This could be an excellent basis for an aero bike.

[fearlessjoe]

Originally Posted by Grant-53

The hub motor may not have a gear system that can be changed to take advantage of lower drag shapes. If that is the case then it is a matter of switching to a higher voltage to try for more rpm. The armature has to be balanced, the windings secure, and the bearings up to the load. Legal speed limits come into play as well so drag reduction is used to extend range more than anything else. See recumbent.com for the latest HPV shell design software. As with any vehicle a full aero treatment may double fuel efficiency.

Or bigger wheels..... Not massively practice though

[Grant-53]

The wheel diameter change means spoking a new rim. Changing the battery pack is less work but you have to know the circuitry of the controller well. Most e-bikes use a mountain bike frame rather than a time trial bike with wider tires and disc brakes. Tadpole trikes and velomobiles would be more efficient but harder to see in traffic. It boils down to analyzing individual needs and local laws.

[PeterS]

Yes Grant, visibility is a problem. I just sold a Velotechnic recumbent bike for just that reason. An excellent bike , beautifully built and very comfortable ..... but hard to see!

[hamsterpower]

They specifically note the limited speed is due the legal limits. That makes me think it is governed in software. Get into the settings remove the limit like the race model.
Otherwise, I don't need a $6K electric bike to go fast. especially if I were making an aero frame/shell from scratch. just pick out the running gear as needed.

[Grant-53]

The minimum recommend seat height is 19 inches from the ground and 25-45 degree back angle. A fully streamlined TT bike could be capable of 30+ mph with moderate effort without a motor.