Electric Bikes - DIY ebike with limited tools and skills

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remus
03-20-10, 05:13 AM
I've been researching ebikes for a while, and am trying to find out if its cheaper to build my own from ordering parts and getting stuff from the local hardware store. Or buying a kit from www.cyclone-tw.com

(Motor, Controller, throttle) - not a problem, I have found many sources online. I am thinking of getting this one (http://www.evdeals.com/Motors.htm#24V-Currie 450W Brush Motor and Controller Kit)

Motor Mount - a bit sketchy, I think I'll get some L brackets from the local hardware store and some ubolts and see how it goes ;)

Batteries - I will most likely try some lead acid bats to begin. And will upgrade to better ones if the project works out.

Freewheeling crank set IPS(Independent pedaling system) - finding this is proving to be difficult. I've seen on at cyclone-tw.com and might go with that if I cant find a good qaulity one that is not too expensive.

Mabman
03-20-10, 08:59 AM
www.siokbikeparts.com has the cranks you need and they also use the best freewheel on theirs also.
Chillboy
03-20-10, 01:15 PM
Tandem bikes and some trials bikes use a freewheel crankset.

remus
03-20-10, 04:49 PM
www.siokbikeparts.com has the cranks you need and they also use the best freewheel on theirs also.

Thanks Mabman, the link appears to be broken though...
morph999
03-20-10, 06:10 PM
If you build one yourself, you'll certainly build one with more power and more range if you bargain shop. Most of the commercial ones are pretty weak. Some are pretty stealth but lack range and power. It takes me about 5 AH just to get out to an area where I want to sight see. And some packs that they sell are 10 AH so if it takes 5 AH to get out to an area that you want to ride around, you get there and then you have to basically come back. With a 20AH pack, you can ride around a bit and enjoy the ride and then come back.
Mabman
03-21-10, 11:11 AM
Oops. www.sickbikeparts.com
Kevinator
03-24-10, 11:41 PM
Mounting a cyclone can be troublesome depending on what style frame you have. A hub motor would be much easier, but theres a lot of pros and cons to each motor type.

If you're going with DIY and low cost in mind, I'd suggest tncscooters.com for parts because you can probably piece together your own starter kit fairly cheap.

I have a 900w Cyclone. More details in my build thread.