e-MTB build - Early research phase

[gmurad]

Hey everyone,

Let me introduce myself briefly, by trade I work with software engineering (currently in the F2P mobile gaming industry) but really I consider myself a general builder. My closest experience to e-bike is from the past few years where I built 5 electric longboards (I'm currently building one) and FPV drones is also one of my hobbies. From these I'm familiar with batteries, speed controllers, motors and all that common electronics stuff.

I'm completely new to e-bike so wanted to share the very early stages of my plan and get some feedback.

Something that has caught my eye is e-MTB. My plan so far is to buy a used full suspension bike, the Bafang bbshd motor kit and I have enough cells for a 14s8p Sony VTC6 battery. I want to get as close as possible to the weight of a bike like the 2019 Specialized Levo Turbo which is 44lbs. So I was thinking of building 2 batteries, each being 14s4p and having the option to plug just 1 or 2 of them in parallel depending on what I'm planning on riding. 14s4p for real mountain biking and 14s8p in the case I'm going long distance.

Is there a different motor that I should be looking at? Thanks.

 

[flat tire]

If riding with throttle I would consider the CYC X1 Pro with upgraded controller. I haven't actually received mine yet so I can't recommend it, but it looks better than a BBSHD.

If you're just doing pedal assist it sounds like you're on the right track. In particular that's a good cell choice for the battery and your plan to use full suspension is very wise.