Electric Bikes - Ok so I finished my commuter and here are the pics.

2009 Schwinn Coffee XL (good for riders about 5'9"-6'2")
Wilderness Energy BL-36 Kit (50 amp controller)
Ping LiFePo4 36v 15Ah Version 2.5 with BMS
Police Issue Trunk Bag with zip down panniers
Astro Super Whattmeter model 101
OnBoard Charger
2 Torque arms
Weather proof bicycle cover for rain and sun protection at work
(4ga 100 amp max gold RC connectors on motor wires) so I can unhook the throttle and motor wires and carry the bag in places!
Deans connectors to replace the factory banana plugs on battery and controller.


28 amps max pulled by the motor (as seen on meter)
1100 watts max pulled by the motor (as seen on meter)
24mph max as seen on hand held gps

Please note that mounting the controller in the bag is ok. I have checked the temps after various full throttle rides and it is cool to the touch. Also note that I leave the top flap open while charging so the charger fan can circulate the air most efficiently.

So here are the pics of my stealth commuter.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n95/teamontherun/ebike3.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n95/teamontherun/ebike2.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n95/teamontherun/ebike1.jpg

Please let me know what you think of my build. I have worked very hard to ensure a clean install. I think it turned out pretty nice. Thanks for all your help bikeforums.net!

Very slick install. That's probably the cleanest cut setup I've seen in a while. It makes me want to get a hub motor (almost). If I wasn't digging the efficiency of my build and the fact that I survived a 20mph wipeout and the only damage was to my saddle, I'd probably go with a setup like yours.

All in all, you made out quite well with a very stylish Urban E-Commuter.

Good Job

you can barely tell that it's an electric bike. I have a mid-frame bag that I carry a bicycle pump, a tube, and tools with me just in case I get a flat so mine doesn't look as stealth. I keep my bike inside the house too.

you can barely tell that it's an electric bike. I have a mid-frame bag that I carry a bicycle pump, a tube, and tools with me just in case I get a flat so mine doesn't look as stealth. I keep my bike inside the house too.

I had a bad blow out the other day due to the rubber rim strip not fitting right on the new wheel. I carry a spare tube inside where the battery is. The tools and Co2 pump are in the side pouch. I though about a separate bag. I was just trying to make it as stealth as possible not so much for police but more for curious minds that want to "just try it". Now having rewired the bad setup, I can just pull off the bag and save myself $800 (+-) if someone does decide to take if for a spin.


Thanks for the great feedback. This site helped me so much. I would not have been able to build such a cool first E-Bike if it was not for this website.

cool, party on Garth!

I agree--very clean install. I like the bike.

Ok here is the updated pics of the bike with the watt meter on the handlebars. I also picked up some nylon wire management tubing to make the build super clean. (I love that stuff).
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n95/teamontherun/0428002118.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n95/teamontherun/0428001833.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n95/teamontherun/0428001836.jpg

Nice, I added a double kick stand to mine last week and it made a huge difference in the bike stability when parked or when I work on it. It cost <$15.

Nice, I added a double kick stand to mine last week and it made a huge difference in the bike stability when parked or when I work on it. It cost <$15.

I was looking into that but I dont think this bike will accept that type of stand. This stand does not bolt on. It slips into a hole and has a clip on the other side of it. lame. lol.