upgrading an electric scooter any advice?

darkstar11

I drive a 500 watt TaoTao ATE 501 and it only has a top speed of 20 to 21 miles per hour and only drives 10 miles per charge(I think) Is there any upgrade parts I can get for this scooter so that it can drive 30 maybe 35 miles per hour and get better battery life? I'm tired of being on a street legal scooter/moped and not being able to keep up with average city traffic flow. I hate being tailgated because I'm driving slower. I think it runs on 48 volt batteries and uses three of them. Not sure about the control box because its kinda hard to get to.

Answer
First you have to realize that those 500 watt electric scooters are really just heavy cheap electric assisted bikes. The TaoTao ATE 501 weighs about 200 lbs and that's why it's so slow. If you want any reasonable performance, you use the fold out pedals at least for acceleration, it also recharges the batteries slightly.

I suspect you have a 36 volt system with three 12 v lead acid batteries wired in series. It would be a good idea to have each of those batteries checked out separately. Lead acid batteries can be tricky and it only takes one to be in poor shape for the whole bike to suffer.

The most obvious upgrade you could do is wire in another three lead acid batteries in parallel. Nothing else would need changing but you would have to find a location to put the batteries.

The next possible upgrade is to replace the batteries with expensive lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries which are convenient because they are available in similar voltage levels. Their charging procedures are similar but not identical so you may be able to get away with not changing any of the charging mechanisms. The biggest problem with this is the cost.

A larger motor probably won't do you much good and may require custom fabrication of the motor mounts but you may be able to find a more powerful motor in the same form factor. In general, most electric motors can be operated at higher voltages with the only consequence being overheating of the motor and wires, the wires can be increased to thicker wires and you could try to get more cooling to the motor but this would really only allow you to have short bursts with the possibility of burning something out. Of course doing so means changing the battery layout and adding more batteries.

The best solution would be to upgrade to a proper light weight electric assisted bike but they run about $2,000 or more, roughly double what the scooters cost. Maybe find a used bike and put in a 500 watt conversion kit... At least with the bikes, everyone expects you to be slow.

The 500 watt scooters are not what I would call street legal, just exempt from regulations. It takes a 150 cc scooter to be freeway legal and a 250 cc scooter to actually be safe at freeway speeds and any scooter with more than 50 cc's must be licensed and registered as a motor vehicle. Those I would call street legal once licensed. You might be better off with a 50 cc gasoline scooter, those are usually exempt from regulation too. The old smoky two cylinder ones had a lot of power, about double what the new four cylinder ones have but even the new 4 cylinder ones would be four times the power of the 500 watt electric scooter. If you want to be environmentally friendly, make ethanol from rotten fruits that you get from the grocers for free.

Are electric dirt bikes safe for 10 year olds?

Aaron

i want to know if electric dirt bikes are safe for 10 year old boys

Answer
Yes, they are very safe they have a top speed of 10-15 mph and they are very low to the ground and you can out run one easily. They are very good training bikes to get them ready for the bigger ones. But i would suggest them to a 10 year old.

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where can i Get a Power-fullish Motor?

Portuguese

Iv Got A Schwinn Stingray And Im Looking For a Website That Sells Electric motor (Or Petrol Ones That I Dont Need A License For If There Are), That Will Go On My Bike And Bring Me Up To A Fast-ish Speed, Can Anyone Link Me A Website i Live In The Uk?

Cheers
Shut The Fuck Up You Wasteman.
Also Anyone Have any Ideas where I Can Get It Painted Or Powercoated?
Shut The Fuck Up You Wasteman.
Also Anyone Have any Ideas where I Can Get It Painted Or Powercoated?

Answer
go to sears/get grass cutter engine/mount engine on front fork/hinge it /get large brass cylinder for drive shaft/start engine and when you are moving let hinge down and brass shaft contacts top of tire and its own weight will drive you along/did this 50 years ago/worked then

How old do you have to be to take scooter lessons?

Q. I am 14 and was wondering if I am able to take scooter lessons to get my licence when I'm 16? Simple answer with good information will be best answer :-) thank you.

Answer
At 14 you can legally ride a 200W electic scooter ( with pedals) or an electric bike on the road, you do not need a license or mot or insurance ( though advisable) they do not need DVLA reg and you can legally ride them on cycle routes
Top speed is limited to 12 mph. But this is faster than the cars driving through central london
http://morakot.b2bage.com/product-bicycle/778344/200-250-500w-48v20ah-electric-scooter-motorbike-with-pedals-ls1-3.html

it has to be the 200W to be legal for a 14 year old in UK

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what's the best and least expensive kit for electric bike conversion?

twizard

with a solar charge preferred ( can be seperate)

Answer
Here is a unique idea for a solar powered bike using photovoltaics in the wheels: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/05/solar_powered_e_1.php
and the typical: http://www.cisolar.com/catSolarebike.html

With respect to converting your bike to electric, you have 3 ways to go:

A hub motor kit
a sneaky crank motor kit
or a friction motor kit

There are also many home made conversions that use the chain drives:


To compare them you will need to read the reviews and make up your own mind:
http://www.nycewheels.com/electric-bike-conversionkit-reveiw.html
http://www.electricbikee.com/electricbikes/electric-bike-conversion-kits/
http://www.metaefficient.com/electric-bikes/inexpensive-electric-bike-conversion-kit.html

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Which countries now have full-electric car technology besides China and Japan?

Q. BYD e6 electric full-size SUV: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BYD_e6

Nissan LEAF compact electric car: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Leaf

* Chevrolet Volt is not full-electric besides it needs gasoline as fuel.

Answer
It depends upon what you mean by "full-electric car technology" and by asking "which countries"...

Electric cars are not a national phenomena. They are things. National policies can promote electric cars but to my knowledge no country has nationalized an electric car building company and is producing electric cars on their own. Corporations may give some a feeling of national pride or identity but many corporations are multi national and may hold allegiance to no country.

Countries and areas that promote electric cars with incentives are more likely to attract corporations that are making electric cars. Such companies are in some ways not very different than other corporations. If an area will provide certain grants, property, utilities, or tax incentives then companies are more likely to build a plant in that location. Having cheap labor and reasonable lines of supply are also a plus. Selling their products may require a different set of incentives to attract buyers.

A case in point may be "Better Place." http://www.betterplace.com/ This company does not make cars. They sell a battery swapping service. They have several international initial target locations including: Israel, Denmark, Australia and Hawaii, San Francisco and Canada. The nissan leaf was to be a part of their system and may be in the future. For now they are swapping batteries on the Renault Fluence ZE. http://www.betterplace.com/ By some measure this might be considered a "full-electric car technology," but to what country are you going to attribute this technology? Shai Agassi, the companies founder and CEO has lived in California and Israel.

The Tesla Roadster is an American company and a media success. It is now selling their cars internationally, but the actual number of vehicles sold is presently just over 1000.1 Their are many lessor known electric vehicle companies that may happily sell you a vehicle that is hardly a production run. For a full production run of a full electric vehicle (BEV: battery electric vehicle) that is fully highway capable in the US we are looking to the Nissan Leaf as a first. Zap vehicles have been built in China for years and sold by an American Company internationally as motorcycles but we might not necessarily put these in the same class as the Nissan Leaf. The same may be true of other of the ess expensive Chinese cars.

I would agree that the Volt is not a "full electric" vehicle, but it is more electric than the more parallel hybrid prius. From a purist point of view perhaps even a BEV is not a pure electric vehicle as it uses chemistry in the batteries. A pure electric might use ultracapacitors for storage or something like this: http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2009/08/korean-researchers-develop-electric.html

Where can i buy a RYNO bike in australia?

scar film

Unicycle inspired electric bike made by Ryno motors

Answer
At an Australian Ryno bike dealership.

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What's your opinion about the electric car?

donutdan41

I was thinking about it today, and I find it to be a real shame that the US hasn't really adopted the electric car yet. What scares me most, is that the US is pushing for the hydrogen car, even though the technology for the electric car is much more promising...
So, would you buy one if it cost the exact same price as a normal car, assuming that it can only go 60 miles on a single charge, takes 8 hours to charge, and let's say it has tires that never need to be changed?

Answer
Quiet, smooth, smell free,, refuel at home or work, low maintenance,
yes I have bought one (an old fashioned conversion) http://www.batteryvehiclesociety.org.uk/

Moden batteries will give a range of 200 miles http://www.teslamotors.com and out perform a ferrari
and can be recharged in 10 minutes http://www.phonixmotorcars.com

and the batteries will last 20 years and are fully recyclable (unlike most of an infernal combustion engine)

And even if you don't have your own home generator, well to wheel electric is stilll more efficient & less polluting because large generators using unrefined fuel, close to source, constantly monitored & maintained , running at optimm load & temperature, & distributed via a 90% efficient grid, then electric motors give max torque from 0rpm from cold, plus regenerative braking & no consumption when idle.

But driving an electric car is just a much more pleasent, fun & strees free experience than an old clunky infernal combustion fossil.

The tyres still wear out though, and require about 8 gallons of oil to make. (the higher torque/acceleration could even mean that you could wear them out faster if you want to drive fast) see the drag bike burn outs at http://www.killacycle.com

How much would it cost to get a moped?

Richiboi

I'm 16, live in the UK and want to get a moped. How much would this cost?

So far I've found four main costs

1)The Moped itself
2)Driving lessons/test
3)Helmet and gloves
4)Insurance

Can anyone give me some average prices for these things?

Answer
In the U.K the best price to get yourself a descent moped (50cc) is around £650!

My CBT (Moped Training) took one day from 9am untill 3pm and it cost me £120 but the prices range from roughly £90 to £130... The test is very easy though, provided you do it on a automatic and not a manual!

Helmet will cost you £50 but i dont know anyone who wears motorcycle gloves on a moped cause it looks kind of cheesy, you know wearing a motorcycle costume on a little scooter!

Insurance costs me £28 a month on third party (the cover only the other driver and not you) and fully comp was about £60... The cheapest third party insurance company for me was motorcycles direct.

Also when you buy your bike do a few checks:
>If its liquid cooled, take the cap off the coolant tank and smell it; if it smells like exhaust fumes, the gasket is gone
>Check the frame numbers, on my bike its on the bottom right hand side under the foot rests; and if the frame numbers looks welded in any way and not properly indented in there, the bike is most probably a ringer
>Check the electrics for example the electric start, indicators, lights etc.
>And if the suspension appears to be leaking oil then do not buy unless they are upright forks and u can get the fork seals changed

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when do the 2013 dirt bikes come out?

Linda

im looking to get a new 250 dirt bike and i want to know when the 2013s come out. I am looking at honda, kawasaki, suzuki, ktm, yamaha...all the major brands.

Answer
All the bikes come out the same time, around the end of 2012. All the bikes are very similar, you're going to have to ride each of the bikes to find your preference.

KTM is way too much money, currency between Austria and the US isn't good. Yamaha is too advanced, their 2013 models are going to look like a futuristic robot, and it might even have electric start, which adds around 20 lbs.

Kawasaki is great as the 2012 model almost dominates the other bikes. I prefer the Suzuki, but it's all rider preference. Suzuki isn't over designed, it's the best bike in my opinion. Next years bikes could go from $8,000, but the KTMs... (Keep Throwing Money). Could go up to $10,000.

What should I add to my electric scooter?

Nathan

In November of 2012, I became the proud owner of a currie tech ezip 4.5 electric scooter. I haven't crashed it once! But I am in the time were I think mini motorcycles are neat, but I'm going to stick to my electric scooter/bike. It's a motorcycle to me because it has a seat. But is there any way to make it cooler? Should I get a full head helmet like guys on crotch rockets do? Are there any accessories I should add to it to make it look nicer? All it has is a mini license plate with my name (thank you grandma) lol, a light, and a red light in the back I added. But anything fun and cool I could add is what I'm looking for thanks!

Answer
Get an interesting special horn for it. Maybe a musical horn, or one with an old fashioned oogah sound.

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How much is the cheapest electric bike cost in Canada (Vancouver)?

John F

Should i buy one in Canada or overseas?

Answer
Canada. heapest. dollar in a garage sale. But in stores it's aout 5 dollars. ost expensive...100 and more.

should i buy an xb-500 electric bike to got to work?

Evan R

Answer
Absolutely, (as long as you're within 15 miles from your work) - any time we can find something that will save the environment - I say, go for it! Plus they're pretty nice looking.
But I would first check your state motor vehicle laws before buying it just to be sure that you can drive it on the roads. Some states are funny about electric mopeds and scooters.
If you're in Canada (at least in Ontario) some electric bikes/scooters that have operating pedals don't even have to be registered.
Also, don't pay much over $650 (with shipping). This site has the best deals and shipping is low,
http://bestscooterbuys.com/xb500.html
Good luck to you!

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Are electric motorcycles cool?

BobbleColo

So, I am shopping for my first motorcycle. I was looking at a few bikes. A Ducati Monster 696, a Ninja 600, and a 2013 Zero S (not 2012). The 2013 Zeros have different motors and batteries that give it near 600cc equivalent performance and a 130+ mile range at a top speed of 95MPH. I am a huge EV enthusiast and I currently drive an all-electric car. I'd love an EV motorcycle like the Zero S, but there is one very important factor to consider... the "cool" factor. Do you think EV bikes like the 2013 Zero S are as cool as those other petrol bikes? Or, would the ladies be more inclined to hop on the back of a noisy ICE bike?

Answer
You have an all-electric car -- you are already totally un-cool. Nothing could make you cool so you might as well get a Zero.

Are electric motorcycles cool?

BobbleColo

So, I am shopping for my first motorcycle. I was looking at a few bikes. A Ducati Monster 696, a Ninja 600, and a 2013 Zero S (not 2012). The 2013 Zeros have different motors and batteries that give it near 600cc equivalent performance and a 130+ mile range at a top speed of 95MPH. I am a huge EV enthusiast and I currently drive an all-electric car. I'd love an EV motorcycle like the Zero S, but there is one very important factor to consider... the "cool" factor. Do you think EV bikes like the 2013 Zero S are as cool as those other petrol bikes? Or, would the ladies be more inclined to hop on the back of a noisy ICE bike?

Answer
Bike guys love all bikes. I don't know anybody who thinks they're uncool.

They can never be what a gas bike is, but what they are is actually better and that will come to be understood as more people get to ride them.

The instant throttle response and hard acceleration give you the thrill of speed for carving up the canyon roads. But the 95 mph top speed means don't try racing a gas sport bike unless it's a drag race.

It will not make a lot of noise so if that's what you're into have a stereo system with a sub woofer installed.

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Are electric motorcycles cool?

BobbleColo

So, I am shopping for my first motorcycle. I was looking at a few bikes. A Ducati Monster 696, a Ninja 600, and a 2013 Zero S (not 2012). The 2013 Zeros have different motors and batteries that give it near 600cc equivalent performance and a 130+ mile range at a top speed of 95MPH. I am a huge EV enthusiast and I currently drive an all-electric car. I'd love an EV motorcycle like the Zero S, but there is one very important factor to consider... the "cool" factor. Do you think EV bikes like the 2013 Zero S are as cool as those other petrol bikes? Or, would the ladies be more inclined to hop on the back of a noisy ICE bike?

Answer
You have an all-electric car -- you are already totally un-cool. Nothing could make you cool so you might as well get a Zero.

Are electric motorcycles cool?

BobbleColo

So, I am shopping for my first motorcycle. I was looking at a few bikes. A Ducati Monster 696, a Ninja 600, and a 2013 Zero S (not 2012). The 2013 Zeros have different motors and batteries that give it near 600cc equivalent performance and a 130+ mile range at a top speed of 95MPH. I am a huge EV enthusiast and I currently drive an all-electric car. I'd love an EV motorcycle like the Zero S, but there is one very important factor to consider... the "cool" factor. Do you think EV bikes like the 2013 Zero S are as cool as those other petrol bikes? Or, would the ladies be more inclined to hop on the back of a noisy ICE bike?

Answer
Bike guys love all bikes. I don't know anybody who thinks they're uncool.

They can never be what a gas bike is, but what they are is actually better and that will come to be understood as more people get to ride them.

The instant throttle response and hard acceleration give you the thrill of speed for carving up the canyon roads. But the 95 mph top speed means don't try racing a gas sport bike unless it's a drag race.

It will not make a lot of noise so if that's what you're into have a stereo system with a sub woofer installed.

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Where can you buy a mini bike for not a lot of money?

I want to buy an electric mini bike just to ride around on but I don't want to spend a ton of money. if anyone knows where I can buy a mini bike for cheap or if they want to sell me one let me know. Also I don't care if it is used or new as long as it is in good condition

Answer
I try to find the best place for you to buy an electric mini bike.
The prices are good and FREE Shipping.
From this link...
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=an+electric+mini+bike+&x=11&y=23&tag=aor-sale-20

I recommend this ...
http://www.amazon.com/New-Star-Super-Motorcross-Black/dp/B000XBNUY4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1245144353&sr=8-5&tag=aor-sale-20
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
This New Star Mini Super Motorcross bike 6V Battery Operated Motorcycle includes a 6V battery and recharger. It requires 4 AA batteries for engine sounds, which are not included. This motorcycle is suitable for ages 18 to 36 months and it comes with removable training wheels. The weight capacity of this vehicle is 55 pounds and its speed range from is 0.93 to 1.24 mph.

Product Description
For aspiring little Grand Prix champs, this mini motorbike - complete with cool racing decals and realistic sounds - is the most excitement this side of the checkered flag!

My boys ages 2 and 4 love this bike! My two year old hadn't gotten the concept of steering in 1 year of owning his tricycle but in a few minutes on a motorized bike he figured it out after running into enough walls. Originally I purchased this bike for my older son only and got my 2 year old a three wheel smaller version from another company that was supposed to go the same speed...it didn't. My older son was running 3 laps around my younger son litterally as they rode around the house. I didn't think that my younger son would be able to handle the bigger bike but to our surprise when my oldest turned his back he jumped on his bike and took off!...so we sent his bike back and ordered him the mini motorcross as well. I like that they have to master coordinating their feet and steering and the switch of forward and reverse...very user friendly for the kids.

http://www.amazon.com/Razor-Pocket-Rocket-Miniature-Electric/dp/B0001NECEG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1245144353&sr=8-1&tag=aor-sale-20
Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Rev your engine and hit the streets with the miniature electric Razor Pocket Rocket, a scaled-down street bike that's perfect for cruising the cul de sac. The Pocket Rocket's variable-speed, chain-driven motor is designed to reach powerful speeds of up to 15 miles per hour, with large 10-inch pneumatic tires guaranteeing a smooth ride. Users will also dig the rechargeable battery, which delivers up to 45 minutes of continuous use with each session (the battery requires roughly four to six hours of charge time). And even though some assembly is required, the bike is a breeze to put together thanks to the included pit stand and tools. The bike, which measures 36 by 21 by 20 inches (W x H x D), holds up to 150 pounds and is backed by a 90-day warranty.
Product Description
Rev your engine and take the Razor Pocket Rocket for a whirlwind spin around the block. This scaled-down street bike is designed to reach powerful speeds of 15 mph. Includes variable speed, chain driven motor for super quiet operation and large 10" pneumatic tires for a smooth ride. Get set for some freewheeling fun when you hop on a Razor Pocket Rocket. Features battery charger (4-6 hour charge time) for 45 minutes of continuous driving, pit stand and tools, box frame with durable powder finish. Requires 2 "12V" batteries (included). Measures 36"L x 20"W x 21"H. Minimal assembly required. Holds up to 220 lbs. Prior to riding, read owner's manual. Safety equipment recommended. Not for use on public roads.
The pocket bike is the best toy you can buy from Razer.I rode a friend of mines pocket bike it was m first time on one and i thought it was even better than my Sunl 500.It rode smooth and was half dead on the battery but I could still get a lot of speed.I would recomend the toy for ages 5 and up i way 100 pounds and I was still comferteble on the seat.I hope this review helped.

Hope this help :) Good Luck!

Where to buy Ezip Electric Bikes online?

bhazboun05

Answer
Go to Walmart. Ship to store is free and they are on sale.

http://www.walmart.com/browse/Bikes-Scooters-Skates/Bikes/Electric-Bikes/_/N-8wkdZaq90Zaqce/Ne-2p4f?catNavId=133073&ic=48_0&povid=cat133073-env201160-module222291-lLink1&ref=125871.415453

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Maintaining a bike battery ?

varun

Answer
If you are talking motorcycle buy a battery tender brand smart charger, install the pig tail on the battery and plug it in.

Can I hook up a float charger to my motorcycle battery while it is still hooked up in the bike?

Q. My instructions say to remove battery from vehicle in order to charge. This is what I'm currently doing, but Id like to be able to just leave the battery in the bike and charge it that way. Is this safe? Thanks for the input.

Answer
I use a small trickle/maintenance charger on my motorcycle battery while the bike is in storage for the winter. I've never had any problems with this, and going on 5 years with the current battery.

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