Copperhead said:
I haven't decided on what motor to use yet I'm still gathering info, but probably whichever Bafang is most suitable of a MAC motor.
I'd prefer a 10, 11, 12 speed so that I can keep my cadence consistent without big jumps between the ratios.
My bike is a clip-on that attaches to the front of my wheelchair and turns me into for all intents and purposes a tricycle driven by the front 20" wheel (I'll post a picture). I could change the forks for wider dropouts if needed.
I'm just curious as to whether anyone has any experience of having done this.
Actually Bafang and MAC are two different brands. Bafangs come in all sizes, but the MAC refers to a 5 Kg. geared hub motor that can run a good bit of power. Generaly it is used for ebikes seeking to get into the high 20's mph or are facing steep hills. Most us think that is a bit too heavy and powerful for a frt. mount.
If you are thinking about a top speed in the low 20's mph, perhaps a mini could serve. With the sm. wheel, you would want a "high-speed" motor or what's usually called a "328" (328 rpm @ 36 Volt rating). That combo would still climb hills w/ some gusto, especially on 48 Volts.
As mentioned, Bafang makes a number of mini's avail. from Greenbikekit or PSW Power and there are the popular Q100's and Q128(more of a mid size) avail. from BMS Battery.
Right now, the KT "sine wave" controllers w/ the "torque imitation" 5-level PAS feature are real popular. They come w/. LCD displays that offer all kinds of user interface options. They are avail. from PSW Power.
Forks could well be a problem as all the rear hub motors that I'm aware of, either a cassette or free wheel mount, will require 135 M/M drop-outs. Not sure what forks come that way, maybe a "fat bike" fork.
Some of the "experts" here should have some ideas on this.