DrkAngel

Size doesn't matter ... with batts, in parallel.

Larger is better, for range and mostly for battery lifespan.

On my eTrike mod I suggested a pair of 35Ah (24V motor) mounted below the rear axle. For good range and lowered center of gravity.

Oh, you can leave the pedals.
I pulled off a crank, replaced at 180 degrees so both were hanging down, for use as steps-footrests.
Could even run boards from pedals to below rear axle to support batteries and feet.
Brace boards at front also.

100bikes

The biggest challenge facing the long use and simple operation of the eZip Trailz is the assembly.

Big box services do this and most bicycles (BSO's) a dis-serivice based on volume of assembly with little effect on proper and safe adjustment - other than TIGHT.

The eZip uses a very robust 450 watt, brushed system. As an external drive with a connector chain the efficiency should be about the same as some of the 250 watt systems available. The system was patented in 1997 or so, and has had only a couple of modifications in that time from what I can tell.

There is a business in New Orleans that does tours in the French Quarter on eZip Trailz electric bikes. These people did their homework. The difference is that they properly assemble and maintain their bikes.

Their are only a few bicycles and some kits available in the lower price range. The will very likely be SLA
(sealed lead acid) batteries.

The cost of most complete bicycles is disproportionally in the battery systems. A $2000 bike has a $750
replacement battery.

Simple advice: Make sure parts are available, there is a company in the US as a source ( as a source of parts and tech support for you( or your LBS) and that is uses common (interchangeable) bicycle parts and wheel/ tire sizes.

100bikes

eZip Trailz option -

There are also 2 LiIon batteries which are compatible with the eZip Trailz.- a 6.4 and a 9.7 amp.
They will slide into the rack, and have a circuit to make them compatible with the SLA controller on the Trailz. You can have the SLA on one side and the LiIon on the other.

bandett56

Thanks DrkAngel ,, So charging them in parallel would be acceptable too ? that would be a lot easier for me. i thought maybe the small batt could fill up first and the smart charger might shut off.

do you have a link to your e trike ? i would like to see the rear axle. if it is just regular trike axle ,i know what those are.

yeah , the pedals . i was going to do that but could not get the arm off and dont have puller yet. but mounted a foot rest on the frame

thanks

DrkAngel

Charging in parallel should be perfectly safe. Keep charge rate to .125C, 3A for a 24Ah pack. (to help prolong life.)
Will post up in separate thread. 2 separate projects.
A Schwinn Meridian and a Kent Alameda.
Both taking advantage of gear reduction rear drive.
Schwinn with a solid rear sprocket allowing motor deceleration and ... reverse.
Kent with rear freewheel allowing freewheel coasting.

Both are projects for this Winter, so might only post up a teaser.

Should have results and tips up in time to inspire Winter projects for others.

iridie

https://sport.woot.com/offers/currie-...-skyline-ebike
EZip Skyline On Sports.Woot Today!!! Only $549!!!!!
LI-Ion Anybody?

DrkAngel

Almost worth it for the Lithium pack.
Bike will accept the 450w motor, available for ~$90.
16T = 20mph upgrade capable.

thechidz

where are you located upstate? how difficult is the install?

coolio

Looking at this thread, it looks like I missed out on some good sales. Keep posting. Maybe I'll catch the next one.

thechidz

Hey drkangel! I am wondering where you are located upstate? Reason I ask is I am wondering if you would consider helping me mod my ezip trails for more power? I really like the bike but I live near the catskill mountains and my area is very hilly. There is just not enough power in the motor to get up all the hills. Anyway I'm asking because it seems like you have been successful doing this and that you rather enjoy it. If I am out of line asking please let me know and no hard feelings. Thanks!

DrkAngel

EZip Trailz
There is a limit for reduced gearing ... about 11%, using a 22T motor side freewheel.
Overvolting (36V?) would give you more torque, but mainly, more speed.
With 36V you could have 50% more torque at 12mph and faster.
But heat production is also increased.
If the hill climbs were short and occasional, higher voltage might be your best bet.

Alternately, expensively and ideally you would run the motor through the 7 speed rear cluster for 2x -3x the torque in low gear.
Still hunting for the affordable method!

In the mean time ..
gain speed before starting hills and pedal hard to maintain,

Remember that eZips are primarily designed as electric assist (eaBikes) not as electric motorcycles (eBikes).

iridie

I've been running my ezip at 48 volts for about a week now and have been loving it. I previously did the 16t mod and after doing this, my bike is really like a little motorcycle. Will post pics after my temperature display arrives. For now I just stop ever so often and check the motor temp with my hand. At this point I can get up to as high as 27 easily (If I wanted to) with very little increase in heat to the stock motor.
Keep in mind that for the most part I do not pedal. Still smiling.

paulebjr723

I could use some advice on a good replacement mechanical brake pads, the pads on my bike don't work so good on the rear. I was thinking of using EBC pads, and up-grading my rotor to a 180mm from a 160mm but I am not sure that this will make any differnce. Help I could use so sound advice.