ratufa

I've been contemplating motorized options for some time now. Anyone care to share their experiences and knowledge?

My needs are:

I've looked at many different motors. Electric is nice and quiet, but it seems limiting on range even with a backup battery. Gas motors, such as the golden eagle, seem good because I imagine I could just fill up the tank when it gets low. But then there's the noise... And what about maintenance and longevity?

alan s 

For a commute that long, 50 miles each way, I'd go with steam. All you need to do is throw a few sticks on the fire, which you can find anywhere.

ItsJustMe

Are you looking for a bicycle that you ride like a motorcycle, or pedal assist?

You're not going to get a 100 mile range on the former, but you might on the latter.

Homer Cooper 

Depends where you'll be riding. Introducing a gas powered engine adds a slew of laws depending on area.
Something like a pedal powered 50cc moped might be an option. 4 stroke engines can be relatively quiet

fietsbob

You may be able to use a Mo Ped, check your state, Vehicle code

some allow 40 cc and under to not be classified a motorcycle.

50 mile trips will take more than 1 battery, then you have a recharge time, before heading home again

kickstart

I commute on an e-bike, but for 100+ mile trips I would prefer a motorcycle or scooter.

CrankyOne

What factors are important? Comfort of your ride? Cost? Maintenance costs? Impact on those around you (noise, pollution)? How fit are you? What is the route like? Lots of hills? Would sweating be a problem?

100 miles with a small gas engine could leave you rather uncomfortable from a vibration standpoint. I would try to find a way to make electric work—More comfortable, quieter, less pollution, less expensive (fuel & maintenance), and more reliable.

I've done 70 or so miles on an upright omafiets without electric (and without a trailer) in a day with no problems. I've also ridden a non electric bakfiets 54 miles round trip, empty one way and with about 30 pounds in it the other. I've also pulled a trailer a few times. I much prefer the bakfiets (electric or not) as it has a lot less drag and is overall easier to ride. For 100 miles I'd go with an electric Kr8.

350htrr

It's quite easily doable with todays E-Bikes & foldable solar panels... All you needs is a lot of $$$, about $6,000 should do it. I wouldn't even consider a scooter (noisy, smelly...).

JReade

50 miles each way? Not saying it can't be done, but I'll say that I don't want to do it by bike, even with Electric or gas. I don't think 2.5 hours each way of a trip to work sounds very feasible.

CrankyOne

I didn't get the impression that this is a daily commute, but rather an occasional need.

corrado33

At that distance, electric really isn't an option. What happens if you forget to charge a battery the night before or you accidentally drop one and it gets broken? You're stuck 25 miles in either direction to anywhere?

Not an option for me.

Gas it is.

gsa103

They have a device for this. It's called a car. It's far cheaper than any ebike would be.

CliffordK

Round Trip or one-way? If RT, you should be able to find a place to recharge, hopefully.

I do occasional long-distance commutes, PEDAL POWER. My longest has been 200 miles one-way. I try to avoid pulling a trailer. I'd much prefer to load down the bike, or a small pack. But, for some things, a trailer is handy.

However, I've realized that I can store some items at the end of the line. So there is no need to carry things like clothes back and forth. Often one of my last tasks is to stop by the laundromat, and clean my spare clothing for the next trip.

Anyway, evaluate your needs to see if you can economize a bit on what needs to be carried back and forth. Then evaluate whether you have time & resources to do the ride.

Also, learn quite calm roads vs shortcuts

350htrr

All these naysayers that say it cant be done electric, don't know enough about the subject to be listened to... Of course it can done. All it takes is $$$. All it takes is, $$$ and the will to do it, having an E-Assist bike for the last 5 years and doing tours where I never plugged into an outlet for 850+ Km of riding one... NOT really a problem. IMO

ratufa

Never plugged in? What is your setup like?

As for the responses from others. My situation is that I'm car-free. I can ride about 40 miles in a day without being sore the next morning. Anything over starts to get tiring. Sometimes I like to carry a kayak or other objects for long distances. This would be a bike for my especially long trips.

I'm considering that it may cost too much to get exactly what I want, but I can at least extend my range a little. With an extra battery or two, maybe something simple like the UrbanX (new motorized front wheel on kickstarter) would work well enough.

350htrr

Never plugged into a wall socket, I plugged into a solar panel... The difficult part is how to carry one and set it up on your bike, you would need a trike... Or how to pay for a folding one you can carry on a bike... https://www.hi-powercycles.com/hpc-su...l-and-charger/ With that folding solar panel and this bike you can easily do a 100 mile day and never plug into a wall socket... https://www.hi-powercycles.com/spring...attery-system/

CliffordK

Another option.

Say you're running cargo around town during the day. Figure out a way to swap battery packs mid-day. Or, perhaps a rapid charger for a mid-day break.

You could also design your cargo trailer to carry a battery pack, or even provide "assist".

350htrr

Exactly, if you just wants to go 100 miles and are home everyday... You needs a big assed battery, or two batteries to do it. Still very doable without any solar panel or charging half way through the day...