General Cycling Discussion - pedal assist motor

I have a Zappy Express pedal assist motor that will be installed on a Townie 8 step-through bike. I have been using this on an Electra Street Cruiser Deluxe which I have had for about 8 or 9 years. The motor/battery unit weighs 28 lbs. Has two 12 volt batteries and a 24 volt motor. Does anyone have a similar outfit? Is there any way of converting to lighter Metal Hybride batteries (or some such name) which owuld be much lighter. General info on this setup or any similar would be appreciated.

Gil

Welcome Gil.

Why in the world do you want to trash a perfectly good bike by adding an electric motor and all those batteries? Where is the fun and how can you get any pleasure from it?

Welcome Gil.

Why in the world do you want to trash a perfectly good bike by adding an electric motor and all those batteries? Where is the fun and how can you get any pleasure from it?

Being that it's a "pedal assist" there may be other problems or issues here. Most people don't get one unless they need to or occasionally need it. Someone with joint problems or arthritis may appreciate it since they can still enjoy cycling and make it up hills without pain.

Sorry I can't answer your question though, Gil.

(Side note: How do we contact moderators to move this to the proper forum?)

All kinds of problems associated with time and tide. The Zappy Express lifts off of the rack like a small (heavy) suitcase and the bike is free. I can use it this way for short trips to the store etc. on level ground, no wind etc. etc. For longer trips the pedal assist keeps me pedaling. I need a front rack for the supsension fork on the Townie. Can't seem to get any clear answers mostly due to the longer, higher head tube on the Townie. Headland Rover and Tubus both make a fornt rack for a suspension fork but nobody knows if it will fit on the townie. Anybody in to this type thing?

Gil

I think the lead acid batteries, though heavy, are really the best for an application like this. I've read the NiMh will cook at higher current draws which is what you're likely to have there. They're also very expensive while lead acids can be had for a song. They to require a more elaborate charging circuit and there are issues with simultaneously charging more than one. Of course this electrical stuff is outside my area of expertise so take it for what it's worth.

(Side note: How do we contact moderators to move this to the proper forum?)

Joe Gardner is the Forum Janitor. You may want to send him a private message ? :)

Phinney.
Nice atavar, hope I spelled that right.
How did you capture a single pic from "The Quiet Man" and get it to fit?