Electric motor for bike?

Q. I have a recumbent bike - E-Z Sport. I am looking for an electric motor for it - for a good price. The best I can find is an E4 for $700. Can anyone help me find a better deal? I love biking but have become disabled and need a motor in order to contine biking with family.
I can't use a moped on bike trails. I want to continue biking with my family on bike trails.

Answer
I assume your U.S. have a look at this kit. The motor is very efficient (>95%). This will give you the best range out of what ever batteries you choose.

http://www.cyclone-usa.com/store.php?crn=199
You can buy the kit or just the motor/gearbox.

Being a recumbent you should be able to mount the motor near your idler pulley and keep your original chainrings. The down side to this method will be that you need to pedal when the motor is on. Depending on your disability you may wish to go with the freewheeling chainring that they supply with the kit.

A front hub motor will not work so well on a recumbent (not enough weight on the wheel)

Electric Scooters/Bicycles?

Uncle Chuc

Can you recommend from personal experience either a razor type with fat tires, or an electric power scooter or bicycle that has decent range, low weight and OK power? I want something I can take on the LA subway.

Thank you, and unlike many, I will remember to come back & give 10 pts for best answer. Thanks again.

Answer
First, you'll need to decide whether you want an electric bike or an electric scooter. Although an electric scooter costs less and is normally more compact than a bike, an electric scooter will be limited to a specific range, so once it runs out of power, you'll have no other choice but to walk. An electric bike is a bit more flexible, since you can pedal it (just like a normal bike) if it runs out of "juice". So if you have a slightly longer range (over 5 miles) you'll probably be better off with an electric bike.

From my experience, the Razors have a very short range - often less than 5 miles. These scooters are also quite small (in size and power) and are more suitable for children and small teens. If you're looking for a scooter, you might consider an EZIP. They have several high-powered models which are much larger and more suitable for teenagers and adults, with ranges up to 12 miles. Here's a list of products:

http://www.eco-wheelz.com/catalog/ezip-electric-scooters-c-2_34.php

If you'd like more range and flexibility, you might prefer an electric bike instead. They'll obviously cost more, but the big advantage is that you can pedal. There's a wide variety of options and styles to choose from. Price points vary from $499 up to around $2000. There's even several "folding bikes" which might be ideal for the subway...

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How reliable are electric bikes?

bob

Answer
the biggest problem with electric anything is battery power. The technology is coming, but its not there yet, and the big reason is cost, it takes millions of dollars in research to make something small enough, with enough power that is stable (not likely to EXPLODE) THAT YOU CAN make portable, Right now range equates to wieght , and who wants to carry 1,500 lb battery packs around? not me.
The technology is coming, its not quite there yet, the next 10 years should be interesting, as the greedy oil strangling govornments fight over dwindeling oil supplies, where will the battery powerd technology take us Especially in the UNITED STATES. WE are making big advancements every day, but this must be met with caution, we are not where we need to be with battery technology yet.

What is it like to ride an electric bike?

Q. Are they really useful for long distance rides and uphill rides?
Or are they just one of those things that claim they are, but they really aren't?

The reason I'm asking is because I'm thinking of buying one. I have mild cerebral palsy and I weigh around 275lbs. Me and a couple of my family members share a vehicle right now, so I have to ride to work somedays on my bike. It's only 3 miles away, but it is rough on my body because the ride to work is all uphill. Two of the roads I have to take are fairly steep (at least by my standards), but are less steep then all the other roads around, but they wear me out still. It takes me 25-35 min's to get from the house to work (about 20 min's on a really good day when I'm in peak condition), including the stop signs and lights. But most days, I usually end up stopping for about 20-30 seconds at a time about 5-6 times just to rest, before I finally reach my work. And by time I get there, my legs are hurting pretty badly and are spasming up, I'm drenched in sweat. I'm also pretty exhausted which usually lasts through the remainder of the day (unless I drink a full throttle, then I'm geared up for almost anything). Between the excess weight and the cp, biking is killing my legs, so I need an alternative.

I like the idea of the electric bike, but for $500 - $1,000, they seem awfully damn expensive. So before I decide to buy one, I want to know if they're really worth the cost. Do they really work?

I have to wonder, because last year I screwed myself by buying a chinese scooter for $600 because I thought it was a good cheap alternative to the bike. It broke down on me 3 times in 6 months, and cost me more to fix up then the original purchase amount. Finally after the last breakdown, I gave up on it and left it sitting in my garage in pieces. So I'm trying to avoid making a similar mistake with this purchase by not diving head first into it. I need to know more about them so I don't screw myself again.

Answer
electric bike will disappoint you in range and power
particularly since your cost range is low and your wegith [sorry it affects breakdowns and range] is high
a $500 bike might make it 3 miles and back if you also charge it at work
it will start breaking though in a year or less
and the batteries never last as long as you hope
the 3 mile trip is the only thing that is in your favor

but then if you only ride it 100 times in a year, and it;s broken, that;s $5.00 a trip
83 cents a mile, you could buy and maintain a car or decent motorcycle for that

the chinese scooters are notoriously unreliable
though they are powerful
and cheap
maybe what you need is to find a convenient mechanic
oh wait you did that

the electric bike isn;t cheap either really


wle

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Electric Bikes?

Q. Hi, for next christmas I was hoping to buy an electric bike.

However I dont know where I could get one from.

If you could please give me some links, advice, whats needed and costs for them I would be most greatful.

Thanks!
thanks alot...

Answer
There is no one "best" ebike for all situations, dont let anyone tell you different. There are many factors to consider, such as: the bicycle frame, your price range, your performance needs, your installation requirements, and after market service needs.

So lets take some well rated ebikes (all of which I have sold and still service) and compare them:

Giant suede-e (no longer sold, a few still available new, still have service and parts) a little low on power for big guys hauling large loads in tough terrain, BUT VERY Reliable and pretty light weight. Un modifiable. Turnkey- no installation issues and no service or parts issue. $1.1k

Cyclone Kit currrently sold on the internet and a few places across the US (Including me in Colorado) GREAT power. Can be a pain to install, so you have to have a specific bike for it to fit, and someone to help with or do the install unless you are pretty darn good with tools. good value, can make slight modifications, parts available, but not much service.

Bionx Kit, 36v more power than than Giant suede-e, lots of nifty hard to find features, Very bicycle-like for a kit, fairly pricy, easy install, parts available, some service. unmodifiable.

EZee bikes and kits, pretty reliable, good parts, some service, can be either a kit or a turnkey bike. moderate performance. a little pricey, but not a lot. minor mods.

Crystalyte. can be anything you want it to be, not real bicyle like. Lots of parts and internet service advise. reasonable price, controller less than the most reliable. You install- easier than a cyclone, harder than a bionx.

If you need the best performance for the money and you can work with tools and pick out your bike, then Cyclone might be best.

For today total turnkey, maybe an EZEE.

Really want to retain the bicyle feel & arent having extremes of demands- try Bionx.

With all ebikes, all connections are the biggest reliability issue, next are throttles then controllers unless stated above.

You will need to look at some discussion groups to get the best lowdown for your situation.

try:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/power...

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/index.p...

a few good shops:

http://www.birdrv.com/electricbike.php

http://electricvehiclesnw.com/

electric bike recommendation?

bugbeacon2

I am looking for an electric bike for exercise for under $500. I want electric because my area is very hilly and I want to get exercise but I'm just not in shape enough to make it up the hills without some help. Ideas for the best in my price range?

Answer
Forget the electric bike they are hard to pedal and using the motor wont give you any exercise. If you want exercise get a used stationary bike off of Craig's list or better yet go to the local bike shop and get a good hybrid bike. It will take time to be able to climb hills, if you have to get off and walk.

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Electric Scooters/Bicycles?

Uncle Chuc

Can you recommend from personal experience either a razor type with fat tires, or an electric power scooter or bicycle that has decent range, low weight and OK power? I want something I can take on the LA subway.

Thank you, and unlike many, I will remember to come back & give 10 pts for best answer. Thanks again.

Answer
First, you'll need to decide whether you want an electric bike or an electric scooter. Although an electric scooter costs less and is normally more compact than a bike, an electric scooter will be limited to a specific range, so once it runs out of power, you'll have no other choice but to walk. An electric bike is a bit more flexible, since you can pedal it (just like a normal bike) if it runs out of "juice". So if you have a slightly longer range (over 5 miles) you'll probably be better off with an electric bike.

From my experience, the Razors have a very short range - often less than 5 miles. These scooters are also quite small (in size and power) and are more suitable for children and small teens. If you're looking for a scooter, you might consider an EZIP. They have several high-powered models which are much larger and more suitable for teenagers and adults, with ranges up to 12 miles. Here's a list of products:

http://www.eco-wheelz.com/catalog/ezip-electric-scooters-c-2_34.php

If you'd like more range and flexibility, you might prefer an electric bike instead. They'll obviously cost more, but the big advantage is that you can pedal. There's a wide variety of options and styles to choose from. Price points vary from $499 up to around $2000. There's even several "folding bikes" which might be ideal for the subway...

Can anyone recommend an electric mini-bike?

DarkSerge5

I am newly interested in small recreational motor vehicles and am interested in purchasing a beginning minibike. I was looking at the Serengeti Badger 450, and wanted to try and find other bikes like it. Problem is, that seems to be the only electric one I came across with that look. Can anyone recommend to me any electric minibikes similar to the Badger and within the same price range?

Answer
Yamaha do an effective ( it works) electric bicycle, but it is pricy, however, it works and here in the UK it is being purchased.
Everything depends on the battery technology, which has a way to go yet.

I would wait about 5 years myself, then they could get good. Meantime, look at the Dutch diesel bikes this may be a better way to go

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Electric Scooters/Bicycles?

Uncle Chuc

Can you recommend from personal experience either a razor type with fat tires, or an electric power scooter or bicycle that has decent range, low weight and OK power? I want something I can take on the LA subway.

Thank you, and unlike many, I will remember to come back & give 10 pts for best answer. Thanks again.

Answer
First, you'll need to decide whether you want an electric bike or an electric scooter. Although an electric scooter costs less and is normally more compact than a bike, an electric scooter will be limited to a specific range, so once it runs out of power, you'll have no other choice but to walk. An electric bike is a bit more flexible, since you can pedal it (just like a normal bike) if it runs out of "juice". So if you have a slightly longer range (over 5 miles) you'll probably be better off with an electric bike.

From my experience, the Razors have a very short range - often less than 5 miles. These scooters are also quite small (in size and power) and are more suitable for children and small teens. If you're looking for a scooter, you might consider an EZIP. They have several high-powered models which are much larger and more suitable for teenagers and adults, with ranges up to 12 miles. Here's a list of products:

http://www.eco-wheelz.com/catalog/ezip-electric-scooters-c-2_34.php

If you'd like more range and flexibility, you might prefer an electric bike instead. They'll obviously cost more, but the big advantage is that you can pedal. There's a wide variety of options and styles to choose from. Price points vary from $499 up to around $2000. There's even several "folding bikes" which might be ideal for the subway...

Can anyone recommend an electric mini-bike?

DarkSerge5

I am newly interested in small recreational motor vehicles and am interested in purchasing a beginning minibike. I was looking at the Serengeti Badger 450, and wanted to try and find other bikes like it. Problem is, that seems to be the only electric one I came across with that look. Can anyone recommend to me any electric minibikes similar to the Badger and within the same price range?

Answer
Yamaha do an effective ( it works) electric bicycle, but it is pricy, however, it works and here in the UK it is being purchased.
Everything depends on the battery technology, which has a way to go yet.

I would wait about 5 years myself, then they could get good. Meantime, look at the Dutch diesel bikes this may be a better way to go

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What is it like to ride an electric bike?

Q. Are they really useful for long distance rides and uphill rides?
Or are they just one of those things that claim they are, but they really aren't?

The reason I'm asking is because I'm thinking of buying one. I have mild cerebral palsy and I weigh around 275lbs. Me and a couple of my family members share a vehicle right now, so I have to ride to work somedays on my bike. It's only 3 miles away, but it is rough on my body because the ride to work is all uphill. Two of the roads I have to take are fairly steep (at least by my standards), but are less steep then all the other roads around, but they wear me out still. It takes me 25-35 min's to get from the house to work (about 20 min's on a really good day when I'm in peak condition), including the stop signs and lights. But most days, I usually end up stopping for about 20-30 seconds at a time about 5-6 times just to rest, before I finally reach my work. And by time I get there, my legs are hurting pretty badly and are spasming up, I'm drenched in sweat. I'm also pretty exhausted which usually lasts through the remainder of the day (unless I drink a full throttle, then I'm geared up for almost anything). Between the excess weight and the cp, biking is killing my legs, so I need an alternative.

I like the idea of the electric bike, but for $500 - $1,000, they seem awfully damn expensive. So before I decide to buy one, I want to know if they're really worth the cost. Do they really work?

I have to wonder, because last year I screwed myself by buying a chinese scooter for $600 because I thought it was a good cheap alternative to the bike. It broke down on me 3 times in 6 months, and cost me more to fix up then the original purchase amount. Finally after the last breakdown, I gave up on it and left it sitting in my garage in pieces. So I'm trying to avoid making a similar mistake with this purchase by not diving head first into it. I need to know more about them so I don't screw myself again.

Answer
electric bike will disappoint you in range and power
particularly since your cost range is low and your wegith [sorry it affects breakdowns and range] is high
a $500 bike might make it 3 miles and back if you also charge it at work
it will start breaking though in a year or less
and the batteries never last as long as you hope
the 3 mile trip is the only thing that is in your favor

but then if you only ride it 100 times in a year, and it;s broken, that;s $5.00 a trip
83 cents a mile, you could buy and maintain a car or decent motorcycle for that

the chinese scooters are notoriously unreliable
though they are powerful
and cheap
maybe what you need is to find a convenient mechanic
oh wait you did that

the electric bike isn;t cheap either really


wle

do i buy motorcycle or electric bike ?

hah

i have a motorcycle before in china, but now some places can not ride motorcycle, do i buy a new motorcycle or electric bike ? I want to ride faster, about 70kph, and riding to work.

Answer
Firstly you need to research an electric bike and find out the range and speed it is claimed capable of. Then take 10mph off the claimed speed and 10 miles from the advertised range to get a realistic range and speed you could expect in normal use.

A small powered motor cycle is economical on fuel so compare the two options to find which is right for you. My idea would be the small motor cycle is the better option.

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Where can I get a good electric bike?

electric bikes best range image

san

I wanted a good location where I can get a good electric bike which is also affordable?I also want to know whether they are efficient?Please do let me know about the same

Answer
Look mate, I really do think opting for an electric bike will be a good option because they are affordable and also they are efficient.
I would want to suggest you that there is an electric bike company In Toronto (Canada) which has a range of electric bikes and here there are also sales services which are good.

Please go through the site for more information

what do people look for in an electric bike?

Matthew

I am designing an electric bike for commuters to use day in, day out. I am asking you guys who live on the outskirts of cities to give me what you want in the perfect personal transport. This product is made for the masses and made by the masses. Any answers will be appreciated and taken into account. Thanks all!
May i add that this is a conceptual design project :)

Answer
I've been working on the same thing for different clients for years, but I'll tell you what things designers are trying to overcome:

1) Weight. The current technologies simply do not allow an e-bike that weighs under 50 pounds. A good target weight should be in the mid-20s;

2) Battery size. The size of even the smallest battery right now takes up precious space for carrying other stuff, and if the battery gets too small the range is reduced tremendously. Right now, Mitsubishi probably makes the best battery/motor combination;

3) Loaded range. Put a rider and 35 pounds of gear on the bike and ride it up a 5% grade, 1 mile long hill two or three times. Nuff said.

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what do people look for in an electric bike?

electric bikes best range image

Matthew

I am designing an electric bike for commuters to use day in, day out. I am asking you guys who live on the outskirts of cities to give me what you want in the perfect personal transport. This product is made for the masses and made by the masses. Any answers will be appreciated and taken into account. Thanks all!

Answer
1) Price
2) Range
3) Recharging time
4) Speed
5) Battery life
6) Comfort and carrying capacity

Price and range are the most important

Electric bike- I want to buy one that is top quality and easy to use?

irunwithbu

Any suggestions on a great electric bike?
I want to get a bike that I can pedal and goes maybe 20 mph??

Answer
I bought one recently, but it wasn't top quality - actually it was the cheapest I could find. The E-Zip Mountain Trailz. It's actually pretty good, but the realistic range is only about 13 miles.

I've heard that Giant makes some really good ones:

http://nycewheels.com/giant-electric-bike.html

As does Currie Technologies. They make both the E-Zip (cheap version) and the i-Zip (higher quality).

http://www.currietech.com/html/07_ezip_main_prod.html
http://www.izipusa.com/

The main things you want to look at are range, battery type, and weight. Obviously lighter and longer range are better. Mine claims to go 15-22 miles/charge and only gets 13, so performance may not meet the claims. I think the range claims are based on biking pretty slowly.

Sealed lead acid batteries are the cheapest and most economical, but only last about a year. Bikes with NiMh batteries last about twice as long, but the battery costs about 3 times as much as a SLA battery. Lithium ion batteries are very expensive but last a very long time.

Good luck.

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What is the most reliable, cost effective, electric bike on the market today?

electric bikes best range image

Peace69

I really like the Schwinn electric bikes (Continental etc), but I was wondering if someone knew of a cheaper alternative. I don't think I want the SLA battery packs. I would like a smaller and lighter alternative and have a decent range (20 miles or more). I would even consider doing a bike conversion if I could have newer lighter equipment

Answer
Try just a regular bike. Electric bikes are harder to transport, maintain, and still cost money to operate. If you get into shape they aren't much faster than a regular bicycle.

What is the lifespan of an electric bike?

archa_pyus

Say you have an electric bicycle that is used daily, capable of a 30 mile range before needing re-fuelling and a speed range of 3-15mph.

What would be its likely lifespan, i.e. when would the whole thing have to be replaced?

I do not need exact measurements, just the general idea, as it is for a project for which i have to design an electric bike, which i know nothing about.

thank you!

Answer
The life span of an electric bike is mostly determined by the battery. Batteries can have a memory and if recharged before depleting it completely will reduce the capacity and can affect the range.

I would do some research on batteries. You can also look up motorized hubs to put on bikes, they make for the cleanest design.

Motors are rated in watts and most states have regulations that control the maximum amount of power that you can use.

http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/info/buyingguide/

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What is the lifespan of an electric bike?

electric bikes best range image

archa_pyus

Say you have an electric bicycle that is used daily, capable of a 30 mile range before needing re-fuelling and a speed range of 3-15mph.

What would be its likely lifespan, i.e. when would the whole thing have to be replaced?

I do not need exact measurements, just the general idea, as it is for a project for which i have to design an electric bike, which i know nothing about.

thank you!

Answer
The life span of an electric bike is mostly determined by the battery. Batteries can have a memory and if recharged before depleting it completely will reduce the capacity and can affect the range.

I would do some research on batteries. You can also look up motorized hubs to put on bikes, they make for the cleanest design.

Motors are rated in watts and most states have regulations that control the maximum amount of power that you can use.

http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/info/buyingguide/

Need advise on getting electric bike that goes at least 20 mph, 40 mile range?

LTD1

What electric bike should I get?
I need it to go at least 20 mph and at least 40 mile range, I don't mind doing some pedaling to get long range. Also, I want it to be super silent.
Is it better to convert a standard bike or to get an already assembled electric bike?
What should I expect to pay for this?

Thanks.

Answer
You will need to get a kit as most pre-assembled ebikes wont go over 20mph.

you can do this for about $1500 and your bike. this would be easy on a recumbent.

try this for more info:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/index.php

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What is the cheapest electric motor I could use for an electric boat?

electric bikes best range image

Tahini Cla

I want to equip some small boat with an electric motor, which I want to run on a car battery or several.

I really wonder what I could use as a motor. Maybe truck starters? How long would the boat run on that though? I'd need something that can run four or five hours.

Answer
First of all, I don't know anything about electric motors for boats, but I have seen a lot of motorcycle conversions. The motors used for these bikes usually seem to be used for golf-karts so that they are specifically designed for DC power sources.
Here's an interesting site with conversion kits for all kinds of vehicles including boats:
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_ev_parts.php
A conversion of a stock 50ccm motorcycle:
http://www.maxdon.com/gpr.html
Conversion of a used old Kawasaki at home:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzi4tL3QMWk

From what I can see the main problem in all these conversions is still the battery-space and capacity, and of cause, the price.
A boat might provide enough space for the batteries but I couldn't find reliable info on the range an electric powered boat might have.
Unfortunately, I lost all my bookmarks related to electric engines. These few links here are all I can remember, sorry.

How large of a panel or panels would I need to charge an electric car battery?

Rob G

I would like to have a designated solar panel electric system to charge an electric car. Can it be designed as a Portable system to take with me if and when I move to a new house? Or can one be designed as a portable system to take in the car and used to charge the car when needed?

Answer
First we need to examine the required parameters. "An electric car battery" is not a standard item. The Volt and I-Miev batteries are 16KW-hr. The Leaf battery is 24KW-hr and the Tesla Roadster battery holds 53KW-hr of energy. The larger the capacity the longer it will take to charge all else being equal.

The second issue is time. Even from the grid you can charge your electric vehicle with a Type I charger at low voltage and amperage or a Type II charger at a higher voltage and amperage. The Type II charger is likely to be 4 times as fast. The same will be true of the size of the solar panel array.

As long as a solar panel will add more to batteries than the losses it will charge the vehicle. So are we considering only standing losses of about 3% per month, daily driving up to the battery range of the vehicle, or do you want to consider the continuously running the vehicle? Lets use the Nissan Leaf as an example:

The leaf battery is 24KW-hr. In a month such a battery would lose about 3% of its charge just sitting around. This amounts to (24 x .03) .72KW-hr / month. On a daily basis this would be (.72 x 12/365) .02KW-hr Solar insolation varies by location and time of year. The daily average in Arizona at the peak time of the year is about 7KW-hr / sq meter / day. Solar panels vary in efficiency but 10% is not an unreasonable number with today's technology. This would give us .7KW-hr of electricity / sq meter for our panels and a maintenance panel would only have to be (.2/.7) .286 sq meter in size. This would probably fit on your dashboard and such items are already sold: http://compare.ebay.com/like/320700323984?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

If however you anticipated using the full EPA range of the vehicle on a charge (73 miles) you would need 24 KW hr / day. Our best case solar panels would then have to be (24 / .7) about 34.29 sq meters (or 369 sq ft in size) This would approximately be equal to a surface area of 8 feet by 46 feet long. While this is hardly portable there have been some efforts to combine stationary and portable solar panels to drive electric cars: http://puregreencars.com/Green-Culture/Around-the-World-with-Solar-Taxi.html Here also is a portable solar panel trailer: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/Electrochemistry/doc/trailer_fc.html There are solar cars but these are not passenger vehicles. They are built ultra light and efficient: http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2009/10/solar-car-uses-less-power-than-toaster.html

Last if you were to try to power your Nissan Leaf continuously like a solar vehicle we might derive that the Leaf would require (24KW-hr/73 miles) about .329 KW-hr/mile. Traveling at 60 mph in one hour the vehicle would need 19.72 KW-hr / hour or about a 20 KW power supply. Commercial solar panels you might put on the roof of your house are rated from about 165 watts to just over 300 watts power output. You would need from about 66 to 121 of these panels to continuously power the vehicle. A genset trailer might be a better option: http://www.evnut.com/rav_longranger.htm

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What is the lifespan of an electric bike?

electric bikes best range image

archa_pyus

Say you have an electric bicycle that is used daily, capable of a 30 mile range before needing re-fuelling and a speed range of 3-15mph.

What would be its likely lifespan, i.e. when would the whole thing have to be replaced?

I do not need exact measurements, just the general idea, as it is for a project for which i have to design an electric bike, which i know nothing about.

thank you!

Answer
The life span of an electric bike is mostly determined by the battery. Batteries can have a memory and if recharged before depleting it completely will reduce the capacity and can affect the range.

I would do some research on batteries. You can also look up motorized hubs to put on bikes, they make for the cleanest design.

Motors are rated in watts and most states have regulations that control the maximum amount of power that you can use.

http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/info/buyingguide/

Need advise on getting electric bike that goes at least 20 mph, 40 mile range?

LTD1

What electric bike should I get?
I need it to go at least 20 mph and at least 40 mile range, I don't mind doing some pedaling to get long range. Also, I want it to be super silent.
Is it better to convert a standard bike or to get an already assembled electric bike?
What should I expect to pay for this?

Thanks.

Answer
You will need to get a kit as most pre-assembled ebikes wont go over 20mph.

you can do this for about $1500 and your bike. this would be easy on a recumbent.

try this for more info:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/index.php

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Has anyone made their own battery packs to boost electric bike range?

electric bikes best range image

uogcls

I am thinking if the bike comes with SLA batteries of 10Ah, I could cheaply make a NiMH pack with 2Ah (bunch of AA cells) to boost performance. I am thinking of connecting it parallel to the SLA batteries (+ to +, - to -). I am thinking this will slow the discharge rate on the SLA and also reduce the depth of discharge, causing the SLA batteries to have much a longer life cycle.

Answer
It's difficult to mix different type of batteries. The lead acid battery has a nominal voltage of 2.1 V per cell, and an end voltage of 1.75 V per cell. In a typical 6 cell battery, this means 12.6 V charged to 10.5 V discharged. For a 10 cell NiMH pack, the values are 12 V -> 10 V. The ranges are close, but you would either need to undercharge your primary SLA battery, or you would be overcharging your NiMH batteries to 12.6 V (about 5% over). This may progressively shorten the life of the NiMH batteries.

You might consider charging the packs separately, and then connecting (via a switch) the NiMH pack in parallel after the SLA has been run down a little.

Of course, the best option would be to use a second SLA battery. If the charging circuit is "smart", then it should be able to charge both SLA batteries in parallel. You could also use them in parallel.

If you are in a sunny area, you could even tie in a PV array designed for 12.6 V parallel applications.

what do people look for in an electric bike?

Matthew

I am designing an electric bike for commuters to use day in, day out. I am asking you guys who live on the outskirts of cities to give me what you want in the perfect personal transport. This product is made for the masses and made by the masses. Any answers will be appreciated and taken into account. Thanks all!
May i add that this is a conceptual design project :)

Answer
I've been working on the same thing for different clients for years, but I'll tell you what things designers are trying to overcome:

1) Weight. The current technologies simply do not allow an e-bike that weighs under 50 pounds. A good target weight should be in the mid-20s;

2) Battery size. The size of even the smallest battery right now takes up precious space for carrying other stuff, and if the battery gets too small the range is reduced tremendously. Right now, Mitsubishi probably makes the best battery/motor combination;

3) Loaded range. Put a rider and 35 pounds of gear on the bike and ride it up a 5% grade, 1 mile long hill two or three times. Nuff said.

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What is the most reliable, cost effective, electric bike on the market today?

electric bikes best range image

Peace69

I really like the Schwinn electric bikes (Continental etc), but I was wondering if someone knew of a cheaper alternative. I don't think I want the SLA battery packs. I would like a smaller and lighter alternative and have a decent range (20 miles or more). I would even consider doing a bike conversion if I could have newer lighter equipment

Answer
Try just a regular bike. Electric bikes are harder to transport, maintain, and still cost money to operate. If you get into shape they aren't much faster than a regular bicycle.

What is the lifespan of an electric bike?

archa_pyus

Say you have an electric bicycle that is used daily, capable of a 30 mile range before needing re-fuelling and a speed range of 3-15mph.

What would be its likely lifespan, i.e. when would the whole thing have to be replaced?

I do not need exact measurements, just the general idea, as it is for a project for which i have to design an electric bike, which i know nothing about.

thank you!

Answer
The life span of an electric bike is mostly determined by the battery. Batteries can have a memory and if recharged before depleting it completely will reduce the capacity and can affect the range.

I would do some research on batteries. You can also look up motorized hubs to put on bikes, they make for the cleanest design.

Motors are rated in watts and most states have regulations that control the maximum amount of power that you can use.

http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/info/buyingguide/

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