[BIG-E]

I'm interested in setting up a powered bike trailer. Either with a hub motor or a separate motor driving the wheel. I'd like to have regenerative braking if possible. What are my options? I haven't found much info on regenerative braking on a bicycle. Thanks for any info :)

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[DogBoy]

I think BionX systems have it, but they are designed to power the bike, not the trailer.

[Abneycat]

There aren't many systems with regenerative braking, internal gear reduction style hub motors, frame motors and so on don't do it. The power reclaimed is pretty small, and the price tag goes up, so it isn't a popular feature. The power gained is by regenerative braking is less than the power gained by having a freewheeling system like Ezee in comparison to the power lost by a direct drive (regen) system, so regenerative braking is < freewheeling as far as efficiency is concerned.

On a trailer though, I could see potential benefits to having the braking ability for sure.

I think BionX systems have it, but they are designed to power the bike, not the trailer.

Yep. I think you'd have an odd time using a pedelec oriented system on a trailer. BionX does also make systems with optional throttle control as well though, so it could be possible to bypass the pedelec system and make it work properly with a trailer.. You would either need to have a 3rd brake lever, or to simply link your BionX regen. braking control to your front or rear brake.

Another option would be to purchase a basic hub motor like a Crystalyte sans controller, and purchase an appropriate controller with regenerative braking capabilities. Any of these basic direct drive motors are able to do regenerative braking, they just need the proper controller to do so. BionX is the only one I can think of that comes with the proper equipment out of box, its a very good electric bike system as well.

[AllenG]

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=306099

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l249/brianharnett/DSCN3319.jpg

bharnett made this rig out of a bob trailer. The original post is at the top.