inkeeper77
100 mW
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2012
- Messages
- 42
Well I am just starting this build, but I figured a build log is in order! Sorry, no complete . but I do believe I shall have some photos of the bike in running condition soon!
Contents:
1. Design goals and choices: This post
2. Battery packs and chargers
3. Battery cycling
3. The bike and basic motor and electronics installation
4. Future projects! Lighting systems, true battery enclosures, etc.
---------------------------------------------------
Photo: Current state:
(Coming soon)
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This build is my first attempt at building an electric bike, and it was after a long while of ES lurking. I determined I wanted a longbike due to wanting one (a longbike) for years, and I chose the yuba mundo due to lower cost and greater cargo capacity. Design goals are to create a cargo bike with electric assist, and the capability to eventually be a semi high speed electric bike. I also want to include good lighting for night riding, including turn signals. But that is for the future. Currently I am in the simple "adding a motor and batteries" stage.
The motor choice was between mid drive and a rear hub motor. I don't like the idea of a front hub, as I am so used to rear drive, and also the paranoia of the motor seizing would bother me. I love the idea of a mid drive, and being able to use the transmission already in use on the bike in order to switch between torque and speed. I first found the stoke monkey, but then found the urban commuter m-drive. It is cheaper (somewhat), and it freewheels unlike the stoke monkey. It does not use the front chainring, but it takes advantage of the rear gears. So I chose to use it as it is far better than whatever I could rig up myself with the limited manufacturing capability I currently have.
http://urbancommuterstore.com/M-Drive-Conversion-Kit-for-Yuba-Mundo-V33-V4-YM-MDRIVEKIT.htm
The maker of the m-drives, Sonny, has been EXTREMELY helpful and willing to correspond with me! I highly recommend him so far.
Contents:
1. Design goals and choices: This post
2. Battery packs and chargers
3. Battery cycling
3. The bike and basic motor and electronics installation
4. Future projects! Lighting systems, true battery enclosures, etc.
---------------------------------------------------
Photo: Current state:
(Coming soon)
---------------------------------------------------
This build is my first attempt at building an electric bike, and it was after a long while of ES lurking. I determined I wanted a longbike due to wanting one (a longbike) for years, and I chose the yuba mundo due to lower cost and greater cargo capacity. Design goals are to create a cargo bike with electric assist, and the capability to eventually be a semi high speed electric bike. I also want to include good lighting for night riding, including turn signals. But that is for the future. Currently I am in the simple "adding a motor and batteries" stage.
The motor choice was between mid drive and a rear hub motor. I don't like the idea of a front hub, as I am so used to rear drive, and also the paranoia of the motor seizing would bother me. I love the idea of a mid drive, and being able to use the transmission already in use on the bike in order to switch between torque and speed. I first found the stoke monkey, but then found the urban commuter m-drive. It is cheaper (somewhat), and it freewheels unlike the stoke monkey. It does not use the front chainring, but it takes advantage of the rear gears. So I chose to use it as it is far better than whatever I could rig up myself with the limited manufacturing capability I currently have.
http://urbancommuterstore.com/M-Drive-Conversion-Kit-for-Yuba-Mundo-V33-V4-YM-MDRIVEKIT.htm
The maker of the m-drives, Sonny, has been EXTREMELY helpful and willing to correspond with me! I highly recommend him so far.