It might be hard to tell from the photos on our site, but your Destroyer frame bike is about 7 feet long once assembled. It is a presence and is guaranteed to leave you in awe!
While we would love to ship the bike fully assembled, it would be cost prohibitive for most customers.
We have spent as much time on packaging and protection as we have on the actual bike itself so that your bike arrives safe and sound at a respectable cost.
For starters we include the tools you'll need.
We remove the front wheel, front fender (if applicable), front brake caliper and handlebars for packaging. The pedals, headlight and headlight mount will be in your accessory boxes.
Upon arrival you will simply put the front fender and front wheel on the bike to be able to stand it on the ground.
Next you will rotate the handlebar stem 180 degrees so the bolts face forward. Tighten it down. You will cut the zip ties that secure the handlebars to the frame and insert them into the stem and bolt the front bracket on. Tighten everything down.
Pedals are labeled L and R and both thread in forwards. Very important so you don't cross thread your crank arms. Left pedal threads counterclockwise. Right clockwise.
Put your headlight in, drop your seatpost in the bike and you are ready to rock and roll!
For full assembly instructions you can visit the owners page here.
Ride. Wicked.
]]>There's no denying electric assisted bikes are the hottest and fastest growing mode of transportation in the US, especially in urban or college towns where most car or mass transit trips can be replaced with the independent and recreational vehicle known as an ebike. Most ebikes can be rode anywhere a bicycle is legal, but with the added benefit of an electric motor for longer range, quicker transit times and assist when tired or climbing hills.
Effective October 1, 2023, the city of Denton, Texas has joined the forefront of forward thinking American cities and implemented a 50% rebate on the purchase price of a brand new ebike. Conditions apply as noted below.
Of course the funds are limited and available on a first come first served basis, so it is recommended to purchase your new bike soon and file for your rebate as soon as possible.
Wicked Thumb is offering an additional $300 Off on all new bikes to Denton customers who qualify and apply for the rebate through November 22, 2023.
Kudos to Denton as it continues to improve it's bike infrastructure and reduce traffic and pollution while encouraging the overall benefits of outdoor activity, community and sunshine. Wicked Thumb is proud to call Denton home since 2020!
For additional information, contact us at info@wickedthumb.com or visit us at.
Wicked Thumb Electrocycles
3839 Market St #103
Denton, TX 76209
888-531-9311
wickedthumb.com
]]>Are you looking for ways to enhance the riding experience of your Wicked Thumb e-bike? These are all easy to add yourself, and don't require any specialized tools or mechanical knowledge. Now let's dig into the top 7 mods to add to your ride and make it a killer custom.
]]>Are you looking for ways to enhance the riding experience of your Wicked Thumb e-bike? These are all easy to add yourself, and don't require any specialized tools or mechanical knowledge. Now let's dig into the top 7 mods to add to your ride and make it a killer custom.
The 7" Retro E-bike LED Headlight is a premium LED headlamp that will improve your visibility during night rides. With an 800 lumen output (1200 on high beam), this headlight provides bright and clear illumination to help you see the road ahead. Additionally, it has a retro design that will give your bike a classic and stylish look. It comes in a variety of finishes, and also has different grill styles available.
Bar end mirrors are a great addition to any e-bike. It's never a bad move to be able to see traffic creeping up behind you. These mini bar end mirrors are easy to install and provide a wide field of view, allowing you to keep an eye on your surroundings while riding.
Upgrade your bike's handlebars with our Alloy/Leather Grips. These grips are made of high-quality materials to provide superior comfort and grip over stock grips. The alloy end caps give the grips a sleek and modern look, and the leather adds a touch of elegance.
A comfortable seat is valuable for rides of any length, and essential for long rides. The Brooks B135 saddle in particular, is one of the best options on the market. Like any other Brooks saddle, it's made of high-quality leather, this saddle provides excellent support and comfort, and it will mold to your body over time, ensuring a personalized fit.
With a Handlebar Phone Mount, you can keep your phone within easy reach while riding. This mount securely attaches to your handlebars and is compatible with most phones of any size. It is also easily adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle.
Make your bike more visible to other drivers and riders with a Rechargeable Smart LED Tail Light. Auto sensing motion technology identifies when the brakes are applied and alerts riders or cars behind you that you're slowing down. It's IPX4 waterproof rated, for durability under any conditions. It is also rechargeable via USB, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
If you need to carry gear with you on your rides, luggage like a saddlebag or toolbag are essential kit. Our luggage options are made of high-quality materials and are designed to fit seamlessly with your Wicked Thumb ebike. Our bags provide ample storage space for your gear and will help you stay organized on the road.
Not only will these mods improve your ride with enhanced visibility, comfort, and convenience, but they'll also let you personalize your bike to your tastes and needs. Wicked Thumb bikes already stand out in the crowd of boring e-bikes, and customizing yours will take it to the next level.
]]>Installing a set of bar end mirrors on your Wicked Thumb e-bike can be a straightforward process if you have the right tools and follow the steps below. In this tutorial and accompanying video, we will walk you through the process of installing bar end mirrors step by step.
Since there are many different styles of bar end mirrors, as well as different handlebar styles with different inside diameters, there will be slight variations in the installation process. Different adapter sleeves, collars, and modifications may be necessary to achieve a secure fit. In most cases, the necessary hardware is included with the mirrors, but if you get stuck, contact us or find a local bike shop to give you a hand.
Alright, let's get to it.
The first thing you need to do is remove the bar end caps. You don't have to worry about damaging them because you won't need them anymore. Use a knife or flat head screwdriver to pop them out. Different bars and different grips have different ends, but they all pretty much pull out the same.
When you receive the bar end mirrors, you will notice that they have an adapter sleeve on them. This adapter is needed for bars with a larger inside diameter. Remove the adapter sleeve if it's not needed.
Using the five-millimeter Allen wrench, loosen the tapered nut that goes into the bar first. As you tighten this Allen screw, it will pull the nut through, expanding the sleeve. Make sure that the cone is headed towards the sleeve side. Just slide the sleeve into the handlebar and tighten until the tapered nut bites. Be patient because it may take some time.
Due to the variation in bar inside diameter, some bars may have a little bit of play, or otherwise not quite fit snugly. In this case, use a bit of electrical tape and wrap it around the sleeve. This will make all the difference, and when you tighten down this screw, it should help achieve a secure fit.
Sit on the bike and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you can see behind you. After making adjustments, tighten down everything to secure the mirrors.
Installing bar end mirrors on your e-bike can be a simple and straightforward process if you follow the above steps. Just be patient with the installation process, and make sure everything is secure and where you want it before taking your e-bike for a spin.
]]>You won’t need any tools to install the controller, but you will want some electrical tape or heat shrink to put onto the six wire connector to protect it. You want to be cautious as the edges of the frame can be a bit sharp, and the controller itself may hold a charge, which is why we have it taped up from the previous removal process.
All you’re really doing here is reconnecting the wires and sliding the controller back into the frame. Each of the wire connectors here are different from each other, in both shape and color, and have index marks in the form grooves and/or arrows to indicate orientation, so it’s pretty foolproof to to snap the connectors back together.
Reconnect the three wires with the yellow connector. There is an index groove and arrows to indicate orientation. Line up the arrows and the groove on the connector and push it together firmly.
Reconnect the multi-colored six wire connector. Look at the colors of the wires to help determine orientation. Line up the white side to the other white side, and red side to the other red side, and push it together firmly.
Reconnect the main wiring harness that comes down from the bars through the frame. This is going to be the black multi-pin connection. There’s an arrow just like all the other connections. Line up the arrows and push it together firmly.
Reconnect the multi-pin wire with the yellow tips. Align the arrows on the wire, and press the connector together firmly.
Leave the two pin connector (that is wrapped in electrical tape) alone for now, as it will be connected when reinstalling the battery.
Place the controller back into the frame. The way that this came out is the same way it goes back in. Typically this is with the finned side towards the right side of the bike (ie. facing away from you), and with the wires oriented toward the back of the bike.
Tilt the controller forward, and it should seat into it’s spot in the frame.
Wrap the connector of the six wire plug in some electrical tape or heat shrink. If using heat shrink, you’ll need to disconnect the wires, put the heat shrink on, and reconnect them.
Now you’re all set to reinstall the battery and get back on the road.
]]>Just like with removing your bike’s battery, sometimes you need to remove the controller for various reasons, like needing to service your bike’s controller or sending it in to be flashed and upgraded (for Destroyer X models).
It's a pretty quick and straightforward process, and in itself, requires no tools to accomplish (just the Allen wrench needed to remove the battery prior to removing the controller).
Follow this step-by-step guide (and it's accompanying video) to remove the controller from your Wicked Thumb Destroyer e-bike.
]]>It's a pretty quick and straightforward process, and in itself, requires no tools to accomplish (just the Allen wrench needed to remove the battery prior to removing the controller).
Follow this step-by-step guide (and it's accompanying video) to remove the controller from your Wicked Thumb Destroyer e-bike.
Remove the battery. You’ll need the battery out of the way to remove the controller. Follow the instructions in our battery removal tutorial to remove the battery.
There’s some heat shrink on the connector on the six wire cluster. Carefully score the heat shrink sheath with a knife (don’t cut too deep), and remove it, then disconnect the wires.
Disconnect the main three wires from the controller.
There are no screws holding the controller in place, so it will lift out easily. Pay attention to the orientation of how the controller is placed into the frame for reinstallation. It’s going to make putting the battery back in very difficult if you turn it the wrong way later.
And that's it for removing the controller. Easy peasy.
]]>The only tool you’ll need for the process is a 4mm Allen wrench. You’ll also want to have some electrical tape. The tape isn't necessary, but nice to have.
Before starting work, make sure your bike's on a stable platform.
Make sure your battery is off. A good way to double-check is to press the power button on handlebar controls. If the battery is off, nothing should appear on the screen.
Remove the two Allen bolts on the left side of the tank (the same side as the battery switch). The bolts are located on the bottom of the tank. One in the front, and one toward the back.
Pull the retainer tabs on the tank free. There is one at the rear and one at the front. Pull down from back of the tank first, and the tabs should slide right out. Set your tank down somewhere that it won’t get scratched, like on a towel or other soft surface.
Disconnect the wires from the battery. Each wire is different from each other, so there’s no need to label anything. The two prong wire that connects the battery to the controller can hold a charge so it’s a good idea to wrap it in some electrical tape for safety, so it doesn't accidentally get discharged.
There are four Allen screws that hold the battery in place. Remove those screws.
Make sure you have a firm hand on the battery so it doesn't suddenly drop out (these batteries are heavy, and while they’re tough, you don’t want to find out firsthand how they handle being dropped), and gently lift it out of the frame.
That’s it. The battery successfully removed.
The Destroyer X is the revolutionary new upgradeable class 1 ebike from Wicked Thumb.
Watch the intro video:
The first of it's kind, The Destroyer X can be upgraded from a class 1 to class 2 or class 3 electric bike any time in the future without expensive component upgrades or intimidating labor. You simply send your computer here and we flash it with a new program and send it with the new throttle kit and supplemental plug and play wiring.
Most ebike riders will never need more than a class 1 ebike. Class 1 ebikes are limited to 20mph via pedal assist only, and cannot include a throttle. However, most class 1 ebikes are designed for the first time buyer with a low-powered class 1 motor, controller, battery and braking systems. Some riders, however, realize that their appetite requires more speed, or a throttle. Before today this typically required expensive new parts, throwing away old parts, and a ton of labor and downtime getting the bike upgraded in a bike shop. In some cases it ends up being more practical or cost-effective to buy an entirely new bike.
We are changing things up with the Destroyer X upgradeable class 1 ebike. Exchanging up to the next class without expensive new components or having to buy a new bike is a beautiful thing! You'll simply buy a class 2 or 3 flash and throttle package and send in your bike's computer for reprogramming. The bike is already equipped to handle up to class 3.
Over the past 3 years we have all witnessed skyrocketing ebike prices and demand. We get countless emails, texts, phone calls, and pleas for a more affordable bike for Wicked Thumb fans who don't need the class 3 performance we currently deliver.
This is our thank you to all of our supporters and a tribute to all the hard-working riders in America. It's an open invitation to expand the Wicked Thumb Army at a lower price point with the ability to enhance your bike at any time in the future at a reasonable cost and in a moire environmentally responsible manner.
The Destroyer X is available for order exclusively on our website at https://wickedthumb.com/products/wicked-thumb-destroyer-x.
]]>
Paypal Scam Remediation Guide by DK
So you thought you got a great deal on a McQueen ebike, and now found out you have been scammed. Here’s what to do. Make sure you have contacted the seller, and print the entire chain as a PDF (usually your inquiry will result in a bounceback). If you have USPS Informed Delivery, print the notice from the day the fraudulent tracking number provided by the seller indicates the item was delivered. Screenshot the text describing how the scam works from Wicked Thumb’s website. Login to Paypal, click Help and you should see a link at the bottom of the Help Popup to the Resolution Center (if you don’t see that link, you can search in the Help Popup for Resolution Center to find the link). Select the fraudulent transaction and start a case with Paypal, indicating that you never received the item. Include all documentation that you have, including the link to the tracking number at USPS.com, as well as the URL to Wicked Thumb’s page describing the scam. Type out a description of the issue (I’m a victim of Fraud, I made a purchase of the ebike on this date, it shows a tracking number in Paypal, no such package was delivered, attempt to contact seller resulted in a bounce back, please refund the purchase amount). Depending on your documentation and how clearly you describe the issue, your refund *may* be immediate. Results may vary. Wicked Thumb is not responsible for any fraud committed using content stolen from their website. Save your dollars so you can buy the ebike directly from Wicked Thumb. 😊
]]>Unfortunately, one of the signs of success, is that you begin to witness cloning scams using your brand and products.
Since April, a well organized scam hosted in China is cloning our ads on social media and tiktok and advertising a 'McQueen Destroyer 750' e-bike at a ridiculously low price of $49-129.
Despite thousands of reports and complaints to Facebook, they refuse to stop running the ads because they link to an external site and do not use the 'Wicked Thumb' trademark in the description.
We have tracked down the hosting company of the websites, alibaba.com, and served them with multiple 'take down' notices, all of which have been ignored.
How does this scam work?
The victim of the scam purchases what they believe to be a bike and they pay via PayPal. You will notice the PayPal receipt is in Chinese symbols.
The scammer then ships a cheap piece of jewelry, using the delivery confirmation to activate PayPal seller protection. PayPal does not receive any information on what was delivered, nor dimensions, to be able to confirm whether a bike was shipped or not.
The victim does not receive a refund when they file a complaint.
Please be careful and spread the word by commenting on any ads you see on Facebook or Instagram.
Updated 7/28/21:
Mr. Dick Kimzey has shared the following info to help victims report to PayPal and attempt to get a refund:
Paypal Scam Remediation Guide by DK
So you thought you got a great deal on a McQueen ebike, and now found out you have been scammed. Here’s what to do. Make sure you have contacted the seller, and print the entire chain as a PDF (usually your inquiry will result in a bounceback). If you have USPS Informed Delivery, print the notice from the day the fraudulent tracking number provided by the seller indicates the item was delivered. Screenshot the text describing how the scam works from Wicked Thumb’s website. Login to Paypal, click Help and you should see a link at the bottom of the Help Popup to the Resolution Center (if you don’t see that link, you can search in the Help Popup for Resolution Center to find the link). Select the fraudulent transaction and start a case with Paypal, indicating that you never received the item. Include all documentation that you have, including the link to the tracking number at USPS.com, as well as the URL to Wicked Thumb’s page describing the scam. Type out a description of the issue (I’m a victim of Fraud, I made a purchase of the ebike on this date, it shows a tracking number in Paypal, no such package was delivered, attempt to contact seller resulted in a bounce back, please refund the purchase amount). Depending on your documentation and how clearly you describe the issue, your refund *may* be immediate. Results may vary. Wicked Thumb is not responsible for any fraud committed using content stolen from their website. Save your dollars so you can buy the ebike directly from Wicked Thumb. 😊
]]>This is another potentially giant step in creating a legitimate mass market of clean, fun and healthy transportation for tens of millions of American riders. Wicked Thumb will be on top of the developments!
Shout out to People for Bikes for their continued pursuit of a better world for bike riders! Stay tuned.
From Congressman Panetta's website:
Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Congressional Bike Caucus Chairman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) introduced the Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (E-BIKE) Act to encourage the use of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, through a consumer tax credit. Due to the distance, speed, and ease by which they can travel, e-bikes will help replace vehicle trips and commutes and reduce carbon emissions.
A recent study found that if 15 percent of car trips were made by e-bike, carbon emissions would drop by 12 percent. 46% percent of e-bike commute trips replaced automobile commute trips according to a recent North American survey, and a more thorough review of European studies showed that e-bike trips replaced car trips 47% to 76% of the time.
The E-BIKE Act creates a consumer tax credit that:
“E-bikes are not just a fad for a select few, they are a legitimate and practical form of transportation that can help reduce our carbon emissions,” said Congressman Panetta. “My legislation will make it easier for more people from all socio-economic levels to own e-bikes and contribute to cutting our carbon output. By incentivizing the use of electric bicycles to replace car trips through a consumer tax credit, we can not only encourage more Americans to transition to greener modes of transportation, but also help fight the climate crisis.”
“One of the few positive developments of the last year has been the surge in biking. Communities large and small are driving a bike boom. Notably, electric bicycles are expanding the range of people who can participate and making bike commuting even easier,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer, the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus. “I look forward to working with Congressman Panetta on this important expansion of cycling opportunities.”
“Incentivizing electric bicycles makes them a competitive transportation option for more Americans and supports a national effort to lower carbon emissions,” said PeopleForBikes CEO Jenn Dice. “The E-BIKE Act positions rightfully electric bicycles as a critical part of a larger solution to climate change and equitable mobility. We’re grateful to Congressman Panetta for leading the charge in Congress.”
“The League knows life is better for everyone when more people ride bikes, and we know e-bikes make biking a more accessible and easier option for more Americans," said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. "We're encouraged by congressional leadership on the E-BIKE Act, a bill that if passed will enable Americans to fight climate change and improve public health through the simple act of bicycling."
"Bike Santa Cruz County supports Congressman Panetta's proposed consumer tax credit for the purchase of electric bicycles (e-bikes). E-bikes are a game changer for many people, allowing them to continue using a bicycle for recreation and fitness and opening an option for daily commuting. Cargo-type e-bikes also encourage others to feel more confident leaving the car at home and using bicycles for daily trips, including grocery shopping and transporting children to day-care or to parks," said Gina Cole, Director, Bike Santa Cruz County.
“Transportation is the U.S. economy’s largest contributor of carbon emissions. But the personal budget of many Americans simply doesn’t allow them to purchase an electric car, even with tax rebates, until car prices come down. A tax rebate for electric bicycles will allow many more Americans to afford transportation that is better for the environment—with the added benefit of improved personal and public health,” said Mari Lynch, founder of Bicycling Monterey.
“Bicycles are the cleanest, greenest, most efficient form of transportation ever invented. And electric bikes take that a big leap further. They are a perfect replacement for so many local car trips, and an even more powerful tool for change. We should be doing everything possible to help more people afford e-bikes, which will lead to more bicycle commuting, fewer car trips, less congestion, less carbon emissions, and healthier lifestyles. It’s a win all the way around," said Ken Martin, Founder and CEO, Mike’s Bikes.
“E-bikes make any short trip easy and fun and are a great alternative to cars. We are grateful to Rep. Panetta for recognizing the important role that bicycles can play as carbon-free transportation. A federal tax credit for e-bikes, combined with state support that we’re working on here in California, will make e-bikes a popular options for millions of Americans. It’s about time,” said Dave Snyder, Executive Director, California Bicycle Coalition.
“Congressman Panetta’s proposed ebike tax credit is well timed to meet the moment as ebikes offer healthy, fast, convenient, and Covid safe transportation but their purchase cost is often a barrier for low and moderate income residents. This tax credit would make ebikes – which travel faster with less effort than regular bikes – more afford to those in need of more sustainable mobility options. We applaud Congressman Panetta’s proposed legislation to increase equitable and affordable solutions to reducing GHG emissions,” said Piet Canin, Strategic Development Director of Ecology Action.
“E-bikes are a proven tool to cut greenhouse gas emissions by replacing car trips, but riding a bike for transportation in the U.S. is daunting. This tax credit could seriously help Americans who are interested but concerned about how a commuter e-bike could work for them decide to go ahead and make the investment,” said Ryan Schuchard, Director, Innovative Mobility, CALSTART
"America's car-centric transportation system is wreaking havoc on our health and the health of our planet. To transform transportation in the United States, we need to encourage people to drive less by incentivizing the adoption of cleaner, healthier and more affordable ways to get around. The E-BIKE Act will help bring us one step closer to a pollution-free transportation network. As we move through the COVID-19 crisis, we urge policymakers to not only accommodate e-bike adoption, but to actively encourage it," said John Stout, U.S. PIRG Transportation Advocate.
]]>
The second most common question we get is ‘how far will it go?’, or ‘how often do I need to charge the battery?’
We list 35-45 mile range on our bikes. This is not a guarantee or an absolute value. It is an average and it assumes the rider rides it like a bike, by shifting gears appropriately and pedaling the same way you would with a normal bike. The electric drive PAS (pedal assist system) kicks in to give you that extra mojo. Then mix some throttle in from time to time, when you really need a boost, or want to rip it a bit. So, 35-45 is an average range for a fully charged battery running on PAS level 1.
Battery life is effected by many factors, which we delve into below. Before getting there, just for a moment, I want to sit back and think about a traditional bicycle under 100% human power.
What makes you tire and run out of energy when you ride a bike? Well, It will be the same for the drive system on your electric bike … if you can help the drive system during those times, it’s energy will last longer, just as yours will. The two of you are basically a hybrid powered vehicle complimenting each other. If you share the load under times of duress (starting, climbing a hill, accelerating rapidly) the battery and the rider will both avoid fatigue.
Let’s jump into the factors and with each one, ask ourselves, “Which would put more demand on the body as a human energy source?” It will be the same for the electric drive system.
How much are you pedaling?
First and foremost, the more you pedal the longer your battery will last. Pedaling takes stress off the entire system allowing it to run cooler and at less amperage. When the drive system is supplementing human power it requires less energy to gain or maintain speed. Similarly, the rider expends less energy to maintain or increase speed. One of the key fundamentals of an electric bike is shared power. If you want 100% motor power all the time, ride a moped or motorcycle. If you want the option, electric bike all the way.
Rider and cargo size
This is basic physics, The more you and your cargo weigh, the more energy required to move it. With the exception of going downhill, the bigger rider will get less battery life than a smaller rider, under the same conditions.
Slope
If you are climbing a lot of hills, your system will use more energy than it will on flat land or downhill. The steeper the hill, the more energy you’ll use to climb it. If you see a hill coming up get a good build up of power going in so that you won’t need to apply as much to power through it.
Condition of ground surface
A nicely paved blacktop or bike path will yield better mileage than loose dirt, sand, grass, roots and rocks.
Wind
Simple here. If you’re riding into the wind you’ll use more energy than having the wind at your back.
Temperature
When temperatures start getting below 45 degrees, the ions in the battery cells begin to slow down significantly. You may notice your controller buzzes or rattles as it is struggling to pull enough power. Top speeds will drop, torque will drop and battery life may drop as much as 40% from peak when you get towards freezing temps. What you can do is pedal harder and not try to go full power.
Starts and stops
If you think about your car, it uses the most gas when accelerating from a full stop. Same goes with your e-bike. The fewer starts from stop, the more distance you will get out of your battery. If you can eliminate a complete stop and replace it with a slow roll you will get more battery life.
Gearing
Your gear is controlled with your right thumb. If you’re climbing a hill or are in sand, mud, thick gravel, etc, you want to be in a lower gear, ideally starting at 1 and shifting up as you feel comfortable. As you will with a new bicycle or motorcycle, you will quickly learn the feel of being in a gear too high or too low.
For a level road you may be comfortable starting in 6th or 7th gear the entire time.
The gear is ideal to set your pedaling cadence. The pedal assist or motor will set your speed and your gear will set how fast you are pedaling. Are you pedaling around too fast with little effort? Should probably go up a gear. Are you straining and not gaining any speed? Should probably drop a gear.
The key is when you have any feeling of resistance with your motor make sure you have resistance on your pedals. Otherwise you're not contributing much but activating the pedal assist (this is called ghost pedaling).
Pedal Assist level (PAS)
Control this with your left thumb. It’s default is 1. You can go down to zero, which turns the motor off ie. 100% pedal power. Or you can go up to 5. The higher the level, the more juice you’re going to use and the faster you’ll go.
Throttle
The throttle is there to be used, but expect if you ride the bike like a motorcycle ie, WOT (wide open throttle) your battery will be depleted much quicker than 35 miles.
Tire tread, size and air pressure
Keep your tires around 20 PSI for the best mileage on the road. Running lower will use more juice. Do not exceed 20 PSI pressure with the OEM 26X4 tires!
Proper battery maintenance
You should always keep your battery topped off between rides if possible. Put it on charge after your ride so it’s full for the next ride. There’s no need to worry about overcharging as your charger and battery management system ( BMS ) talk to each other during the charge function. Once your battery reaches full capacity, the charger will switch to trickle charge mode and only send power when the BMS calls for it.
Try to avoid fully discharging your battery. If you drain it completely often, the battery's life will be shortened.
In the winter time if you’re not riding your bike consider removing the battery and storing in doors for the cold season. Try and store for long periods of time at around 50-80% capacity versus fully charged.
Finally, always keep the battery dry. Don’t leave your bike outside in the rain. The tank cover will protect against most water but it is not waterproof as it needs to allow venting.
The following chart is a good reference for about how much battery life remains at a certain voltage. Our battery will cut off at 3-5% remaining to protect itself from long term damage.
Always unplug the charger from both the wall and the bike when not in use.
When the bike is not in use, be sure to flip the power switch to off. It’s located right next to the 12v charging port on the bottom right of the left tank cover. This will shut down low voltage draws from the BMS, which is constantly operating.
Every little bit helps and the more you ride, you will notice your own personal riding habits and develop a good feel for what is drawing the battery down. Most people - range will never be a factor as long as they charge up each night. Ultimately the range is infinite! As you can always pedal home, as long as the chain isn’t broken!
If you do all these things your battery should consistently give you this type of range and last you for 600-800 charge cycles before needing replacement.
Finally, a smart man once told me he always keeps a second battery on the charger...
Remember.
PEDAL. SHIFT. MAINTAIN.
As usual, please post your feedack below. If there’s anything you notice that I’ve left out, feel free to suggest it.
Now quit reading and GET OUT AND RIDE!
]]>
An Electrocycle or E-bike (Electric bike) is a traditional pedal-driven bicycle enhanced with an electric motor and battery designed to assist the rider in pedaling. The rider can set the assist level anywhere from 0-100%, depending upon how they feel like riding at any given moment. Climbing a hill? may want some more assist. Want a regular cycling workout, turn it off and pedal til your heart’s content. Many e-bikes additionally include a twist or thumb activated throttle to engage the motor without pedaling, more in the vein of a motor bike. This makes it basically a hybrid motorcycle/bicycle. Either way, it’s an exhilarating ride, and certainly one of the coolest ways to get around a somewhat localized area.
Now, If you’ve looked at the US e-bike market, you may have come to the conclusion that e-bikes in general are pretty blasé. Function over style seems to be the norm. Or in the case of one of the major brands, everyone seems to be riding the same style of retro 70’s mini-bike cruiser. There is no individuality. Very few have any flare, or the fervor to stand out from the pack. I don’t know about you, but something as personal as my bike needs to be an extension of me. I want people to check it out and get curious about the whole emerging American electric bike subculture. I want people to say, “Wow, that’s the coolest f’n bike I’ve ever seen. Where do I get one?'“
And so was born WIcked Thumb Limited Electrocycles.
Note exhibit A, the Wicked Thumb Destroyer 750 Electrocycle. While technically the same definition as an e-bike, it is anything but your common e-bike. I’ve been told it turns heads like a naked supermodel eating a corny dog at the state fair of Texas.
The Destroyer 750 is a menage a trois starring an 1800’s pedal bike, a vintage 50’s Harley or Indian motorcycle and the technology of modern materials paired with your own personal electric power plant.
Besides the obvious je ne sais quoi, let’s look at the oomph factor:
THE 1100 WATT PEAK GEARED BRUSHLESS REAR HUB MOTOR IS YOUR OWN PERSONAL CLYDESDALE.
The 7 SPEED SHIMANO Altus Trigger Action Transmission ( Exhibit B ) enables you, at the click of your wicked thumb, to attack anything from steep inclines and more rugged offroad terrain to freshly paved blacktop, sidewalks, bike path, boardwalk and anything in between. Just ride it like a regular bike, shifting down to climb hills or through soft terrain and up to increase speed on the flats and pavement. As you go, the motor kicks in for that extra boost.
BUILT IN ELECTRONIC SPEED SENSING DETERMINES HOW FAST YOU ARE PEDALING AND ADJUSTS MOTOR ASSIST BASED UPON THE LEVEL YOU SET.
It’s a beautiful morning and you decide to leave the cage (i.e. car) at home today. You hop on your Wicked Thumb and head to work on this perfect morning, but you don’t want to get too sweaty in your work clothes. Just set the Pedal Assist level (PAS) to a nice brisk 3 ( or higher) on your commute in and enjoy the ride. At the end of the day, set it a tad lower (0-2) for a nice relaxing cruise/workout on the way home.
Thursday night comes along and you and the boys are headed out for a night on the town, set the level low (0-2) as you hop around from spot to spot, then zip it home before the Mrs. notices you’re not in bed.
EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS INSTANTLY ADJUSTABLE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS AND VISIBLE IN REAL TIME VIA THE FULL COLOR LED DISPLAY.
There is no denying the first time you ride an electric bike you’re going to love the ride. But when you walk up to a Wicked Thumb Electrocycle, fuhgeddaboutit. Between the looks, design and sheer exhilaration of the ride, there’s nothing that screams ‘Let’s Rock n’ Roll’ quite like a Wicked Thumb.
Stop waiting for tomorrow and live your most fun life today. There’s really zero point in waiting.
EXHIBIT A
Pedal assist is a technology that uses multiple sensors to intelligently engage (and disengage) the electric drive system based upon rider preferences and tendencies, all with an overriding factor of rider safety.
For your McQueen 750, the main sensor that communicates between the rider and the controller/motor is called a cadence sensor. It is mounted in the bottom bracket and is a 12 magnet sensor. A cadence sensor does just what it sounds like it does, it measures the rider’s pedaling cadence and communicates the pedaling speed to the controller. The controller, in turn, draws power from the battery and sends it to the motor based upon how much power is necessary to compliment the cadence being applied by the rider. The rider determines what level of power he/she wants to be utilized via the up and down buttons on the left handlebar. When pedaling slow the motor will produce more power and as the rider pedals more, less power is supplied from the motor.
When you first start pedaling it will take approximately 1/2 rotation of the pedals before the system engages. For this reason many people start motion with the throttle, then begin pedaling to ensure smooth transition. We suggest starting on pedal assist level 1 and adjusting up from there depending on your desired speed and incline.
Just as the motor engages when you begin pedaling, it will disengage when you stop pedaling. If you start pedaling again it will kick back in.
As a safety precaution, your hydraulic brake system is outfitted with two state of the art motor inhibitor sensors, which signal the controller to immediately disengage power to the motor when the brake lever is depressed. Any time you are uncomfortable with the speed just lightly tap the brake and it will disengage the motor immediately. Brake as you would normally brake if you want to stop or slow down.
Tips:
Start motion with the bike in first gear, gently using the throttle to propel you forward
Pedal assist will kick in after 1/2 rotation of the pedals
Increase the pedal assist level depending on the incline and speed desired
GEARING, GEARING, GEARING!!! - Start off in a low gear and use your right thumb to increase gear just like riding a traditional bike. Always climb hills in a low gear, first or second, shifting up as you gain momentum.
Feather the brakes to stop power to the motor; To stop or slow down, brake normally
As you gain comfort with the bike, be more aggressive with shifting, pedal assist levels, throttling, and braking
Always remember - The motor is on the bike to help the rider, not replace the rider.