5'9" Tall 245lbs Looking Into DIY Ebike Build

[TomAllyn]

As stated above I'm 5'9" 245 lbs losing more weight - I lost 22 pounds so far. I've been walking about 5 miles per day 5 days a week. Now I'd like to switch from walking to commuting by eBike 11 miles each way - in the morning I will use peddle assist the whole way, but depending how tired I am at the end of the day I may mostly use a throttle. I need an upright riding position because I can't have too much weight on left hand for long periods do to nerve damage in my right hand and arm. I've test driven several Ebikes and the two I've liked most have been Pedego Interceptor and the one I liked most was a Izip E3 Dash which is has a 350watt mid drive motor and with someone lighter than me could reach 28 mph.

Now I have one other challenge I live in an upstairs condo so I need something as light as possible sub-50lbs would be best. I have heard that some people actually use a little throttle to help get an ebike up stairs.

I prefer comfort bike or city bike style bikes. The main thing is that I don't put a lot of constant weight on my hands. Honestly, though the Pedego Interceptor was the most comfortable and its kind of a beach cruiser style.

I'm hoping you all can make good suggestions of bikes or frames to find to build from. I've been looking at the Bafang BBS02 750w Mid Drive KIT, but I would appreciate other suggestions. If possible a left-hand throttle would work best for me.

I'd like to keep the price down to under $2000.

 

[loysius]

Just buy these things,

$462 bike: https://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Bicycle-Overdrive-Mountain-27-5-Inch/dp/B013JMII4U

$1200 BBSHD kit: http://lunacycle.com/hot-new/bafang-bbshd-1000w-mid-drive-kit/

$40 tools: https://www.amazon.com/BIKEHAND-Bike-Bicycle-Repair-Tools/dp/B00BW4T7BG/ref=sr_1_6?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1469395815&sr=1-6&keywords=bikehand

$15 tool: https://www.amazon.com/BIKEHAND-Bicycle-Shimano-Hollowtech-Crankset/dp/B009MQVRZU/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1469395838&sr=1-5&keywords=bikehand+crank

$8 zip ties: https://www.amazon.com/eBoot-Self-locking-Nylon-Cable-Black/dp/B01EXX8EK2/ref=pd_srecs_cs_193_9?ie=UTF8&dpID=51s2Lhq7t9L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL250_SR170%2C250_&psc=1&refRID=TAGQ1KVMTZMXXNCRRWGP

so $1725 for top of the line ebike.

Here is a blog someone wrote about installing the BBSHD on this bike. https://www.electricbike.com/a-diy-mid-drive-ebike-for-street-and-trail/

IMO you should get the BBSHD, and don't order the kit until you check the size of the BB after you get your bike. The one linked above should be 73mm but always safest to check yourself.

Here is a nice bike that I've seen already assembled at our local bike shop. The type of bike you're looking for is probably this one but you may want to put some effort into making sure it is a sure fit. I think it has a JIS 68mm BB. You may even be able to find it somewhere for a cheaper price.
$470 beach cruiser bike: http://bicyclestation.com/product/specialized-expedition-sport-low-entry-womens-210502-1.htm

 

[docw009]

If you can find a 30-32 pound bike that fits your riding style and is afffordable, your quest is simple. A BBS02 is about 8 pounds. A dolphin battery is 7 or 8 pounds (mine at 48V with 30Q cells is 7.2 lb). Take the battery off if it helps climbing the stairs. The 750W motor will do 28-30 mph.

Mountain bikes are going to be heavier. Maybe a city bike with upright bars. Don't buy a single speed. That will lug the motor.

I think you can build a really nice light bike for $1800, and a fast heavy beater bike for $1200.

 

[wesnewell]

I can/have built a bike that meets all your requirements except weight for under $700. Maybe instead of worrying about carrying up the stairs you could spend a couple hundred bucks for something like this and not worry about carrying it up the stairs. Estimated bike weight ~60-75 lbs.
http://pv14house.com/post/86127625668/winch-mounted-to-swing-arm-on-rear-balcony