[EUROPE] Is it possible to modify an off the shelf ebike with a no pedal mode + Thumb Throttle?

[Akologi]

I am curious how hard it'd be to purchase one of the "legal brands" in europe, like lets say cube bikes, which usually either come with thumb throttles limited to 6km/h or none at all. If i could just add one/modify the existing one to have a an ebike that I dont have to necessarily pedal with. Is that possible? or am i better off building my own custom bike from scratch?

 

[E-HP]

Are you going to use footpegs?

(modifying a factory ebike is the most expensive route to arrive at an ebike best suited for the rider. if it already is, then that's a good purchase, just ride it and have fun. the most frequent new posts on the forum seem to start with "I just bought an ebike/escooter. How do I make it xyz?").

 

[neptronix]

If the battery just two wires going to the existing controller ( no complex lockout stuff ), and you have 3 phase wires + a set of 5 hall wires, then you have standard wiring and you could put on whatever controller you want, bump up the power, run a throttle, etc etc!

You would probably be better off building one from scratch, but i don't know about your legal situation over there.. EU is a lot more restrictive than the USA.

 

[E-HP]

Oh sorry, I think maybe I understand the "value" of going the "legal brands" route, authorities probably wouldn't question popular "legal" ebikes as they might a DIY ebike. As neptronix said, if the bike isn't locked down or too integrated, then it's easier, even if you have to replace the controller to get there.
Do you have links to any of the ones you are considering?

Here's a thread on modifying a Bosch mid drive for use with an external controller (it looks at the Cube bikes use mid drives).

Bosch Perfomance Line Throttle Mod

Hey, I got my hands on "broken" Bosch Performance Line motor for cheap. The issue with it seemed to be the electronics - error 500 and 531. I've been searching for one like that for quite some time because I had a plan - I wanted the Bosch motor equipped with throttle. Before I start...

endless-sphere.com

 

[fill]

GHOST PEDALING, with any cadence based ebike you need only keep the pedals moving around in order to engage the motor at full pelt until the speed relevant to the selected pas level is reached. Its a kinda built in 'virtual full throttle'

Fwiw my first few days on my ebike were spent missing a familiar twist grip throttle speed control, and the whole concept of pedal assist took a bit of time to sink into my older grey matter..

Also ridding without the pedals going round is the #1 give away to police your ridding a dodgy ebike..

EDIT* Just to be clear you can pedal in the lowest gear at a pace as slow as you can and as long as the pedals keep moving around the motor will be engaged.. you will need to pedal with force for the initial start up but beyond that you can provide as much or as little real input as you wish..

 

[E-HP]

Also ridding without the pedals going round is the #1 give away to police your ridding a dodgy ebike..

I suspect pedaling backwards past the police may be a close #2.

 

[neptronix]

I'm in the states but i always pedal while i'm hammering the throttle.
Just need the right chainring for the speed..