So sorry to disappoint. Don't assume this is my or OP's only source of exercise. And again, no one wants to arrive to work all sweaty. Just offering a different perspective as I can see where OP is coming from.
Isn't it the worst hearing people suggest just pedaling? If you've taken the time to register on ES and seek advice for an ebike, you obviously have no desire to just pedal. And who wants to get to work all sweaty? Anyways, I have a similar budget and plan on going with the following:
52V 14Ah...
So I just scooped up an older trek on craigslist for $120. It rides great! Brakes are strong, shifting is smooth, the bike is silent and very comfy.
After lots of consideration and checking the trusted china battery sellers on this forum, I have decided to order this 52V 14Ah lithium battery...
No, I haven't ridden a bike that heavy. I can't imagine it weighing more than 60lbs all said and done. I won't be using SLAs.
Can you expand on the phase short / controller issues causing drag?
I can appreciate both sides of the argument. In my case, I have no intention to pedal this project without motor assistance. I only want to commute on this ebike, without breaking a sweat if possible. My needs may change down the line, but I'll save that for another build.
Thanks again for everyone's input. Def feeling better about the project at this point.
I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on the following:
($151.99) Rear Hub 48v 1000w brushless motor kit...
Nice, I hadn't heard some of these details yet. Much appreciated!
And dangit FINE I'll stop looking at the cheaper batteries lol. You guys have me convinced.
I challenge anyone to bike 7.5 miles in pittsburgh humidity without breaking a sweat. Oh, and keep the trip under 30 mins. I'm in decent shape, but that's just not realistic for me. I love biking, and want to incorporate it into my commute as much as possible. But I can't arrive to the office...
I agree. Since posting this I've decided to use my wife's bike for the conversion (raleigh venture 3.0), and increase my budget somewhat. I'll upgrade the bike down the road.
35mph sprint capability sounds amazing. I was setting my standards too low to accommodate my budget but I'm definitely...
Thanks, good point about the amps. I started looking at batteries with a higher discharge rate since I'd like to push this motor at times! I saw this one with 50A max continuous...
Thanks for the info! What is the general consensus of lithium batteries from aliexpress? I found this one:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/EU-US-no-tax-48V-13Ah-lithium-ion-bottle-water-kettle-battery-ebike-battery-For-Bafang/1473151_32802476671.html?spm=2114.12010612.0.0.tYk4e7
I like this option. The 48v Panasonic 11.5ah Luna battery, what max speed/range could I expect paired with the 48v 1000w rear hub?
This battery (and better bike) would raise my budget quite a bit, but may be worth it in the long run.
Pittsburgh is very hilly. My commute however, is flat (trail along river). I expect to take the bike 3 days a week, since I'll be home 1 day a week and we get a fair amount of rain. I would retire it during the winter months. Like you said I'll take the bus when it rains/gets cold.
I do have...
Sorry, I'm just not interested in a pedal bike only. I did that before on this commute (with a very light roadbike) and I arrived to work so sweaty. Pittsburgh gets very hot and humid in the summer and it quickly stopped being enjoyable pedaling that distance (and then arriving at work). Also...