A MUST-HAVE EMERGENCY PREP For TRANSPORTATION In SHTF | Hovsco HovAlpha EBike

[@PracticalPreparedness]

What ebikes do you have experience with? Any recommendations? Thanks for watching!

[@thekomiko1]

Trek Powerfly 7, 2500 miles so far, 29" tires, hops over everything. Bosch Motor & battery.

[@michaelashman6035]

I wish I had an extra $2,000.00. Out of all the ebikes I've checked out, I think your video shows the best one.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I do too. Can get very expensive!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

No disrespect, but why an Ebike? I began camping with a bicycle in 1982, this was long before bikepacking became popular. I still bikepack and highly recommend it, especially for those of us who are older and have older knees vs hiking on foot (albeit hiking on foot is obviously always an option). I am currently an emergency response coordinator and SRT team leader for a large agency, and I teach preparedness and security to scouting organizations and families. I do recommend that bicycles be part of one's contingency plans, but: 1) How far are you going? When the battery is dead, how are you going to charge it while in the field, or in a grid-down scenario; especially if your concerned about EMPs... 2) Have fun pushing a 70 pound bike, + the weight of gear. 3) More technology and more components = more chances of something failing! For riding around town, or when you have the means to recharge the battery, Ebikes are useful. But if you haven't already figured it out, I do NOT recommend Ebikes as an EMERGENCY vehicle for a long term grid-down/bugout scenarios. Buy a regular bicycle that is designed for bikepacking and you will be good to go. The bike that I use is a Jones Plus LWB HD/e, yes it can have an electric motor attached - and no it dosen't. Yes, it is a $4,500.00 bicycle, but I did alot of reserarch, found only 2 bikes that fit my needs and saved up the money. I chose this bike because there are no weight limits (rider + gear) on it! Did you know that the majority of bike manufacturers have a maximum limit of 250 pounds (rider and gear)? This, in my opinion should be the first consideration when buying a bikepacking bicycle. (FYI: It's primarily in the construction of the rims and quantity of spokes that dictate how much weight the bike can safely carry). How much do you weigh? How much does your gear/bugout bag weigh? Water is heavy, how much are you carrying? Does the bike have plenty of braze-ons for attaching bottle cages, cargo frames, etc.? Adding all of that up and a bike trailer may be a viable option. I modified a garden cart to bolt onto the rear cargo rack on a bike years ago, it worked good on roads, but it was more difficult and frustrating when off-roading rough terrain and turning sharply. How far are you traveling? Are you going to encounter hills or rough terrain? This will also drain the battery faster than riding on flat pavement. Bicycles are a viable option and I sincerely hope that this helps everyone. And just as you make a plan and think it through, research to find the bike that meets your needs! 😊

[@deanoktoday9155]

Well put. A used bike in good order $100. Real advantage with the ebike is the speed and weight you can carry if in a hurry to get out. Can always put a family member on it who would otherwise struggle on a normal bike.

[@danikaflorence444]

Because you can go between 25 and 100 miles on a single charge with zero pedaling, they’re more robust of a frame and tires, a lot of em can even be charged via solar. It’s advantageous where human fitness is a key variable

[@gregmccaslin7400]

I would keep a regular pedal bike close by too . E bike will run out of juice ,become inoperable from technical glitch ,or EMP . Pedal bike will continue on as long as I can pedal .

[@CMarie404]

Thanks for taking the time to show us this. They sure are getting more popular. I've never tried an e-bike, but it seems like a solid option for some folks, and while not every situation will call for it, it is good to have options. Same, I havent been watching CP for a couple of years either (as well as some others I used to tune into).

[@MunkyWrench]

Buy a better brand I've been riding them exclusively for 5 yrs.. this one is over priced junk. Try one u will love them 😊

[@madcow3417]

I don't have an ebike yet, but I have been researching them for solar charging. All the expensive ones have some kind of communication protocol with the battery, so you can't just pump power into it. Some of the cheaper ones, and DIY options, will let you charge the battery (even on the go) with a solar panel and a boost charge controller. I'm seriously considering DIY so i can make use of extra yard tool 40V batteries I have.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Madcow, another great video idea. Great points made. Thinking long term, more ways to charge this, and more flexible, the better.

[@mateoocampo3165]

​@@PracticalPreparednessAlso, could you explore EMP proof options? When I try to find info on electrically powered bikes that use NO computer chips, I just get brushed aside. Are there EMP hardened E-bikes?

[@bobsblues9944]

@@mateoocampo3165 All the Ebikes ive looked at have a controller , hall sensors on the motor and some electronics on the handlebars . It looks like im going to have to construct a small metal shed to keep mine in . Ivealso got kits put away in Faraday type boxes that can use on regular bikes

[@kevinparker2098]

You are clearly one of these guys whom love to hear yourself speak.

[@andrewmckown952]

Great video as always gtsy Thank you and keep up the good work and God Bless us all during these uncertain times

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Much appreciated

[@TheSpiritualCamp]

Awesome video ! Can you tell us more about the trailer ? Which one you used, how you load it, and how you attached it ?

[@oneshothunter9877]

Living in the arctic I'll just stick to my Greenland sleddogs. 15 dogs, No engine, No battery.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Lol a wise choice!

[@3nertia]

Just use slaves! Always the human answer!

[@SgtSkrog]

Got bike with a trailer that can carry a few hundred pounds. If needed could carry my solar setup to recharge it. Trailer mainly for getting heavy water from a distance if needed. I went for biggest battery for distance. Even has a rifle rack. Added the racks like you, also added turn signals and alarm since expensive equipment. I need an eBike due to age, I would not be able to peddle that kind of weight. SHTF or just fun. Or fun after SHTF.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Lol, fun after SHTF, nice. Which Make did you get if you don’t mind me asking?

[@SgtSkrog]

I just got what I could at the time from Amazon, VICTRIP 32Ah Battery 100 Miles Long Range. Fits in my RV trunk as well@@PracticalPreparedness

[@robinbush9839]

What trailer did you get? I have been looking and can only find them rated for like 100 lbs. found a side cart but not rated as far as weight.

[@firstclasscitizen1978]

Great video. I really liked the information and the product review. I have been looking for a reasonably priced bike for some time now. The price for a second (back-up) battery is a little pricy, but it is within reason. There is a dealer about 2 1/4 miles from my home. I will going for a test ride tomorrow.

[@christopherm1475]

Did you test against an EMP atack. It's gonna be major calorie burner if electronics damaged.

[@sherriestes-erwin1908]

Question ❓. How hard is it to peddle if your batteries are all out and you still have to move out??

[@PracticalPreparedness]

It’s a normal bike when pedaling. You can leave the bike battery off and pedal like normal

[@TheMysteryDriver]

Wouldn't the emp screw you on the electric bike front?

[@cbass2755]

It’s not out their…if your caught in grid lock in emergency, a bike is a good deal! It’s why I love motorcycles so much. Those are great in getting out of situations….

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Right on

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Don’t get me started on motorcycles! You’ll make me want to get one again

[@cbass2755]

@@PracticalPreparedness 🤣👍

[@davidwoods3037]

seems a little short sighted. If an EMP, no power for bike. Who's going to bury their components waiting for an EMP?. Sure, you can pedal it, but see how long and far you can go pushing that kind of weight. Don't get me wrong. I have an e-bike and love it. Better than walking in a SHTF scene, but there's a lot more to consider. Mine is a Wired Freedom, has a 1200 WH battery. I will get about 35 miles on it using it conservatively. Load it up in a scary situation and you'll have a hard time getting that kind of range . Some good info though.

[@bugstomper4670]

Where's the power 120V power plug? Does it work? Do you have theccharger? Is it safe to charge itvin that location. 😅

[@cayuse-jf7eq]

Good plan you car is not always going to be an option this is quiet and can go off road friends and us have Horses and carts we have used successfully problem is you need to feed and water them it takes a lot of planning but it can be done

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Horses are fantastic if an option. Great animal to have

[@woodsmanforlife1677]

I am looking for a reasonable priced conversion kit for a standard bicycle into a motor assist. Existed in WW2 and after in Europe. Possible in Asia. I assume I find gasoline easier that a charging station.

[@Surroundedbyevil368]

In that situation of being no cars there's probably no power so until they can make an e-bike that can recharge itself while pedaling I won't consider it. And to those fat tires and tubes will be hard to come by because they're not very common yet.

[@JamesChristineMazzone]

How do i e m p proof my e bike

[@gman21266]

You don't have to EMP Proof the bike. Only the electrical items. So take ALL of the electrical parts and pieces off of the bike -- and then wrap them up to waterproof them -- and then put the items in a fairly solid container such as a good ice chest or a metal container -- and then bury it at least 3 feet underground. 6 to 10 feet is better. And while you're at it -- do the same thing with other items such as spare chain and tires. And solar powered yard lights and flashlights, and small hand crank radios, HAM radios, and other electronic devices. And if you've got the money for it -- bury a few solar panels and batteries as well. But don't forget that 90% of humanity will be back in the Stone Age, so be smart about how you prep because you won't be trying to tune in to your favorite tv or music channels. P.S. -- Faraday Cages will not work unless they are done VERY professionally. Which means very expensive. Just seal it up and bury it a few feet deep. That's your best bet. Good luck. And Best Wishes.

[@JamesChristineMazzone]

Thank You

[@jrub9983]

If you have to bug out, good chance your not going to make it unless you have an off grid location to bug out to.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Great add, very true

[@jakeneva8349]

Electricity has its pros. But bike like that. Prone to breakdown esp when time goes by. If its grid brake down..well. I go with army bikes. Basic, simple, proven solutions.

[@leamenrs]

would be nice to see a shot of you towing the trailer (fully loaded) since you made the claim that it can tow a trailer

[@3nertia]

That review would cost them an extra sponsor spot ;)

[@bobsblues9944]

It Can easily pull a trailer with no problem

[@jasonbusch3624]

It obviously wasn't assembled by a bike shop. You should take it to a bike shop and have them set it up for you. All the adjustments are critical.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Lol you can tell mine wasn’t set up? Why do you say that? I’ve been in the bike game for awhile, but always curious into feedback. Thanks for watching

[@jasonbusch3624]

@@PracticalPreparedness your handlebars are not upright. Walmart bikes are junk unless you go completely thru them true the wheels tighten and re grease bearings with synthetic grease and adjust brakes and dirraliuers correctly. I'm sure the manufacturer doesn't take the time to true and tighten spokes correctly and adjust everything correctly they just throw it together. If not you will wear things out in a hurry especially since it is electric. Probably hard to find parts also. So better to bullet proof it ahead of time. You will also want to charge the battery all the way every time. With lithium it has to balance the cells all the same. It does that at the end of the charge. Also keep the battery out of direct sunlight heat kills lithium batteries. I charge my RC batteries under a table in the shade. Do not charge unattended in your garage.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Good adds, thanks for taking the time. I liked how the palm rest was working for my posture, will tweak it a bit more based on this.

[@jasonbusch3624]

@@PracticalPreparedness I added more lol

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Nice! I’ve always stored my lithium’s around 50%. Are you saying to charge fully before use but store around the 50 mark?

[@undertheradar001]

An ebike battery management system or ebike control firmware or chips will not survive EMP. Once EMP has happened, all control circuits of the bike would be dead.

[@woodspirit98]

Its 2000 now fenders xtra. Other things xtra.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Not sure when that sale will be going again. Took a couple hundred off at least

[@minerran]

Ebikes are great for short communes but in this scenario, I think an ebike is a poor option. Why? Because the battery will run out, after which you've go no way to charge it. ebikes are heavier than a muscle powered mountain bike so you're left peddling more weight than necessary. I better option IMHO is to stay in shape riding a premium mountain bike with which one could potentially travel more than a hundred miles a day depending on road conditions. Ultimately in one of these SHTF emergency scenarios, one needs to know in advance where they are going otherwise its pointless. A weekend practice run would be an excellent idea.

[@plls5]

Thanks for the bike review and the radical change Canadian Prepper has taken. Also no longer a viewer of his channel.

[@deanoktoday9155]

Choice is a great thing.

[@3nertia]

Yes, but will this company still exist in 6 months to a year? That's the real test heh

[@danielramsey1959]

Makes you a target.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

It would if you’re the only one on a bike yes, or at certain times of a grid-down etc situation

[@deanoktoday9155]

Yes but gives you a fighting chance. Here in the city riders will often sabotage their own bikes making them unattractive to theft. Imagine riding at night in a group off the beaten track. No noise no lights just stealth.

[@johnknight2012]

$1900/$1600 😮

[@danikaflorence444]

An EMP would render this bike useless.

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Thumb throttles SUCK