With the changing times and the coming of the electric assist, RANS decided to install a unit and try it ourselves. Let me tell you, it is a blast! Every person who rides on the E-assist bike for the first time, wears a big smile! We were initially inspired to do this when designing and building the Phoenix, when considering E-assist adaptability.

Many of our customers have made inquiries if E-assist can be installed on a crank forward. Inasmuch as some have done this already, the answer is yes. Here at the factory, we wanted to try one ourselves. Jerrell and I decided the crank forward Citi would be a good test bed. This bike is constructed with no front derailleur, so, as a direct installation, this bike was a good option. The fit up was so straightforward it can be installed on any RANS crank forward or recumbent.

The Bafang battery was installed to the bike frame by attaching a machined plate (fabricated here at RANS) to the water bottle mounts.

The bafang unit is a so-called “mid-drive” with a 750 Watt battery. Mid-drive meaning it is intended to be installed in the drive line somewhere between the crank and the rear wheel. This unit gives you ample assist when needed!

One breezy, cold November morning, I chose the E-Citi to ride with my two friends. With ease, I was able to catch up or pull ahead of them using the assist. This was especially necessary when vehicles were passing and we needed to go single file. To keep up with my friends with E-assist, I used level one and shifted up or down as needed. It is also a big advantage in the 10-11 mph winds, which are prevalent in Kansas!!

Sincerely,

Kara Nichols