Originally Posted by
osco53
One of these days I will start my dive into that rabbit hole,...
Indeed, and I suspect you'll learn something too.
My delta doesn't have the single speed RPM restrictions you allude to, even though the motor is directly coupled to the rear wheel via fixed ratio (just like a geared hub motor). It launches just fine too, if need be, but it's geared for 30 MPH and my legs produce substantially more torque so I don't typically need it or use it below 5 MPH - just no point in it. I also regularly climb 2-4% local grades at 20-25 MPH without a complaint from the motor. The beauty of assist IMO, is that I travel at the city's 25 MPH legal speed limit, take the center of my lane, and never detain traffic. It not only 'feels' safer, but IS safer to match speeds with surrounding traffic.
The motor is 350w - the batteries are 28v li-ion DeWalt cordless packs in parallel. The bulk of the electronics (including the motor & drive components) was lifted from a Schwinn kick scooter which I purchased at a yard sale. The biggest expense was the batteries & matching charger, about $175.
