Electric solution recommendations for an xtracycle?
10-04-11 | 07:35 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Centralia, WA
Bikes: xtracycle
Electric solution recommendations for an xtracycle?
I've got an xtracycle now but thinking about getting a big dummy. Are there any recommendations? Most important features that I can think of are enough power to get up hills with a load and rear wheel drive(I don't want it to obviously be an electric bike for a few reasons not the least of which is to mess with the local roadies ha!)
10-04-11 | 09:26 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 983
Likes: 1
From: Port Townsend, WA
Bikes: xtracycle, electric recumbent, downtube folder and more
As far as I know you have Ecospeed, Stokemonkey, rear wheel hub motor to choose from. Try going to the Utility forum here and mention this, at least one person there has electrified their Xtra.
10-04-11 | 09:53 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: The F/V Misty Moon/Clatsop Co. OR homebase
Bikes: Some
Get a Yuba, they are a stronger frame and have more load capacity than the BD and less money to boot. You can get one built for just a little more than a BC frame actually.
For a cargo type bike I would go with a legal limit 750w motor at 48v. With a loaded bike it is all about the standing start and the uphills and power is key. I would also go with a front motor also to help balance the load and you get two wheel drive also.
For a cargo type bike I would go with a legal limit 750w motor at 48v. With a loaded bike it is all about the standing start and the uphills and power is key. I would also go with a front motor also to help balance the load and you get two wheel drive also.
10-04-11 | 10:50 AM
#4
On a Mission from God
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 5
From: Thibodaux, LA
Bikes: '10 Surly LHT, Rat-rod Klunker, '82 Peugeot PH12 Centennial
I'll second the front motor idea.. the rear motor wheels are almost always made for freewheels, not really what you want on a cargo bike. You couldn't hide it easily, though... 
10-05-11 | 11:03 PM
#6
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area, CA
Bikes: Yuba Mundo v4 (electric conversion) - Specialized Cirrus (electric conversion) - Currie eZip Trailz - Currie Via Lento - Diamondback Insight 1
I recently performed a front motor conversion on a V4 Yuba Mundo using a Nine Continent motor from ebikes.ca paired to their 25A controller (the torquier, slower winding) and have been happy with its performance thus far. I live in Marin county on a reasonably steep street and ride Bay Area hills constantly. This conversion is my fourth electric bike (second conversion) and so far is my favorite one of the bunch.
I chose the 9C motor largely because I used one on my rear wheel drive commuter bike conversion that now has 1300+ miles on it and has given me no trouble. (That bike regularly sees nastiness like saltwater spray on the ferry, rain and slime)
I have only one minor complaint about the "finished" product -- the factory gearing on the Mundo is essentially intended for things like pulling tree stumps or towing small cars and as such the motor can outpace peddling at even the most ludicrous cadence in the quickest gear -- even up moderate hills. I will be addressing this by adding a bigger chainring up front as I tend to ride all bikes in the same manner -- as quickly as possible.
I chose the 9C motor largely because I used one on my rear wheel drive commuter bike conversion that now has 1300+ miles on it and has given me no trouble. (That bike regularly sees nastiness like saltwater spray on the ferry, rain and slime)
I have only one minor complaint about the "finished" product -- the factory gearing on the Mundo is essentially intended for things like pulling tree stumps or towing small cars and as such the motor can outpace peddling at even the most ludicrous cadence in the quickest gear -- even up moderate hills. I will be addressing this by adding a bigger chainring up front as I tend to ride all bikes in the same manner -- as quickly as possible.
