[AUS] BikeE - Solar powered recumbent 52V 14AH - Canberra, Australia

Cowardlyduck

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This is a completely unique, one of a kind recumbent. Originally built from an early 2000's BikeE it has been massively modified and upgraded.
IMG_20250622_142931_HDR.jpg
Specs at a glance are:
Top speed: 45kph
Power: 1000-2000W
Range:50-65km
Solar: ~40W - up to 1.5km per hour of charge

This bike has served me well over the years and is an amazingly comfortable recumbent for commuting. Selling to fund other fun ebike projects and because I prefer off-road capable bikes now.

It comes with the following unique features;

Battery:
--Long design to fit inside frame with thermal padding/coupling to frame
--Sanyo NCR18650GA (10A) 3500mAh cells
--14S - 52V
--~900Wh (~700+ usable)
--40A Bluetooth BMS

The custom made battery is the only internally mounted battery in a BikeE in the world. It gives it a range of 50-65km at moderate speed/power levels. At slower speeds and you could easily manage 75+km and in full sun you'll get assistance all day long.
Charger is an 52V 2A with a power point timer thrown in. A full charge is around 6hours, however on most normal length rides expect only 2-4 hours for a full charge.

Display/Controls:
--Cycle Analyst V3
--Customisable power level/speed switch
--Comfortable thumb throttle

Controller:
--Grin Frankenrunner L10
---60A/24-72V Battery capable
---96A peak phase
---Programmable

Solar:
--40W Panel mounted with 3D printed mounts (spare mounts provided)
--Power meter display showing current charge rate and accumulated charge (re-settable)
--100W DC-DC for stepping voltage up to 52V
--Diode wired in to prevent back-charge

I've often achieved 7-10km additional range parking the bike in a sunny spot without even trying. If properly repositioning the panel throughout the day it's possible to get 15-20km worth of charge.

Hub motor:
-RH212 Standard wind with:
--8ml Ferro Fluid (Statoraide)
--Custom torque blocks allowing full power regen braking without and axle rotation

I also have a fast wind 212 stator core. If the new owner would really like to go 55kph I can swap that in however it will reduce range.

Drivetrain:
--Schlumpf ATS Speed drive 1:2.4 ratio bottom bracket (worth over $700AUD)
--44T Front chainring
--Shimano SPD cleat pedals (happy to change to normal pedals if new owner does not like these)
--Shimano 11-28T 7spd cassette
--7spd gripshift
--Jagwire Outer/inner cable runs

The combination of the ATS Speed drive and rear 11T cog makes pedalling at over 55kph comfortable even on 20" wheels.

Seat:
--Original short seatback, extended to full height
--Neoprene seat covers with extra padding
--Underseat storage includes spare tubes, bike lock

Brakes:
--Cool stop brake pads front and rear. Stops extremely quickly when called for and never overheats.
--Regen braking activated from brake levers with built in switches for seamless and strong braking
--Regen charges battery at up to 500W extending range

Lights:
--Front 9W 3 x LED light bar (super bright) - Integrated into DC-DC to run off main battery
--Rear rechargeable Lifeline Red LED

Rear toolbox:
--3D printed rear toolbox includes;
---15 in one multitool
---4 x C02 cartridges and release valve
---Patch kit, first aid, fire starter, other ods/ends

Wheels/Tires:
--Front 16" custom laced double wall rim
--Rear 20" doublewall DM24 Alex rim
--Extra thick puncture proof tubes front/rear
--Continental all terrain tires
--Planet bikes front/rear fenders

Other:
--Rear Topeak compatible bag sliders
--3D printed enclosure for BMS and connectors
--Upgraded seat sliders
--Plenty of properly done cable management/routing
--Axle mounted stand
--Compact bell
--XLR charge port with swivel door

This bike has been amazing and I will be super sad to see it go, but it is time for someone else to enjoy it as much as I have. The battery is a little tired, but still in great shape and more than capable of 50km+ even at full speed/power. That being said, if the new owner would like a new battery built I have the cells and can do this for an extra $2500 AUD.

Along with the bike a handful of extra's is thrown in including spare 3D prints of most parts, spare tubes and more I am probably forgetting.

Price is slightly negotiable. I've put a lot of work into making this bike something very special.

Happy to ship within Australia at buyers expense. Typically transport via motorbike movers is around $450-650 depending on location.

Happy to facilitate short test rides locally if potential buyer can prove available funds and leaves valuables with me while riding, prefer weekend.

I will consider shipping it within Australia (at buyers expense), but only for someone who is willing to talk with me on the phone so as to avoid scammers.

Price: $3250 AUD

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There is additional details on the history of this bike including an old thread here on ES I can provide archive links to and a video on the battery construction. If interested, PM me for details.

Cheers
 
Last edited:
Sheesh..
Maybe you want to put it on a site like pinkbike or ebay for a wider audience since it's a niche item.
 
Sounds like a good deal! What's the overall length and weight? Size of rider it's tailored to? Seat adjustable? How's the ride with no suspension? How many miles is on it? I'd buy if you were closer.

Are you building something else to replace it?
 
Sheesh..
Maybe you want to put it on a site like pinkbike or ebay for a wider audience since it's a niche item.
If it comes to that it will happen down the track when I have time to fix it up a bit more and make it more appealing.

Sounds like a good deal! What's the overall length and weight? Size of rider it's tailored to? Seat adjustable? How's the ride with no suspension? How many miles is on it? I'd buy if you were closer.

Are you building something else to replace it?
Not sure on length but comfortable for an average size adult. It actually only weighs under 20kg which is pretty good for something like this IMO. Research the BikeE to understand both how adjustable it is and how it rides with no suspension. I've probably put over 25000km on it since owning, but not much is original apart from the frame.

Of course more builds will be happening, but they'll only be able to be off-road capable with my plans. So this has to be moved on.

Cheers
 
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