles to electric or hybrid vehicles – is also increasingly common.

Autocycle manufacturers were well established in countries such as Britain and Australia before the second world war, but the hiatus of the war appears to have set the market back, although the American bolt-on Whizzer continued until 1962. The motorized bicycle saw a resurgence of popularity in Britain during the 1950s and such bolt-on motors as the Cyclaid and the Cyclemaster motor wheel saw brief periods of immense popularity. The Cyclemaster, which was a hub motor which could be fitted to an ordinary bike, started at 25cc (painted black), but later the size went up to 32cc (painted grey). Elsewhere in Europe the motorized bicycle manufacturer continued to be popular. The Italian, Vincenti Piatti had designed a 50 cc engine for driving portable lathes and this was also used to in the form of the Mini Motore to power bicycles. Piatti later licensed the design to Trojan for production in Britain as the Trojan Minimotor. Production of The French VELOSOLEX began in 1946 and continued until 1988. After French production ceased, the VELOSOLEX continued to be produced in China and Hungary. In 2003 production ceased in Hungary. Today production continues in China and has restarted in France. Velosolex America is the company that markets the VELOSOLEX worldwide.

Currently there are several companies manufacturing aftermarket Internal Combustion (IC) motorisation kits for Bicycles. These include both 4-Stroke and 2-Stroke. Notably there was also a Compression-Ignition engine kit produced using an 18 cc variable head engine - this was made by Lohmann in Germany.

Current manufacturers include Golden Eagle Bike Engines using a rack-mounted belt drive (also called a rear-mount) and Staton-Inc who uses a rack-mount with a chain drive geared transmission with an 18.75:1 gear reduction ratio from the engine to the output shaft (the part that connects to and drives the chain). There are also various other kits available using 48-50/60/70 and 80cc 2-stroke engines made to have the engine centrally mounted in a position echoing that of motorbikes (again generally using chain drive), called a V-mount option. One such notable company that manufactures and provides such a variety of kit choices is GruBee, which not only provides various 2-stroke models but also 4-stroke--all with V-mount and rear-mount choices. GruBee, like Staton-Inc, also manufactures a chain drive geared transmission but with a much lower gear reduction ratio of about 3.75:1 from the engine to the output shaft, allowing for a greater top speed but with a bit less pulling power. And more recently, GruBee also introduced a T-belt-driven chain drive transmission with a 5:1 reduction ratio from the engine to the output shaft. However, both GruBee's geared and T-belt transmissions are designed specifically to be powered only by a Honda GXH50 or Chinese-built HuaSheng 142F 4-stroke engine. The Whizzer company also has their own version of a belt drive. Belt drives tend to be lighter and much quieter than geared transmissions as very little to no lubrication oils are required and there is no screaming sound produced by fast-churning gears, which sometimes can be louder than the engine itself.

Companies marketing the latter types include EZ Motorbike, Dax, Spooky Tooth Cycles, Kings, Bicycle-Engines.com as well as Canadian-based Blow By U Motorized Bicycles and Quinte Skyhawk (2-stroke only) plus there are other sellers worldwide. These generally have a top speed of between 25 mph (40 km/h) and 40 mph (64 km/h) (using aftermarket tuning and higher gearing ratios).

 

 

source:wiki

A electric bike is a bicycle with an attached motor used to power the vehicle, or to assist with pedaling. Sometimes classified as a motor vehicle, or a class of hybrid vehicle, motorized bicycles may be powered by different types of engines.

Motorized bicycles are distinguished from motorcycles by being capable of being powered by pedals alone if required. The actual usage of the pedals varies widely according to the type of vehicle. Some can be propelled by the motor alone if the rider chooses not to pedal. Those known as mopeds mostly have pedals for emergency use or because of legal requirements and these are not normally used. Those known as power-assist bikes have the pedals as the main form of propulsion with the motor used to give a bit of extra power, especially uphill. Many motorized bicycles are based on standard bicycle frame designs and technologies, although the modifications to the design to support motorization may be extensive.

In countries where there is a strong bicycle culture (notably in Asia), the electric bicycle is particularly popular; in 1996 Shanghai had 370,000 motorized bicycles and 470,000 other vehicles.
In the 1890s, electric bicycles were documented within various U.S. patents. For example, on 31 December 1895 Ogden Bolton Jr. was granted U.S. Patent 552,271 for a battery-powered bicycle with “6-pole brush-and-commutator direct current (DC) hub motor mounted in the rear wheel.” There were no gears and the motor could draw up to 100 amperes (A) from a 10-V battery.

Two years later, in 1897, Hosea W. Libbey of Boston invented an electric bicycle (U.S. Patent 596,272) that was propelled by a “double electric motor.” The motor was designed within the hub of the crankshaft axle. This model was later re-invented and imitated in the late 1990s by Giant Lafree electric bicycles.

By 1898 a rear wheel drive electric bicycle , which used a driving belt along the outside edge of the wheel was patented by Mathew J. Steffens. Also, the 1899 U.S. Patent 627,066 by John Schnepf depicted a rear wheel friction “roller-wheel” style drive electric bicycle. Schnepf's invention was later re-examined and expanded in 1969 by G.A. Wood Jr. with his U.S. Patent 3,431,994. Wood’s device used 4 fractional horsepower motors; each rated less than ½ horsepower and connected through a series of gears.

Torque sensors and power controls were developed in the late 1990s. For example, Takada Yutky of Japan filed a patent in 1997 for such a device. In 1992 Vector Services Limited offered and sold an electric bicycle dubbed Zike. The bicycle included Nickel-cadmium batteries that were built into a frame member and included an 850 g permanent-magnet motor. Despite the Zike, in 1992 hardly any commercial electric bicycles were available. It wasn’t until 1998 when there were at least 49 different bikes. Production grew from 1993 to 2004 by an estimated 35%. By Contrast, according to Gardner, in 1995 regular bicycle production decreased from its peak 107 million units. Some of the less expensive electric bicycles used bulky lead acid batteries, whereas newer models generally used NiMH, NiCd and/or Li-ion batteries which offered lighter, denser capacity batteries. The end benefits usually varied from manufacturer; however, in general there was an increase in range and speed. By 2004 electric bicycles where manufactured by Currie Technologies, EV Global, Optibike, Giante Lite, Merida, ZAP.

By 2001 the terms, E-Bikes, power bike, pedelec, assisted bicycle and power-assisted bicycle where commonly used to describe electric bicycles . E-bike, according to Google, is a term that has increased in trend. This term generally referred to an electric bicycle which used a throttle. The terms Electric Motorbike or E-Motorbike have been used to describe more powerful models which attain up to 80 km/h.

In a parallel hybrid motorized bicycle, such as the afformentioned 1897 invention by Hosea W. Libbey, human and motor inputs are mechanically coupled either in the bottom bracket, the rear or the front wheel, whereas in a (mechanical) series hybrid cycle, the human and motor inputs are coupled through differential gearing. In an (electronic) series hybrid cycle, human power is converted into electricity and is fed directly into the motor and mostly additional electricity is supplied from a battery.

Pedelec is a European term that generally referred to an electric bike that incorporated a torque and/or a speed sensor and/or a power controller that delivered a proportionate level of assist and only ran when the rider pedaled. On the opposite side, a Noped is a term used by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario for similar type vehicles which do not have pedals or in which the pedals have been removed from their motorized bicycle. Finally, Assist Bicycle is the technical term used to describe such a vehicle and Power-Assisted Bicycle is used in the Canadian Federal Legislation, but is carefully defined to only apply to electric motor assist, and specifically excludes internal combustion engines (though this is not the case in the United States).

Today, China is the world's leading producer of electric bicycles. According to the data of the China Bicycle Association, a government-chartered industry group, in 2004 China's manufacturers sold 7.5 million electric bicycles nationwide, which was almost twice the year 2003 sales; domestic sales reached 10 million in 2005, and 16 to 18 million in 2006. By 2007, electric bicycles were thought to make up 10 to 20 percent of all two-wheeled vehicles on the streets of many major cities.[8] A typical unit requires 8 hours to charge the battery, which provides the range of 25–30 miles (40–50 km), at the speed of around 20 km/h.

A large number of such vehicles is exported from China as well (3 million units, worth 40 billion yuan ($5.8 billion), in the year 2006 alone)

 

 

 

source:wiki