Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Electric Bikes
Reload this Page >

Thinking about an electric recumbent build

Search
Notices
Electric Bikes Here's a place to discuss ebikes, from home grown to high-tech.

Thinking about an electric recumbent build

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-22-20 | 10:05 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 819
Likes: 56
Thinking about an electric recumbent build

I have one of the last Bionx systems installed on a road bike of mine. It is neat but overall I think electric systems are better suited to >2 wheel recumbents. That is because the weight of the battery system means that you still expend a considerable amount of energy just balancing the bicycle upright. That and the lowered efficiency overall.

So thoughts on how to go about this? I'm thinking a 2x1 trike (because I only have 1 bionx wheel) I guess with a rack over the rear wheel and maybe a cargo area for utility. Otherwise, there don't seem to be many recumbent manufacturers.
adlai is offline  
Reply
Old 04-22-20 | 12:40 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
Sheldon Brown Memorial - Titanium
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,935
Likes: 1,283
You have come to some interesting conclusions without any basis. A trike with a battery pack over the rear wheel is not a best practice. A battery location nearer to the center of gravity (under the seat) is much better. Works for two wheel recumbents just as well. The lower weight and complexity of a two wheel recumbent along with the aerodynamic advantages of the more sporting designs makes them ideal platforms for e-assist. We refer to trikes as either Deltas (one leading wheel) or Tadpole (two leading wheels). If by "2x1" you are referring to a Delta layout then, yes, there are relatively fewer of those around.
Leisesturm is online now  
Reply
Old 04-22-20 | 03:29 PM
  #3  
chas58's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,862
Likes: 415
From: Michigan

Bikes: too many of all kinds

recumbents tend to be wicked fast because they have so little drag. I saw a crazy video years ago about someone in Germany doing something like 45km/hr on a low powered system.
chas58 is offline  
Reply
Old 04-23-20 | 07:45 AM
  #4  
Moe Zhoost's Avatar
Half way there
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,967
Likes: 895
From: North Carolina

Bikes: Many, and the list changes frequently

Originally Posted by chas58
recumbents tend to be wicked fast because they have so little drag. I saw a crazy video years ago about someone in Germany doing something like 45km/hr on a low powered system.
45 kph is not all that difficult on a flat smooth road without elect assist. I've contemplated adding a motor to my ICE Sprint trike but my primary motivation is to help me handle the hills. I would opt for a torque sensing motor mounted at the crank. I'd probably mount the battery centrally behind the seat if I could figure out how to do it.
Moe Zhoost is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.