how to electricfy my tadpole recumbent just for hills?

[everest]

I need some advice on electrifying a tadpole type recumbent

weight without rider is 19.8kg

myself, I'm about 90kg's.

I also carry some cargo of around 20kg;s

26 inch wheels.

I'm *NOT* interested in top speed of this bike..... However, I mainly want it
for help on hill's. I've got some nasty long hills around here, so hill climbing is essential.
I don't mind putting in some work on hills to help the motor along, and to keep a speed of around 10-15mph.

on the flat's, I'd probably just pedal, so be great if the motor does not have any drag.

what motor would be best for this, if it's a hub motor, the it would be great it was rear fitting?

I think what I'm looking for is low weight (of course), low rpm and high torque?

Having done much research, there are so many options, and prices vary wildly for conversion kits,
I'm just feeling confused now. :-(

I find a good solution, then read another post saying that motor is unreliable?

http://www.pingbattery.com/servlet/the-36V-LiFePO4-Battery-Packs/Categories
seem cool. light weight with good power.

would it be better to forget about a motor all together, and just carry less weight for hills?

Cheers,

 

[dontsendbubbamail]

This forum speaks directly to what you want. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/ULEA/ Activity has died down, but it contains good information.

Build with your design goals http://www.recumbents.com/mars/tetz/E-Assist.htm

Bubba

 

[Rassy]

I am very happy with the Bafang currently on my recumbent bike. It is on a front 20" wheel. On a 26" wheel it would be a little faster with less torque. I'm currently using 48V and it tops out at 15MPH. With a total weight of 300 pounds it pulls good on hills up to 15% grade with light pedaling. Beyond 15% grade and heavier pedaling is required to keep the motor happy. No overheating problems. Still have the original gears, but expect to have to replace them someday, using one metal gear and two plastic ones.

I can tell a difference with the free wheel of the Bafang, compared to the BD36, when pedaling without motor assist. Downside of the geared Bafang is the gear noise when the motor is pulling hard.

Get something you think will work, install and enjoy it, and then plan your next upgrade. Amongst my bike, trike, and four pusher trailers I have 10 hub motors (not all in current use). Three years ago I didn't even know what a hub motor was.

 

[dogman dan]

Since you want to pedal normaly a lot a gearmotor is a good idea. A bafang 48v would be good, but a real easy thing to do would be an ezee kit from ebikes ca. It includes a good battery , the vendor has a great reputation, and I belive it comes in a rear kit. The price may seem high, but by the time you add up some good components, a good ebike is rarely under $1000. A more economical kit, one I am currently reviewing is a fusin from world wide electric bikes. A 48v one would give you good hill performance, but right now, it's only in front hubs.

 

[docnjoj]

I second the Bafang on a tadpole rear wheel drive trike. Works for me! Definitely order spare gears including 1 steel one! Really good torque with 20" wheel!
otherDoc

 

[everest]

yes, thanks for all your replies all really helpful!

I'm certainly considering the ezee because it's is more expensive, however it seems durable, and had good abilities.

however, I'm also looking at the nano motor, it's less wattage, (200 watt I think) but silent? I think this might be a bit weedy for any kind of hill,
especially when you add up the weight of the trike, me and a bit of cargo. what do you think?

however the nano motor is around 2.2kg , how heavy are the alternatives.

I really doubt a 200watt motor can do anything useful, however I'd like to proved wrong.

thanks again!

Cheers,

 

[docnjoj]

I would be quite concerned about the "Nano" motor. It strongly resembles the old Tongxin roller motors that had a very high failure rate. Mine died in 4 miles on my trike. Unless they really redesigned it I would stay away!
otherDoc