Probably the single most asked question I get besides, do you have a discount code, is,  "Are you just a drop shipper?" I know it's meant as a way for the customer to understand our place in the process, but there always seems to be this under lying tone of, "That means they're not in your hands."  Which you would be correct.  There's also a tone of, "What kind of Drop Shipper are you?" Not all companies that use drop shipping are created equal and we'll  get into that too.

Let's Start with that....

    Let's start with the different types of companies you may encounter that use drop shipping.  It might surprise you that some of the largest corporations in the world use drop shipping.  They have someone make it for them, then someone else handles all the logistics.  There's a company that is worth over a trillion dollars that does that for lots of companies, the Big "A".  That is the core of their "Seller Model".  Not one of my favorites, but you can't deny the fact they do very well as a drop shipper.

    Now there's other companies, usually smaller ones, where the person or people will just pass-thru list an item for a company.  They act more like a sales rep and payment processor.   If you need support or to return something, you'll need to talk with the company.  They would be the other end of the spectrum from the Big "A".

    And then there's companies like ours.  We're in the middle.  We provide listings, support, sales, services.  We don't go as far as the Big "A" in telling our manufacturers how to operate, and we don't tell you to go talk with the manufacturer when you need support.  We ride in that middle ground, providing you help when you need it and supporting our manufacturers in their efforts to provide you with quality products at reasonable prices.

    When you think about if a company  uses drop shipping, remember, it's not about how they get it to you, it's about how they treat you after you got it.

Drop Shipping is Better you say?  Do, go on with your bad self...

    When we started putting E-powersport together we took a long analytical look at the processes involved.  This includes how we store and ship items.  All items, we have so many more coming.  We had some very interesting shipping experiences of our own.  We decided the best way to make sure you get a fully functioning E-bike is to send it freight or Carrier as little as possible.  Or what I like to call, "The LCD Shipping Consideration".  If you've ever shipped an LCD, they're horrible.  80% of the time it's fine, the other 20% totaled.  This is why they tell you to keep the box and all the foam packaging.  Every time you move an LCD you risk breaking it.  This is what we saw with even the heaviest boxed Ebikes.  Double walled would even see rip throughs and in2out punctures.  

    Now you're thinking, that makes no sense, I move the thing all over when riding it.  I take it to the mountains, desert, the coffee shop, etc.  Yes, but it's your E-bike.  All the shipper knows is it's another heavy, awkward box in their truck.  And if you didn't you should've gotten the insurance!  LOL!  Seriously, even though they try, the shipper can only control so much.  There's lots of other boxes, pallets, big things that need to be strapped down and moved with 4 pallet jacks and oops, ripped the box.  

    That's why we decided whenever possible we'll use drop shipping.  If it's cost effectivity no longer provides the same value add we see in reducing the overall shipping and handling issues, then we'll look to do different.  At current, it provides the best experience for our customers, allows us to have reduced costs passing savings on to you and focus our efforts on making sure we're bringing you products that have a very high value to cost ratio.

Responsibility and Sustainability

One of the other big reasons to use Drop Shipping is Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.  Which is something we're all about, so it makes sense we'd use the method that requires less fuel, less infrastructure use and less creation of pollutants.  As we grow, we'll continue to look at new ways to expand on this vision.  Once we can get things delivered by an Electric Semi Truck it's happening.  When it comes to being a sustainability focused company, it only makes sense to reduce all the things we're working against, by also reducing the amount of impact your exciting new e-bike has in getting to you.  By those numbers if an e-bike company isn't using Drop Shipping, are they really living up to the collective mission?

    There's nothing wrong with drop shipping products.  Sometimes it's actually the best way to go.  It's about how  they treat you once the sale is done that matters most.  

Before I started E-Powersport.com, to help people get affordable electric transportation, I was a Tech Recruiter.  For over 20 years I operated counter to the normal operations of most recruiters.  I'm honest, up front and tell you straight how it is at the company.  Over the years and many successful placements, I earned a reputation as one of the few recruiters in the industry that operates with exceptional Integrity.

And perhaps that's what drew me to Electric Transportation.  As I looked across the landscape, I saw very little integrity.  I'm not just talking about these, "charge you $2k and never talk to you again" companies.  That's just become the norm.  I'm talking about the most of the media that covers it.

There was a time, before Internet, where what you read in a newspaper or magazine was validated multiple times.  Where you couldn't pay for a story or review of a product, but had to get honest and truly informative stories out there.  As our media has grown, we've seen the advent of "fake news", "false stories" and advertising based media assets.  When you start looking at Electric Vehicle news it can be hard to distinguish the honest actors from the paid shills.  And there's a lot of them.

Many of the media spaces I thought were doing it for the story, have shown to me since starting this, they're in it for the payday.  Not the candy bar but the Monetary Support of the companies for which they review.  Great example, one of the Kollter dealers paid a major EV review website, $10K to review the Kollter ES-1.  Interesting that we never saw it hit 75mph as claimed.  Because it can't.  It's interesting that the reviewer doesn't actually dig into the Kollter as you might expect, but instead, gives it glowing commentary.  And you can find this same format across most of their stories.  I found myself asking, "Wow, how much do they charge for these factory tours.  Must be like a $20K fee or something."

Now, don't start to think that it's just that one group that get paid to tell you how wonderful, mediocre E-bikes and EVs are, but many more out there do the same.  The big problem is that none of them are acting in YOUR best interests.  They're acting in their own, by taking the money and the interests of their financial backers.  This is the same with many of the YouTube reviews you'll see.  Like, why is a woman who likes to fish in a bikini telling you about how great this Ebike is that some "branded" Ebike company sent her?  She knows absolutely nothing about them and you're all just watching her because she's fishing in a bikini.  If it helps sell them to you and instill a sense of integrity for you, I will do a YouTube video in a bikini with our E-bikes.  Not going to look near as good, but you'll get how serious I am about this issue.  

"But, John, you sell Ebikes and e-Motorcycles aren't you going to tell us how good they are so we buy them from you?"

Yes and No.  If you saw our Kollter ES-1 disassembly video you know that we may sell it to you, but still want you to know and be happy with your purchase.  Even at the cost of our dealership license, we gave you the straight dope on those units.  And, for everything we sell, we will continue to do so.  I say, what we sell, because I've already made a short clip to explain how we Will Not, review units we're not selling.  We see that as an unethical approach for a Retail business.  Every time I see other dealers reviewing units they don't sell the summation ends with, "We wouldn't sell this for reasons XXX, but you can buy our more expensive unit that we prefer."  Well of course you prefer it, you sell it!  We see this as a conflict of interest.  

"Who, oh who will think of the consumer!?"

Just as we've found many a questionable actor in this media section of the industry we have also found those that are honest and operate with integrity.  Similar to recruiting, they are few and far between.  These teams operate for the story.  It keeps them from having any unconscious bias for or against the product.  Some may take a fee for their time, but the reviews stand based on the experience.

Some of these are:

Anything Action Magazine - When we've had discussions with editors from this group of media assets, we found they are truly interested in the story and wouldn't even think of taking a Reviewer's Fee.  That is the true identifier of Honest Media.

The Inja on YouTube- This team has produced some amazing materials.  Not just in the review category, but also in the DIY EV category.  Best part about them, as a company they will take your money, but the review is the review.  If your product sucks, it sucks, if it rocks, it rocks.  But they don't create Reviewer Fluff.  

SurRonster on YouTube - He does mostly riding videos with his crew, but still has some great review and assembly/DIY category stuff.  So far, I haven't seen him shill on anything.  Plus, when I offered to pay him for a review, he declined.  He showed and we discussed how he's more interested in the content and creation than getting a payday.  Made props and respect out to that him!

We've also started the production of a truly non-biased set of tools to help you make the most informed decision when making your electric purchase.  We have our Ebike Buyers' Comparison tool.  This is an always updating tool, that has some very exciting developments coming.  You can compare some of the top brands in the industry to the units we carry and their own.  This is a great objective tool to help you make sure you're getting the best overall value for your dollar.  Not just promises of a good time.  We already have more tools to implement that will work together to help you make sure you're making not just the best purchase, but the best purchase for you.

     When it comes to most industries there's questions that get asked over and over.  Comparisons that were made before done again and again.  The E-bike industry isn't immune to these questions.  In some ways, being a newer and developing industry, it has even more than others.  The big question we're going to address today is the not so age old one of, "Is a Torque Sensor better than a Cadence Sensor for E-Bike Riding?".  And really, is it that simple?

     There's a lot of people out there that will tell you, "You should only get an E-bike with a Torque sensor."  But there's even fewer that will tell you to get one with a Cadence sensor.  I think the above response is an easy one.  To flatly say you should do something makes the overall sales and education process easier for the Sales Rep.  But, there are some valid reasons those people would say to get a torque sensor.  For example, if you have a mid-drive E-bike a torque sensor is preferred.  It will be inside the motor, close to the controller and able to provide immediate feedback to the Pedal Assist System.  Oh, wait, what?  You don't know how these sensors work with the Pedal Assist?  Let's back up a second.....

     So, the Cadence and Torque Sensors are used on E-bikes to tell the controller how much effort you're putting in and, based on the pedal assist setting, how much power to assist you with on your ride.  Let's say your cruising your E-bike with your Pedal assist set to 4.  As you pedal those sensors tell the controller you're putting in some effort.  The controller tells the motor, "Hey, looks like they're doing about 10mph, the setting says we should help them up to 18mph.  Push it to 18mph."  And the motor puts in the extra effort.  Even more "Basic" if you need it, sensor takes reading telling motor how much to help. 

     Ok, now that you know what we're talking about let's get to talking about it.  When it comes to sensors, any kind, there's something called a Sample Rate.  It's how often the sensor takes a reading.  With a Torque Sensor this is almost a constant Sample Rate, and with a Cadence sensor it depends on the number of magnets, but we'll get to that.  Generally, a Cadence sensor is going to have a much lower sample rate than a Torque sensor.  And that's OK, because even the little Cadence Sensor is strong enough, light enough and gosh darn it, it works in the right application.

Cadence Sensors

     Both sensors work by checking their measurements at the crank/pedals.  Let's dig into each of these sensors individually.  Starting with the simplest, the Cadence Sensor.  For pedal assist systems a Cadence sensor is a set of magnets in a circle, with a sensor that checks each time it passes by a magnet.  By telling the controller how many of these magnets are on the disc the controller can get a sense of how fast you're pedaling based on passing the magnets on the disc.  It's not the most accurate method.  This lack of fine accuracy means you will experience some delay and some pedaling slack.  

*Pedaling slack is what happens when you're pedaling is out of sync with the electric motor.  This normally occurs at higher speeds as it's harder for and compensate between your pedaling and speeds above 25mph.  This phenomenon isn't reserved for Cadence sensors, but we'll talk about that in a minute.*

     As far as the Cadence sensor is concerned, you need to understand, it is a ring of magnets sitting on the pedal crank.  It reads the revolutions your pedaling produces and tells the controller in a rough sense how much to put back in.  Because of this you may hear E-bikers refer to pedaling a Cadence based E-bike as "Dummy Pedaling".  You're pedaling, the action is taking place, but there's no heavy resistance.  It's telling the motor to push, but your effort contribution is less direct and more direction to the system to go.  

As an Example, you can take the chain off a Cadence based system pedal and the motor will kick in.  Pedal as fast as you can with no resistance and the motor will leap into accelerating you forward with all it's might.  

     Of course, having a chain on your E-bike makes it much easier should you run out of battery, so we don't recommend doing this unless you're chain breaks or you absolutely need to.

Torque Sensors, Better, but are They?

When you go and buy something, anything, there's always the idea in the back of your mind, "If I pay more, it's better."  I think this combined with the more finite Sample Rate, we mentioned above, give E-Bike enthusiasts and Technicians alike the ammo they need to say flatly, "A torque sensor is better than a Cadence Sensor."  And if the world and choices were so simple it might be so.  The IRL is we all have different needs, concerns and budgets.  Let's cover the first thing about a Torque sensor, they are more expensive.  

For example, if you need to replace your Torque sensor it's quite a bit of work, taking up to 2-3 shop hours in total.  The part itself is also 10+x more expensive than a top Cadence sensor.  If you have a limited maintenance budget for your E-bike purchase one with a Torque Sensor may be nice, but may not be your best option for cost effective maintenance.   Altogether, completed shop repair, you can expect to pay $400-$500 to replace a torque sensor.  The good news is they don't fail very often.  So why are they so much more expensive?  The sensors used and the full crankshaft build means lots of specifications to fit.  It means lots of little internal parts.  If you remember from above, a Cadence sensor is some magnets on a disc and another disc that spins and reads how many times it passes.  With a Torque sensor it's translating the force you use to push down on the pedals into a number the controller can understand.  The controller then does the same thing it would do with the Cadence Sensor, it tells the motor how much effort to put in.  

Torque Sensors are really good for when you need quick response and low, finite power.  This is why most eMTBs, Electric Mountain Bikes, use a Torque Sensor.  When you're on a single track trail, or going over very technical terrain, you want something that will respond quickly and accurately to your applied force.  A Torque Sensor is made for just this purpose.  It's also why some people will tell you it's more Natural Feeling to use a Torque sensor.  It's in these applications we highly recommend using or purchasing an E-bike that uses the Torque Sensor.  We've used Cadence sensors for this type of riding and though doable, it's more difficult and does require you to be more conscious of pedaling vs using the throttle. 

Another thing to consider about a Torque Sensor vs a Cadence sensor is are you riding at higher speeds?  As just mentioned, Torque Sensors are best used for slow, accurate riding.  As you approach speeds in the 28-30mph range, a Torque sensor drops to operating much like a Cadence sensor.  You'll even begin to notice some of that "Pedal Slack" we highlighted above.  This is because you can't pedal as fast without appropriate gearing, once you get to those upper speeds your torque matters less and how fast you're pedaling takes over.

You Talked Enough Now Tell Me, Which is Better? 

That is why you spent so much time reading this blog article, isn't it?  OK, well again, the answer isn't as simple as one is better than the other.  To get to it, if you intend to ride a lot of trails, out in the woods, desert or wherever, you probably want something with a Torque Sensor.  It will give you he finite control to ride smoothly through the more technical areas.  You're skill is still required, but it'll be easier than with a Cadence sensor E-bike.

That's not to say Cadence sensors don't have their place.  If you intend to ride more on the street, casually or off road, but more forged trail a Candence sensor will do just fine.  Additionally, this is the preference when your E-Bike has a Throttle.  Though you will find eMTBs with throttles and Torque Sensors, most other E-bikes go to using the Cadence sensor with throttles. 

Again, keep in mind, future maintenance.  A Candence sensor will cost about $80-$100 to replace full shop time, where a Torque Sensor can be hundreds of dollars to replace.  

Both sensors and their response level to your pedaling is adjustable, play around see what works for you.  So, which is better really depends on your preference of riding, ability to afford replacement and if you want to say you're E-bike uses the most expensive parts or if you're cool with getting around.

Notes From the Resident "Mad Scientist"

Ok, so now that you're read up, you know the differences, benefits and some of the draw backs, I'm going to tell you what I think about these things.  Torque Sensors, nice, but if you have a throttle or don't go out on really technical trails, kind of a pain in the ass.  It works great on the Pedal Assist Only E-bike we have here.  But, I like to go fast and ride hard, you get used to the way it helps in the lower speeds and when it starts slippin' and trippin' it's WAY more noticeable.  Like if you had a Ferrari and it got scratched.  WTF?!?!?!  Kind of the same feeling when you're blasting along and you get the pedal slip.  Almost "Racked" myself a couple of times on the seat when the pedal slip kicked in.

My personal preference is for Cadence Sensors.  Once adjusted and you get used to it, they are really nice.  I know I have to get one or two turns before mine kicks in.  How I have it set, it's smooth and not over whelming.  It was at first, almost fell off the bike.  With the Candence Sensor dialing it in is important.  Once you do though, you'll cruise along barely pedaling at 40+mph.  It's like you're on an exercise bike flying down the street.  Though it's, "Dummy Pedaling" I've found you still get a workout, heart rate elevates and you still have a lot of fun.  

I'd still want a Torque sensor on a mid-drive eMTB.  Especially if I was going out on some really rough or hilly areas, but I've been just fine with a properly dialed in Cadence sensor on the 8kw Thoroughbred.  What's you're thoughts on this highly debated question?

As my time has ventured deeper into the Electric vehicle world, I'm finding some serious animosity towards these amazing machines.  It would seem that most of the comparisons to horses and the coming of the automobile are warranted.  The concerns are also warranted, but in some ways I think slightly off perception.  Some people now, like people before, see that the world will become one thing or another.  That only one thing can win in a fight that doesn't exist.  Yes, that's right, a fight that doesn't exist.  Unless you have consciously chosen to be anti-fact on this, the majority of the population has agreed, since I can remember, that, "We will need to end our dependence on Fossil Fuels before they run out."  This is that time.

"You're power is still mostly made by coal!", shouts the online troll.  Yes, but it doesn't have to be and we're all moving towards a world where it isn't.  A World where, when we mine a limited resource like coal, oil, natural gas or other organically created fuel source, we do it for high value reasons.  When I look to this future, I see a place where people are able to move very freely, cost effectively like never before.  Giving them back time and money they'll need with inflation and other socio-economic pressures.  I see where fuel use of organics is limited to areas of larger and more scale efficient transportation.  Not when moving our average 200lb American bodies a few miles back and forth but to more efficiently transport millions of tons when needed.  Or in the rare instances when electric just doesn't cut it.  

I completely understand the resistance to change, I saw Wayne's World.  Again, some of it is justified.  Having worked in Recruiting/HR in Tech for the last 20+ years I can tell you, lots of people will need help with the career change.  There will still be the ones, the Combustion Engine Mechanics, who are amazing at what they do, they will be the ones to benefit the most.  So, if you consider yourself an "OK, Auto mechanic" you might want to start looking to change your skillset.  These are usually the people in an industry that get squeezed out first.  Meaning, they'll most likely pay more to keep the person with the most knowledge and a couple of cheaper people for that person to work with on projects.  This also means as the world shifts to electric more and more technicians will be needed.  That should be great news to you and honestly you thought to yourself, "Oh, crap, that's me, I'm the just OK mechanic".  Because for you, changing your skillset to electric will take some education, but it's no where near as complicated as a combustion engine.  Which brings me back to why the really great combustion engine mechanics will be highly sought and get paid even better than before.  

Example from the Tech Space: When I started my career as a recruiter, COBOL was on it's way out in favor of newer languages.  Almost no one wanted to learn it, no one wanted to higher anyone for it, unless in finance or government.  Before I started E-Powersport.com, I heard from someone I know that still coded in COBOL.  They got a $500,000 job offer, because there's less than 20 people on the planet that could or would take the job.  Remember, there will always be legacy cars to fix and for this industry, which is really more of an Energy Conversion than anything else, there will be new and more valuable uses for the Combustion Engine.

Before I started the company, I went around town and checked out bicycle shops, motorcycle shops and Powersport companies.  One experience always stands out to me and is a big reason I started E-Powersport.com.

I went into one of the largest local Powersport companies down here.  They carry all the big names.  I was ready to buy or not, I'd been hearing how hard it was then to get electric vehicles, even a mini-moto.  I walked in, the smell of gas and new rubber coming thru my mask.  The salesman walked up to me and asked, "Hi, how can I help you today?".

To which I responded, "I'm looking for something that runs on electric.  Can you show me what you have?"

His eyes tilted upwards and from behind his mask I could see him laughing and trying to hold it back, "We don't have electric.  Our stuff has motors in it."

It was in that moment I realized, these companies, the ones that are already in place, just like the Detroit Brands and Tesla, they have no interest in this until it becomes mainstream.  Then they'll tell you they've been doing it all this time.  But the consumer isn't as blind as many larger companies think.  The Information Age has allowed the World Consumer to be educated to what's going on, if they want.  I point to this, because this type of abrupt change within these companies also leads to feelings of fear and animosity.  "We were going to stand strong with gas, but now the world view has changed and the company's doing it, but I don't agree."  If these feelings aren't addressed within the organizations and with the customer bases, they will also cause issues for further adoption within the markets as a whole. 

But, I digress, my overall point is that, We don't need to fear electric vehicles the way we've been afraid of changes before.  It may change the way you get your groceries and how much you spend doing it, but also help to lower what you spend on them by taking usage pressures and hence overall costs off larger transportation needs.  And yes, both will co-exist, petrol cars and electric cars on the roads for a while.  So there's no reason we can't follow the rules of the road, even if we're online.  Play safe, Be Uniquely U and lift each other up.

This address is meant to cover the developments that have occurred over the last 2 months since we started E-Powersport.com.  Amazes me everyday how far we're getting.