Electric Bikes - Took this electric out for a spin

I was at a friends house the other day and was scoping out his electric bike. He let me take it out for a bit and I was astonished how much speed and acceleration it had. The voltmeter said 52+ volts when sitting still and it has a large array of lithium batteries on the back rack.
I am hoping he drops in here a gives everyone the story, it is a daily driver. I love it that it looks like a bike owned by a homeless guy.

Here are some pictures. The rear fender extension is made from a Folgers coffee can.

I will guess here, he built it him self?
As much as I think Zoolander when I see these bikes Introducing our newest Model for 2009 The Derelique.

Sorry I'm joking only!! It looks like a strong bike and from what you say, more then likely able to be a good store runner/daily driver

My fav add on has to be the pop holder on the front !!! Keeps water or pop cool, but steals no power from the batteries :-)

The bike itself is a 14 y/o Jamis Boss six speed. This is the second conversion on this bike to electric and for the moment at least it is complete. Power is a front wheel hub motor set into a much heavier than normal wheel with heavy duty spokes and electricity provided by 48 volts of Lithium Phosphate (LiPo4) batteries. Power is supplies to the wheel through a thumb throttle and is monitored by a "watts up" meter that provides an accurate battery status. Life is made easier by an adjustable cruise control that can be set and adjusted quite easily.
Since it is a daily rider with the primary purpose being transportation I have made NO effort to make it pretty, only efficient. It does get pretty much an annual bath with the pressure washer and maintenance when needed.
Lacking suspension the bigger tires help provide a decent ride and the biggest saddle I could find aids in that goal. The bike has untold miles on it and in its present configuration generates about 2,500 more every year. The electrics however do not like the rain and someplace dry must be found quickly when the downpour starts.
Being a "senior citizen" who travels fairly longs distances on it the abillity to travel sans pedaling remains great fun. New riders always come back with the "evgrin". (electric vehicle grin)
One of the most enjoyable things I've found about it, in addition to it being an electric bike, is performance. It's hard to dfescribe the looks on the lycra riders pedaling hard to maintain speed up a bridge or a long stretch into the wind when I pass them easily and sitting up while pretending to pedal just a little. Bear in mind I'm well over two hundred pounds and well over 60 y/o.
Y'all have a great day. Feel free to visit http://www.endless-sphere.com/forums/index.php?sid=ef41aeb5f2f4406e8581c28b94bef5f0 to learn all you ever wanted to know about electric bikes.
Mike, Palm Coast, FL

mvadventure:

You have done a great job on the bike, and from what it seems have put alot of miles on it, awesome just awesome!!
The best part is you know what work has been done to it, and that always makes for more comfort.
It's great to have the older view also around the forum, I hope you stick around and stay on the road many many many years!

I was one of the riders that came back with the "evgrin"..very quiet and suprisingly fast, comes out of the hole like a gas engine vehicle.
We won't talk about the brakes however.. the performance surpassed them a while ago. :D

Mike

Mine looks like something from the CIRCUS...
I didn't use a Folger's Coffee Can..
..but a Green Plastic housing from a DELL Computer creates a housing for wires/
..
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Just goes to prove pretty is over rated. The only problem as I see it is the lack of pedals. The Federal regs for a bicycle which are accepted by most states include the vehicle has pedals. Lacking pedals could give law enforcement a reason to stop and question your ride as to whether or not it's a motor powered vehicle that requires a drivers license, registration and insurance.

That said I have THREE scooters, two of which I carry on my boat and have ridden in coastal Florida, Georgia and South Carolina and never had any problem. They have in fact drawn a lot of interest and never any kind of negative situation.