edpol

I have a 450w gear reduction scooter motor I'm about to install on my home built trike. The controller has leads for reverse, but in order to have a reverse gear, I'd have to install a fixed cog on the axle instead of a freewheel. Other than drag, are there any other drawbacks? One thing that concerns me is that it's a brushed motor, so maybe the brushes will wear out faster while I'm not using the motor. The motor is mostly for hills. Being diabled, I need some extra power up some of the hills around here. Reverse would be a nice feature, but if there are too many drawbacks, or potential damage to the motor, I'll just go with the freewheel and use "Flintstone" reverse.

gmouchawar

The drag will be too much. Go with the freewheel.

similor

As a brush motor, "Reverse" is very simply, just change the power polarity with a relay.For common use,motor(+) connect to battery(+) and motor(-) connect to battery(-).For reverse use,motor(-) connect to battery(+) and motor(+) connect to battery(-).Try it.

edpol

Getting reverse isn't the problem. I could either use one of my controllers that has reverse leads, or use the Bosch type relays that I also have. I did try the fixed gear, and there is some drag, but once I'm at a decent speed, it's not a problem. I just don't want to damage the motor, and I'm not sure if spinning it "dry" has any ill effects. If it does, then I'll just go with the freewheel. I haven't hooked up any of the electrical parts, I just mounted the motor so far.

edpol

I guess the welding fumes are getting to me. DUH. This is simple. I ordered a second sprocket to add to the motor. So one chain will go to a freewheel going forward, and the other to a second freewheel going in reverse.