Help needed with the specs and compatibility of parts to make an electric Volkspod please! (Basically a glorified sit on scooter with a fender!🤣👍)

[Ann H]

Ok so my electrical conundrum for the day is….
OK so what I am making with my son is an electric “Volkspod” (pictures attached show what it should end up like plus the single fender we have made so far from 4 old ones and prepped/primed for painting.)

We have most of the other parts (lights seat handlebars etc) but have stalled with the electrics. I just don’t want to go and buy stuff on Ali express with huge freight costs and then find it’s not compatible or just plain wrong! I am no electrician! This is a whole new realm to me!!

The best video I have come across to see the process is

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I didn’t want to make the frame though until I had the wheel size sorted out. I also want to retro fit LED’s into the stock front and rear vintage lights.

I went to a scooter shop and they helped me with a few specs – but I think it might be a bit more than what I need. (Given that I don’t want to go 80km/hr on it or any HUGE distances 10-15k’s would totally be enough I think.)

Anyway they said we needed:
1 An electric motor in each wheel – not just one
2 Minimum 11” wheels
3 2000W
4 Dual control box to operate both motors
5 72v battery

On the video Butabi has (as is re hashing electrics from another build)
1 145/70-6 tyres - I think this size sits well with the proportions of the voljspod so would like to stick with this…
2 2 hoverboard motors 350 w 36v
3 2x36v lithium batteries 4.4A (is it cheaper to run two smaller ones than buy one big one – they seen hard to get / expensive)
4 Dual brushless controller350W 48V

I have to say this is all a bit double Dutch to me!! And totally out of my comfort zone! Could you I help me out please?

We just need to know exactly what to buy so I can just go on Ali express and find the cheapest one (or a kit) so code numbers or part numbers would be great ….. or just telling me what to buy would be fantastic – or if there is a place I can get the parts here in Perth (AUS) that doesn’t have huge freight charges attached!

Anyway your help would be much appreciated!!
I’m just a mum and totally out of my depth / pay grade here!!!
Many thanks in advance!
Ann

 

[neptronix]

Interesting project, welcome to the forum!

What is your desired top speed and what kind of grades does this vehicle need to go up?

A pair of motors would be useful if you are running high amounts of power considering that we have a short wheelbase and it would be easy to wheelie the bike. But if you don't need >1.5kw of power, then i think a single motor would be adequate.

 

[Ann H]

Interesting project, welcome to the forum!

What is your desired top speed and what kind of grades does this vehicle need to go up?

A pair of motors would be useful if you are running high amounts of power considering that we have a short wheelbase and it would be easy to wheelie the bike. But if you don't need >1.5kw of power, then i think a single motor would be adequate.

Hi there - thanks for getting back to me - I was recommended this site and the chap said you were all really helpful!!

OK so in regards to the terrain I am goi g to be using it in is pretty flat… and any “hills” are long drawn out ones. So no need for huge power there.

Weight wise I suppose it needs to be able to comfortably shift about 150kg of big adult, frame, fender and associated stuff!

Ok so WA gov web site says that on
1. footpaths the max speed you can go is 10km/hr on
2. Bicycle paths, shared paths and local roads it can go up to 25km/hr

(If possible needs a lights and horn)

Yes I suppose to prevent wheelies the two motor system might be better for that reason - had not thought of that - and I have seen a vid where some chap did do a wheelie and it shot out from under him the first time he tried it - and that will be the reason why!!

OK any top tips would be gratefully received.

I was looking at some stuff on AliExpress … I can send screen shots on here if that would be any good to use as a base line for brain storming? Let me know - many thanks. A

 

[neptronix]

Ok, if you want to go with legal bike power, you only need one motor and wimpy battery.
See what the legal power limit is, i bet it's 250w. That's the size motor you want, if so.
I can guarantee you the power will be disappointing though.

You won't see wheelies on a short wheelbase frame like that until you're above 1000W of power.

The recommendation you were given was for scooter power. If you can legally register the scooter, the formulation the scooter shop gave you is pretty good. I can almost guarantee you you'll be disappointed with legal bike power.

I'm in the USA and nobody cares about legality in my part ( i build what i want! ) so i can't advise you about australian law.

I wouldn't buy anything from aliexpress if this is your first time. Quality varies widely and you could easily end up with a dud.

LMK what kind of axles this vehicle has and how wide the dropouts are. That'll help spec the motor out.

 

[Ann H]

Well - it would be nice to be able to give it a bit of a Troy about! But are the guidelines too restrictive.
I just looked up online and the rules are that an e scooter can only legally be up to 200w and go 10km on the flat!!

Unfortunately here in Oz the fun police restrict everything … getting anything with modifications registered is a nightmare!!!