1. How many kilometers does it run with one full charge?

Z-Bikes are supplied with a powerful Lithium-ion scooter battery rated at 36 Volts and 20 Ah, and this guarantees an autonomy of around 100 kilometers running at 30 km/hr. with a pedaling contribution of 50% from the electric motor. Here in Ticino, due to the countless number of uphill slopes, we can guarantee a real autonomy of 40 km with a full charge; in order to assure such autonomy, it is nevertheless necessary to provide a good pedaling contribution. One of the main advantages of the Z-Bike with respect to classical pedal assisted e-bikes, is the fact that you can instantaneously control the amount of power supplied, by means of the accelerator handle; in other words, one could easily run even 200 km by limiting the use of the motor on the steepest uphill slopes.

2. Does the Z-bike recharge when going down hill?

The current Z-bike version is supplied with the optional energy recovery feature. The energy recovery or recharge, is activated with the brake lever, and it acts mainly making the motor to work as an electronically controlled magnetic brake; the energy produced by the braking process goes to recharge the battery. During normal use, the total recovery amounts to an 8% to 10% and with a more accentuated use with important downhill slopes, it can reach 25% from what is used to climb the same uphill slope.

3. Is it possible to place the children’s chair on my Z-bike?

At this moment, we do not have any model of chair that can be supplied with the Z-bike, but as an alternative, we propose some Flyer models.

4. Could I install the Z-bike kit on any bicycle?

The Z-bike kit can be installed on any mountain bike or any city bike, however it cannot be installed on racing bicycles. In some cases it is necessary to modify some features on the bicycle to adapt it to the kit, such as: removing the front wheel disk brakes and replacing them with standard pad brakes. Mounting a strong package support frame on the back wheel so as to install the z-bike battery and electronics case. Modifying the right hand side handle, brake lever and maybe the gear command system so as to accommodate one of the two accelerator handle or lever systems. We recommend to install the kit to any bicycle, even old, but with a certain strength or quality in its construction, the addition of extra weight and power, requires the use of a strong enough and well built bicycle.

5. Why is the Z-bike the most suitable solution against other e-bikes for our mountainous territory?

Z-bike has a 500 Watts electric motor electronically limited to 250 Watts, which offers the optimal torque necessary for our territory, and together with the 36 Volts 20 AH battery, guarantee the optimal currents and ideal autonomy for our topography.

6. What is the “feeling” when riding the Z-Bike?

Riding the Z-bike is like riding a hybrid moped-bicycle. You can use the accelerator command handle just like a motorcycle, and you also pedal as on a bicycle, with the advantage that everything happens silently and without local emissions or pollution.

7. What kind of service does Z-bike provide?

Sales, after sales service and repairs, consulting on special projects for personalized fleets for organizations or cities. Replacement batteries of any bicycles brand.

8. Why don’t you use the classical automatic assisted pedaling as most other e-bikes do?

The automatic assisted pedaling system is very popular today, but we prefer to manually determine the amount of power required; this guarantees better handling and a much more instinctive control of the bicycle. The pedal assisted bicycles have generally y command that allows the user to limit or increase the percentage of energy provided by the motor. However, we prefer a different approach to the project, where the command is instinctive and the response immediate given by the electronic “gas” or “throttle” handle (such as in a scooter or moped). The Z-bike complies with the current laws, since it is a pedal assisted bicycle, but the power is manually controlled.

9. How much power does the Z-Bike motor provide?

The Z-Bike motor is a powerful nominal 500 Watts brushless motor, but during short intervals, whether in acceleration or up hill, it can provide up to 900 Watts picks, therefore it is the ideal traction for mountainous territories since it provides a considerable torque. Due to local regulations, the motor is limited to 250 Watts, however, in other countries with different regulations and for tourism, the limit can be removed and it can be sold at 500 Watts.

10. Could the Z-bike substitute a moped or scooter?

Z-Bike can certainly be used in place of a scooter or a moped. Regular 10 to 20 Km and return trips are certainly ideal for this means of transportation, (mainly due to time required). For longer trips, a certain passion for the bicycle is also required, and you must add 10-15 minutes more time to reach your destination compared to a scooter. We have customers who normally cover a distance of 30 or more kilometers to go to work everyday.

11. What advantages do I have using a Z-Bike compared to using a moped or scooter?

The Z-Bike consumption is 1 KWh every 100 km, which is equivalent to 0.2 liters of gasoline for a cost of Fr. 0.20 every 100 km. The Z-Bike only requires the bicycle circulation plate at Fr. 8.50 per year. You also practice a light sport or do light exercise every day, which is better to your health than doing intensive exercise once a week. It is silent and a lot of fun to ride. You can take it on the train and by hand in pedestrian areas. It can easily be loaded and carried in your car like a regular bicycle. Its maintenance is much cheaper and if you are technically oriented, you can do it yourself at home.

12. What disadvantages do I have with respect to a scooter or moped?

It becomes a little bit more heavy when the habitual trip is longer than 30 km since you will need extra time compared to a scooter, however, for bicycle lovers, it is very pleasant to go to work by bicycle. When the charge is low, you must remember to charge it during the night. On plane territory the autonomy is 100 km with a single charge, and you would normally recharge it every 3 to 4 days depending on the use; you cannot certainly fully recharge it in a few minutes… In case of rain you are slightly more exposed to the rain compared to a scooter.

1. Why do you use so big batteries for the Z-Bike?

Z-Bike batteries are normally used for scooters and they are over dimensioned, no other competitor offers an e-bike with such autonomy, mainly for two reasons:

• Guarantees that the battery is not under stressful demand for energy from high currents supplied to the motor, thus increasing its life expectancy.
• Guarantees enough autonomy on our mountainous territory (Ticino); in fact, any other e-bike with 20-30 km autonomy on plane terrain, cannot run more than 10-15 km in mountains, which is totally insufficient.

2. Isn’t the Z-Bike too heavy?

In terms of the weight, the additional parts’ influence on the bicycle itself is not so accentuated, since the benefit provided by the additional traction power is largely superior to the additional weight; it is however recommended that the modified bicycles remain under 30 kg of total weight.

3. How long does the battery last?

The lifetime of a battery varies according to the use, from 3 to 8 years. Unfortunately, the internal chemistry in the battery also ages, even if it is not used much; its lifetime can be prolonged by keeping it in a cool and dry location.

4. How many charges does the battery tolerate?

The battery can take approximately 500 complete charge cycles, or more partial charges equivalent to 50’000 km of use on flat terrain, however the battery could be deteriorated inside with time, due to its chemical products even if it was not used much.

5. Does the cold weather damage the battery?

The cold weather experienced in our territory does not damage the LiFePO4 battery, however, if you are planning to use the bicycle under –20°C we recommend not to accelerate to the maximum, to allow the battery some time to warm itself up gradually. Below 5 degrees the battery can be a bit weaker still without permanent damage.

6. What kind of battery do you use for the Z-Bike?

We normally use LiFePO4, 36 Volts, 20 Ah Batteries, these are scooter batteries, which guarantee enough power and autonomy for our Ticino territory.
The Lithium – ions batteries present us with several advantages over the older technologies (such as Lead acid, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride):

• They do not have the undesirable memory effect.
• They can produce very high currents in relation to their weight.
• They give double the autonomy with the same weight related to other technologies.
• They can be charged in a couple of hours.
• They handle well the currents generated by the energy recovery under braking.
• They are less polluting than previous technologies.
• If they are stored during a long time, they discharge very slowly.

7. How long does it take to charge the Z-Bike battery?

Using the standard charger, it takes approximately 5 hours to fully charge.

The battery has the capability to be fully charged in only 2 hours, the problem is that such chargers are very expensive and not commonly used; furthermore, a slower charging process makes the battery life extend.

1. Could I have a personalized Z-bike built for me?

We can offer upon request, electric bicycles made to your liking or specifications.

2. Repair and check the batteries?

Yes we can, we are equipped with a specific test to check the functionality of all the batteries, we can also provide a solution for replacing your batteries with 20Ah LiFePO4 inserted in a watertight box, increasing your bike's autonomy.

3. If the Z-Bike does not work at all, what can I do?

Our shop in Via Vignola 14, CH-6900 Lugano is at your service for any required repairs or improvements you may need, please call locally 091 976 0545 or from abroad +41 91 976 0545.

If requested, we can go and pick your Z-Bike up and bring it to our office with a small additional cost of CH Fr. 50.00 for the Lugano area and CH Fr. 80.00 for the whole of Canton Ticino.

4. Where can I buy Z-Bike?

At this moment Z-Bikes are only sold directly to the customer at our Z-Bike Shop in Lugano, furthermore we deliverin Lugano area with a cost of CH Fr. 50.00 and all over Ticino for a flat delivery fee of CH Fr. 80.00.

1. How much energy does Z-Bike consume?

Z-Bike spends about 1 KWh for every 100 km on flat terrain, and the value has been measured from the electric grid, considering all leaks and loses due to the charger and charging process and its use.

Power consumption 1 KWh for every 100 km in plain terrain, equivalent to 0.2 liters of gasoline for every 100 Km, with a cost of around 15 cents per 100 km traveled.

Power consumption in mountainous terrain is 2 KWh for every 100 km in mountain terrain, equivalent to 0.4 liters of gasoline for every 100 Km, with a cost of around 30 cents per 100 km traveled.

e-Bikes must be considered the most ecological powered means of transportation at all, second only to normal man powered bicycles, and it can be explained as follows:

• The weight of the vehicle is relatively low, between 25 and 30 kg, therefore the ratio between the person being transported and the weight of the vehicle is highly optimized.
• e-Bikes have an excellent sliding capability specially at low speeds, therefore the drag coefficient is minimal compared to scooters.
• The electric motor in the e-Bike is “helped” by the energy supplied on the part of the pedaling rider, reducing considerably the energy consumption.
• Electric brushless motors have an efficiency of 70 to 80% compared to gasoline engines (ICE – Internal Combustion Engines), with an efficiency of only 15 to 20%.

2. If the battery brakes down, do I have to get ride of it?

If by any chance, the battery brakes down after the warranty period, but nevertheless before its lifetime has expired, Pitagora S.A. offers a diagnostics service at CHFr. 120.00 and the substitution of just the damaged cells, thus saving on the cost of a complete new replacement battery.

3. How mush does a new battery cost?

A new 36 Volts 20Ah battery costs around CHFr.1’100.00 including VAT. (the price may vary depending on several factors and is to be taken indicatively, and it may be changer without prior notice at any time).

5. Could I replace the Z-Bike battery with another brand?

The Z-Bike project is modular in conception and ecological in philosophy, and in the future, the battery could be easily substituted with a new generation battery, provided the fully charged battery voltage does not exceed 42 Volts and that the battery maintains similar operational parameters and characteristics to this one.

5. Why is the electric bike the ideal means of transportation?

Nowadays, e-bikes are the electric vehicles that resemble the most their equivalent gasoline counterparts, for several reasons:

• The smaller the gasoline engines the lower its efficiency is, and this is also valid for electric motors, although in smaller amounts; e-bikes can easily substitute a moped guaranteeing a similar use with much smaller maintenance costs.
• Since bicycles are propelled by pedaling, they are ideal to be converted to electric, due to the fact that the possibility to continue pedaling removes the fear of being left on foot, which exists on all other electric vehicles; in case of low charge in the battery, one can prolong the battery charge by helping more with the pedals, and in the extreme case in which the battery is completely discharged, one can still proceed as on a regular bicycle just slightly heavier.
• Electric bicycles allow us to move comfortably within a radius of 10 to 15 km or with some additional effort from 15 to 20 km, with a greater environmental benefit compared to any other means of transportation, this thanks to its low power requirements of 1 KWh (equivalent to 0.2 liters of gasoline) for every 100 km.
• Using the electric bicycle allows us to put together the necessary trip to go to work or do the errands in the city, with the pleasure of practicing a light form of physical activity but long lasting since repeated in time, as recommended by all medical research.
• The battery is not excessively large thus reducing the pollution caused by its recycling, compared to those of larger vehicles.

6. Why do you believe your solution is more ecological than others?

Z-Bike has been conceived to be modular in nature and easy to repair on all its parts; differing from other e-bikes that when they fail, they cannot be repaired. Z-Bike can always be repaired, even with components belonging to other manufacturers. In addition, Pitagora SA offers an efficient repair and service with reasonable costs. We have married the concept of offering reparability and good service, in fact:

• The battery can be substituted with an equivalent one, and in the future the user could mount a new battery with the latest technology in an older model.
• The frame can be substituted with any other city or mountain bike frame.
• The motor can be easily replaced in case of serious damage.

7. Why should I choose a kit instead of a complete Z-Bike?

If you already have a mountain bike or a city bike, which you do not use much, we can mount the Z-Bike kit to it without problems. In this case you obtain some savings and you reuse an existing means of transportation.

The kit can be installed on any bicycle you may desire and, upon request, we can make a specific configuration model, such as a tandem bicycle with two motors or other personalized models.