Advice on eBike conversion of a Mountain Bike?

Question

* which ebike conversion kit is best?

- would it be better value to source components separately?

* is regenerative braking worth the effort (i.e.. considering cost, efficiency, effectiveness, size & weight)?

- will it require a separate motor to the drive motor to be worthwhile?

* which battery type is best? (i.e. considering $$ / watt-hour, kg / watt-hour, etc)

* are there cheap ebikes already on the Australian market?

- Kmart had one for about $350, although I was told they stopped stocking them

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

The law in Australia is pretty constraining on electric assist bicycles.

with a low power limit, you Will need a chain drive, check into the Cyclone and its competitors for chain drive.

Regen braking does not do much for the battery charge, but is an outstanding braking system, especially in wet weather.

I think   lifepo4, or lith iron phosphate,  is where the market is going.  Safe, great power density, etc.

try this site:

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

Answer 2

Great question for Bike player

Answer 3

None of the ones I've seen looked like minimal maintenance mainly because motors need heavier parts than having a person as the motor. The drive trains all looked like you'd be buying parts after not too long if you commute a lot and for me that was the show stopper so I didn't take a hard look at batteries.

So, without a dealer for parts nearby and or you're not into working on it regularly to maintain it, consider what buying a lighter set of tires and lightweight wheels can do. Lighter wheels accelerate a lot easier, most stock wheels and tires are tanks, rotating weight is about 8:1 more important than the rest of the bike.

If you have to have power I've owned a scooter and loved it, fun to ride and easy on gas. I've read about electric scooters so pretty sure there are some.

hth

Answer 4

I converted a bike with a Curry chain drive.  Chain drives are not reliable and I had a lot of problems so I sold it.  I bought a Giant Lite which is direct drive through the pedal crankshaft and it has been very reliable for several years.  But now I don't think they are sold in the US.  Regenerative braking is a lot of cost for the marginal increase in range that you get. When I converted my bike, I had to put a 4 X 4 piece of wood between the rear forks and beat them with a sledge hammer to get the conversion to fit.  Just letting you know that conversions are not so easy and dependable sometimes.

Answer 5

Golden Motors Wheel Moter Kit, Made in China was my choice. I went 35 miles from my home to my land, where I have started an organic farm. I recharged the batteries on the land, and then again when I returned home. What is needed to go further distances is to set up charging stations along the major roads. If we make a uniform Designed Battery racks. The batteries could be changed in two minutes, and

you could be on your way. Solar Panels for charging Stations.