Maybe people are just sick of you finding old obsolete motorized bike methods, friction drive, belt drive, yes, even chain drives, and promoting them as some fantastic innovative miracles of technology.
That's strange. The last time I checked Liveforphysics death bike was a chain drive and the FX 75-5 motor I got is belt driven. Of the three, friction drive would be the less effective up hills but for all those folk in Florida or any state where it is mostly flat a friction drive DIY build will be cheap and reliable.
Anyone can buy a hub motor and install it in an hour or two using few tools or skills. DIY builds however take a bit of mechanical skills and imagination. The beginning of this post I was advised to purchase a bolt in replacement also requiring only limited mechanical skills to accomplish. After about three years of building e bikes (not perfect ones) but e bikes that run at least for awhile it is time to advance and come up with a cheap , less expensive and simple but effective drive-train and not only is a belt safer but if an automotive belt will work it can be replaced at any auto parts store. you can't beat that.
Also I have been searching extensively for many hours for the motor pulley and wheel unit. Also many others have built friction and belt drives but have NOT seen a belt system for a larger wheel than 26".
Also I am 5 feet 8 inches but there are a lot of taller people out there who prefer larger bikes than 26". Most hub motors are for 26" mountain bikes. There are a lot of cheap hub motor kits for 26" bikes for approx. $150. However nothing for 700cc or 28 or 29" bikes. The cheapest and only one I found was $345.
Now imagine how many millions of people out there daily commute to work via bicycle and need a reliable ebike to cover the distance and overcome any physical limitations pedaling due to hills , distance and for those who are less than physically fit. For the few who can shell out enough $$$$$ for a brand new factory e bike : good for them. Also for those that can afford a 29" leaf hub motor kit : good for them also but where does that leave the rest. Taxi cabs !!!! 200 to 300 a month in transportation costs or maybe just another unemployment statistic. Get the picture.
Wall - Mart makes many inexpensive 700cc , 28" and 29" bikes with disk brakes which are VERY expensive to convert to electric. What I want to do is a build for ALL to see which is cheap and has decent hill climbing capability and will do at least 20 mph so people can be on time for work and cost around $250 WITH batteries. Here is a price list of parts which is a good educated guess. If you can find a hub motor for the same price or less which can do the job PLEEEEEase post it as I will order it as soon as I get the money. Also chain drives require a high degree of alignment for motor and wheel sprockets. Any belt drive should be a lot more forgiving.
1. 500 watt 24 volt Unite 2,500 rpm motor. - approx $50 - ebay.
2. 800 watt 36 volt Chinese controller - approx. $15 - ebay.
3. rear factory bike rack and hardware - approx $50 - ebay.
4. pulley wheel for dual D motor shaft - approx $15 - ??????
5. belt drive rear wheel kit for 26" wheel - $35 on e bay. However need one for a 700cc , 28" and 29" wheel ???????
6. Belt. any auto parts store for approx $20
Total - $185.
Batteries - e bay 2 - 36 volt Lion packs with BMS. approx - $70
$185 + $70 = $255
Can you guys please reconsider and please help me out. After all it is NOT an outrageous , unsafe , hair-brained 40 or 50 mph build. It is a very safe pedal assist low budget build anyone with limited skills and tools can do. All that is required is a few difficult to find parts I need. I hereby plead my case. Please let me know. Thanks.
LC out.