Lacing a 5KW Hub Motor on 20x4 Rim

[skeptic30]

I purchased a new rim for my older 5kw hub motor. The old rim is shot from multiple tire changes and is not true causing spokes to break often.

The current (old) rim laced the spokes differently on either side. One side is laced from the inside while the other is laced from the outside. Should I keep this pattern when building the new wheel? I'm sure there is a reason for this but I see pictures of new wheels laced different ways. The current setup is radial laced which I'll be keeping.

 

[E-HP]

Should I keep this pattern when building the new wheel? I'm sure there is a reason for this but I see pictures of new wheels laced different ways. The current setup is radial laced which I'll be keeping.

Probably. There are different schools of thought on this, but it also depends on the motor. Grin seems to prefer elbows out on both sides when lacing a direct drive hub. Depending on the dishing, the arrangement you have now may be best. It probably makes a bigger difference when lacing a smaller rim to a big diameter hub.

Online Spoke Calculator for Hubmotors and Ebikes

Our handy spoke length calculator allows for easy calculation of spoke length for custom builds - and is the only one of its kind to include paired spoke holes in the flange as is common with many large diameter hub motors. It also creates an automatic side view drawing of the laced wheel and...

ebikes.ca

 

[skeptic30]

This motor is large in comparison to the rim. The spokes are only 72mm long.

 

[PaPaSteve]

I purchased a new rim for my older 5kw hub motor. The old rim is shot from multiple tire changes and is not true causing spokes to break often.

The current (old) rim laced the spokes differently on either side. One side is laced from the inside while the other is laced from the outside. Should I keep this pattern when building the new wheel? I'm sure there is a reason for this but I see pictures of new wheels laced different ways. The current setup is radial laced which I'll be keeping.

The original pattern probably was done to closely match the spoke angle on each side.
Strongest build is when each side has the same spoke angle regardless of the hub centering.

Online Spoke Calculator for Hubmotors and Ebikes

Our handy spoke length calculator allows for easy calculation of spoke length for custom builds - and is the only one of its kind to include paired spoke holes in the flange as is common with many large diameter hub motors. It also creates an automatic side view drawing of the laced wheel and...

ebikes.ca

In the spoke calc app go to lacing option and change the spoke position, note the tension change.