Electric Bikes - Complete Newbie Needs Expert Advice

I'm totally new, have done some basic reading on Ebikes, and still have many questions. I think, however, that you guys could help me just my starting me in the right direction. First, I don't even have a sturdy bike to start with. I've been wanting to get a good new bike anyway, so I'd be willing to invest $1,000 to $1,500 on the project overall.....new bike, motor, controller, batteries.....everything. After doing my initial research, I think I like brushless, direct drive the best, but I'm still not sure. (I know that is a huge debate itself), BUT I'd like something that'll last forever and is low maintenance so I think that helps to answer that question a bit. I live in Eastern PA which is quite hilly in places, but I only weigh 150 lbs. and am in pretty good shape. So I'm not afraid to pedal since I pretty much pedal already on my crappy WalMart bike everyday. I currently live 20 miles from work, but may be moving closer soon. I'd like a bike for mostly road and some light trail travel. As I look for a new or used bike, what is the most important in addition to steel frame and wide fork (how wide should it be?) As you can probably see, I'm pretty flexible about this whole project, but could benefit from some expert advice. What other questions do I need to answer before buying? Or, can anyone already suggest a package idea after reading this initial post? Thanks in advance for any and all help! -C.J.

Welcome to e-biking.:thumb:
I'm no expert but have built from a kit and now own a pre-built so I can help a little.
First, I don't even have a sturdy bike to start withIf you're gonna get a hub motor kit, you might install it on what you have just to make future comparison and keep cost down. Save your money for some good (read pricey) batteries.
so I'd be willing to invest $1,000 to $1,500 on the project overall.....new bike, motor, controller, batteries.....everything.My Wilderness Energy BL36 with SLA batts cost $500 in Oct 97 including everything I needed. I did'nt upgrade the batts but it would have cost $400-$600 for better chemistry which would have put me at your budget limits. That's one reason I suggested you use your old bike.
I'm not afraid to pedal since I pretty much pedal already on my crappy WalMart bike everyday. I currently live 20 miles from workIf you expect to bike to work you'll probably need to charge your batts before you go home. My SLA 12amp batts carrys my 240 lbs about 20 miles on flat terrain without pedalling. They say lithium will go further but I'm guessing you still have to re-charge to be safe.

BUT I'd like something that'll last forever and is low maintenanceThe most problems I read about are with the Crystalyte kits but to be fair, these are hobbiests kits and folks tend to push them past their limits.

Most kits are reported to be OK. My Wilderness kit is probably middle of the road but can be upgraded to 48 volts w/o changing anything else and use lithium batts with only a new charger. Crystalyte is generally higher and Golden motors a little cheaper. A brushed motor is about 20% cheaper and is reported to last for years w/o changing brushes.

There's a recent thread on an extracycle conversion with a Wilderness kit if you're interested.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=434383

Thanks for the ideas Jerry. Only problem is my old Walmart bike is pretty bad....the gear shifters are broken and I'm limited to only 2 gears....the materials suck and it's lightweight aluminum. I would really like to get something more sturdy even if it means upping the overall project budget a little bit. I was about to buy a new bike anyway. Can you suggest a good starter bike to add a hub motor kit and maybe Lithium batteries to?

Generally a bike with 26"x2.125" fat balloon tires help cushion the ride so you are looking for a mountain, touring or utility bike. Aluminum bike is OK but a front hub motor means steel front forks are the norm and front shocks are not recommended.

Look for something with plenty of space in the triangle for batteries. Initially, ou can carry them on a rear rack but after awhile you may want to move them for better balance.

Build the tires for flat resistance with slime-tube, puncture proof tires and tubes, tire liners or all the above.

Some folks use a road bike with 700c tires but I’m guessing it’s a rough ride with lots of flat tires.

Make sure the chain stays (drop outs) are flat or can be filed flat. Quick change front tires need to be changed to good old fashioned nuts and washers. Front forks can be spread apart but probably best to get them close to the correct width (4 1/4"+ for most motors I believe).

Lots of gears are useless on an electric, maybe a couple when you pedal steep hills.

Get some ideas from these conversions
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=235

Build the tires for flat resistance with slime-tube, puncture proof tires and tubes, tire liners or all the above.

Make sure the chain stays (drop outs) are flat or can be filed flat.


What do you mean here exactly? Is that the green slime junk? Where would you recommend getting tires? Probably local huh?

I will try to attach a pic of m battered cheapy bike.

Thanks for the help
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh138/mchughcornelius/Photo4.jpg