Friedlbug's e-bike build thread

[MetroMPG]

sharp21 - good link. That's a comprehensive look at issues of building an e-bike.

[jwxr7]

If you want to try a cheap motor controller that gives you variable speed, current limiting, and low voltage protection (to save your batteries), check out these scooter parts. http://tncscooters.com/partsdb.php?type=ES looks like a $12 one might work for you.


The electric scooter I recently aquired uses many of the parts they sell and the variable speed drive is pretty cool and supposedly 95% efficient.

[friedlbug]

Oh yes, I've checked out the Peltzer e-bike. That's the gold standard of homebuilt e-bikes, in my opinion. He mad his own jackshaft on his own metal lathe and had a much higher budget for batteries than I do, though. I don't think there's any way you could practically use inexpensive batteries to run a 1HP motor like that with any kind of range.

Just a quick update: This has been so slow going because I have very little free time during weekdays, robbing myself of sleep if I want to do anything after a normal day. I did find time to get to Home Depot yesterday, though, and added springs to the frame on each side of the rear wheel (there were these cool little metal loops in just the right spot). I plan to use spring tension rather than the compression method used in the article. They are highly polished extension-type springs with a listed load limit over 30 lbs each. Also, they look pretty cool. I also picked up a 4' length of nickel covered steel angle (the kind with holes all through it) with which I'll make the 'T'-shaped motor mount. I forgot the PVC elbow for the cooling duct, but am not sure how I'm going to mount that yet anyway.

[sharp21]

Im thinking of doing a Hub conversion on one of my bikes. FWIW here is a link to a thread discussing the best value kits on the market:
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=326941
Be sure to check out the links, lots of good info at the goldenmotors forum!
Couple of good leads on (relatively) cheap LiOns too.
Now, should I put this on my beach cruiser, or my barhopper chopper...

S.

[friedlbug]

Wow, that's super cheap for those LiOn batteries. Maybe once this gets going and I prove the concept to my wife. As far as that bike, it's very nice. I'm not sure I'd want to replace that front wheel, though.

I found a box to mount my switch in today and an 24VDC fan from an old dot matrix printer for the cooling shroud. I sawed some angle to spec out the motor mount.

[H4MM3R]

It won't be long before your first test run.

[friedlbug]

Unfortunately, the situation with my Yaris has changed. I now need the bike as a bike and have put my e-bike aspirations on indefinite hold. The last developments were that I mounted the motor to the bracket and connected the two 30 lb springs. The springs proved to be too strong and broke the roller I made.