Upgrading a cheap eBay kit

[potatorage]

So, I recently regained the motivation to start working on my bicycle again, and I noticed that there are some significant problems with the eBay kit that I purchased a couple years back. I'd love to get a decent speed and range but what I'm really looking for is reliability.
So what would be the most cost effective upgrades?
1.The hub motor phase wires (front direct drive motor) seem dangerously thin, at around 14-16 ga. Replacing these would probably cost little and add to safety and reliability.
2. I have the stock 48v controller but I like to use my BMSBattery 36v controller because I really like regen. Or I would need new brakes because the little rubber pads on my bicycle scare me a lot.
3. I already purchased 16 A123 20AH cells so I can use 12s or 16s. Which one should I use?
4. I need a torque arm. Any suggestions?
5. What would be the most effective way to mount these A123 batteries?
6. Securing the bicycle: I'm going to be riding this on a college campus so I need a way to ensure that my bicycle stays mine!

I have a very limited budget- I already really stretched it with those batteries!
Thanks for your suggestions!

[wesnewell]

1. 14 gauge phase wires is big enough.
2. Many controllers have regen built in but just not enabled. Do some research on the 48v controller you have. You may be surprised it has regen capability.
3. 16s will give you more top end speed and 25% more range than 12s.
4. Nope. I don't use them.
5. Middle low center of gravity is best.
6. Good luck with that.

[dogman]

Assuming you are in the US, look for a torque arm at Amped bikes, Ebikekit, or Grin Cyclery. Grin has the best ones if you have an alloy fork.

Whether you must have one is a bit debatable. I ran with just the little torque washers for a year. The forks I was using were quite strong, and I was just running a stock 36v. Likely better to run a torque arm than have the axle slip and cut wires, blowing your controller.

Invest in some better brake pads, regen or not. Just cheap ones help a lot if new.

Your wires are fine, unless you go to 72v.

Theft proofing. Make the battery removable and take it with you for starters. There's the money, in your battery. Then make the bike look like a total piece of shit. put goofy stickers on it, paint it dayglow pink, or use the method of paint, throw dirt on the wet pain, then paint again to simulate rust. Whatever makes it look worth 5 bucks.

A pretty bike is gone, no matter what kind of lock you use. But it depends, it could be safe in daylight on some campuses. It will gone in 2 seconds after dark anywhere though.

[potatorage]

Well, my bike was a cheap Walmart bike so it has really flimsy forks. The dropouts have already taken a beating so I am worried that they might not last!

[rui_fujino]

1.The hub motor phase wires (front direct drive motor) seem dangerously thin, at around 14-16 ga. Replacing these would probably cost little and add to safety and reliability.
2. I have the stock 48v controller but I like to use my BMSBattery 36v controller because I really like regen. Or I would need new brakes because the little rubber pads on my bicycle scare me a lot.
3. I already purchased 16 A123 20AH cells so I can use 12s or 16s. Which one should I use?
4. I need a torque arm. Any suggestions?
5. What would be the most effective way to mount these A123 batteries?
6. Securing the bicycle: I'm going to be riding this on a college campus so I need a way to ensure that my bicycle stays mine!

1 - I think you'll be fine with your phase wires
2 - regen = quality torque arms/plates
3 - speed = 16s range = 12s
4 - If you want to upgrade m
I have a very limited budget- I already really stretched it with those batteries!
Thanks for your suggestionsore later on then get a pair from DrBass...If not just get an average one fromamp bike they are good!
5 - you need to upload some pics for us...
6 - I dont know about you but I dont leave my bike in outdoor where rain could reach. plus I have 2 locks securing my bike. ALWAYS lock to object! (you need to spend money here if you dont want to loose your ebike)