Electric Bikes - Home-build/tinkering idea

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etothepii
12-12-08, 04:36 PM
These Golden Eagle gas powered bikes look cool:
http://hplug.com/images/TheBike03.jpg

, but I like the idea of an electric motor better. What type of motor would do? I have an older trolling motor from a boat... How about a motor from a treadmill?

trekker pete
12-13-08, 07:21 AM
seems to me that torqueing on the spokes in the middle like that might be a bad idea. Probably need a lot of trueing. Other than that, looks like a nice set up.
etothepii
12-13-08, 03:08 PM
seems to me that torqueing on the spokes in the middle like that might be a bad idea. Probably need a lot of trueing. Other than that, looks like a nice set up.

Golden Eagle uses the drive design successfully. It can be duplicated with a 20"rim, drill, and zip ties. I'm more curious about the motor. I'm not looking for "professional" results. More like backyard engineering that "pretty-much" works.

sauerleigh
12-14-08, 03:39 AM
I think your biggest problem will be getting enough tension on the drive belt, it looks like a flat belt?
If you have an old cordless drill around that still works, you could mount a drive pulley in the chuck, pull the trigger switch out and use it as a throttle, that would get you moving. If you want to spend a few bucks you can buy new scooter parts on eBay. I've purchased a number of items from TNC Scooters on eBay, they have motors, speed controls, throttles, chargers and various drive components, they are a reliable seller.
Have fun!