n00b Looking For Highest Torque eBike

[Clider]

n00b here! Greetings all.

I'm new to eBikes, new to EV's period, but for some reason, got a bug up my butt to get on the electric bandwagon. I've been doing as much research as I can, but I haven't found a dedicated website, besides this one really with unbiased reviews. So instead of reading through 5 years of posts, I figured I'd let some more experienced people chime in.

I'm looking for something in style to the Prodeco bikes... something that isn't obviously an eBike. The largest I've found in my price range (around $1400) is the Prodeco 500w series. Do they make them larger than that without sacrificing the look of the bike? I'm not really concerned with longevity of the battery as I'd sacrifice speed/torque for less ride time. I live in Tampa and this is just for getting around downtown since we are moving that way in two weeks. My wife and I are sharing my vehicle since she wrecked hers, so something that fits in the back of my trunk (it's pretty large) is also a plus... which is what brought me to the Prodeco.

My scope of looking online is pretty much limited to Google search and eBay. I started with the most expensive and worked my way back (I know not necessarily the best way to shop).

Regardless. Having heard what I'm looking for, am I on the right track? I've read some posts regarding upgrading the batteries and speed controllers, but I don't know what else there is to do. I'm an old gear head/RC car fanatic and pretty handy individual - but honestly, I'd rather spend the money out of the gate and be DONE with it!

Any help is much appreciated!
C.

 

[dogman dan]

Well, generally good torque cheap and easy means a gearmotor. Emissions Free has good ones for 1000w. 6t for speed, 8t for more snap off the line.

Remember, mo power means mo money. Low c rate batteries hate a fast discharge, so get ready to spend at Hobby King.

On the other hand, once you push 72v 40 amps into a typical direct drive hubmotor, you illegally fast bike is generally pretty fun. Usually cheaper to overvolt and melt down dd motors. One good way to progress to hot rod bikes is to buy a cheap kit, and run it on 12s lipo. Then later add a 72v controller and make the jump to 3000w with 20s.

It usually is cheaper to make some mistakes with a 1000w bike, before investing in a 5000w capable motor and controller. Fitting a 5hph motor to a bike frame designed for 1/2 hp pedaling is a trial and error thing. Don't start with a $2000 bike and a 5 hp motor.

 

[Clider]

If there is a way to get tourque without having to tear a bike apart, I'm all for paying extra. I want something that kills it from the get go. Guess I shouldn't have limited my purchase price to what I did. I'm all ears. Last thing I want to do is have to change out the batteries, speed controller or even the motor.

One thing I forgot to ask was whether anyone has ever been pulled over and cited for driving an eBike that's 'illegal', IE: 20mph+ faster and over 700w.

 

[dogman dan]

Yes. Particularly in Arizona or Florida. But sometimes these stories are muddied a bit by DUI status, or political activisim.

 

[Eujangles]

Welcome to the forum!

I guess it depends on what top speed and range you are looking for, as well as if you want a pre-built, turn-key type of bike or if you want to convert one.

As far as the pre-builts go, you generally will over pay by a lot to get real quality. There's some "lower-cost" ones available:
http://www.conhismotor.com/ProductsList.asp?id=112

And any number of higher cost ones that will vary in performance/stealth/quality:
http://www.cytronex.com/bikes/index.html
http://stealthelectricbikes.com.au/

Either way, if high torque, stealth and price are the predominant factors for you, I'd recommend using a geared hub motor and converting a bike yourself.

The MAC and eZee kits are pretty well regarded here from what I've read, though I haven't used either (I plan on ordering a MAC shortly myself):
http://www.emissions-free.com/catalog/c5_p1.html
http://ebikes.ca/store/store_ezee.php

I should also note that both these sellers have excellent reputations (and can speak English), which in our line of hobby is no small thing.

If you're not concerned about top speed, and want something really stealth, these little guys might work for you:
http://www.ecitypower.com/index.php...=article&id=66:cute&catid=42:motors&Itemid=99

Though those little motors certainly wouldn't have as much torque, and the seller has a bit of an inconsistent reputation.

Play around with the simulator http://ebikes.ca/simulator/ to find a configuration that works for you.

Cheers

 

[dogman dan]

In general, with an ebike hubmotor, more $$ x more amps x more volts = more torque. If you want max torque, it's money and watts, with a few expensive mistakes along the way in many cases. Ruined dropouts, twisted torque arms, cut wires, etc. Trying to keep the motor on the bike is the real problem if you have supplied the $$.

Some nice custom frames coming out lately, with Greyborg leading the pack. Built for powerfull motors unlike regular bikes.

Or whip out 10 thou, and just buy a stealth bomber.

We have no idea what level you are wanting. Able to grind up a 10% hill at 15 mph, or flying up it at 40 mph? Different windings of the same motor do not have different torque. But the slow windings reach efficeint rpm's at a slower speed, thus providing the avaliable torque better on hills, at the price of slower travel.

One way to get a bit of cake and the icing, without the risk of tickets is to run a slow winding motor at 72v. About 30 mph top speed keeps you more under the radar, but 2000w gives you good torque for an ebike. Nothing resembling legal is going to be as torquey as a 250 motorcycle though. But you will be able to blow away 50cc mopeds off the line with 2000w.

 

[Clider]

I live in Florida... the land of hardly any hills. There are no trails that I intend on going on, this is strictly for city riding to and from my house to my office. We are on the wait list for a Tesla Sedan and the only charging stations in the area are in parking garages that I don't intend to walk to. I'm 31, so I like to go fast in anything I drive. I however, didn't want to have to pedal and break a huge sweat if I'm in a suit which is where the torque comes from.

I didn't read it on here, but have seen other sites that advise against modifying a store bought bike as they aren't as capable or reliable which is why I was looking for something pre-assembled and at the Prodeco series since they were the ones that looked the most 'normal'. I've had an unstealable car taken out of my driveway along with two locked up bikes in downtown Tampa which is why I want something that doesn't scream, "COME TRY TO STEAL ME" if I can't secure it in a garage.

I'll review all the links below, thanks for the help guys! Definitely a warm welcome in comparison to the 40+ other forums I've belonged to since the BBS days!

 

[dogman dan]

Well, that won't take that much performance then. A typical kit that cruises at 25-30 mph on 48v, or a tad slower on 12s 44v lipo should do you. 44v into a 20 amp controller and you won't need to pedal except to keep your ass from going numb. Faux pedaling breaks no sweat, but still feels good.

As for not attractive to thieves, there's the frankenbike. Here's mine, two steel frames welded together into a full suspension longtail.

Imagine trying to hock that piece of "beauty", or even pedaling off on it with no power to the motor. Build so you take your expensive bit, the battery, with you.

For me, ugly wins the theft proofing contest every time. All you really need is a bike that is old and fugly. Nobody knows what that big drum on the hub is, or could sell it used for much if they do.

 

[Clider]

Is that your real bike? Frankenbike is an understatement. LOL

So hearing what I'm looking for, knowing I will NEVER take this on a trail and will be on gradients less than 5 degrees... whats a good 'stealthy' preassembled bike with good US support.

 

[dogman dan]

Nobody going to steal that eh? Actually, as frankenbikes go, this one is pretty clean. Check out Amberwolfs Crazybike. The dayglow paint method for theft proofing.

Support? It's here at ES, if at all. Prodego, pedego? I think I have the name mixed up wrong, but those have gotten some good reviews. The higher grade, hubmotor equipped models of I zips, or is it the E zips, are not bad.

One good one went belly up I believe, the A2B. Besides, all these nice bikes will look nice to a thief.

You need a beat old steel hardtail mtb, and any kit on it. If the bike looks ten years old, perfect. If it looks 20 even better. Primer black paint, or sun faded on one side, anything that makes it look like stealing it won't get them even 20 bucks.

 

[Clider]

See... this is where I will get made fun of, but form over function for me in this instance. I'd sacrifice SOME ability for a clean bike. I'm less concerned with it getting stolen and more concerned with being on a bike like you built and a client seeing me and wondering, "WTF is he doing on that". Unfortunately, I'm downtown. I am in finance. And image is everything here when it comes to securing deals. It's one thing to pull up on a Prodeco or Stealth bike, but i'd lose an account if I pulled up on your thing! LOL Just ribbing you!

 

[wesnewell]

I didn't read it on here, but have seen other sites that advise against modifying a store bought bike as they aren't as capable or reliable ....

That's just hogwash. I'm 275lbs and they work fine for me at speeds over 40mph. You probably read it on a dealer site for complete ebikes. My latest, and the one I like best is a $59 all steel Walmart bike with new tires, seat, and handlebars.

 

[Clider]

I just looked at the Stealth Bomber bikes... no pricing. How much are those? $5k+?

 

[Brentis]

n00b here! Greetings all.

I'm new to eBikes, new to EV's period, but for some reason, got a bug up my butt to get on the electric bandwagon. I've been doing as much research as I can, but I haven't found a dedicated website, besides this one really with unbiased reviews. So instead of reading through 5 years of posts, I figured I'd let some more experienced people chime in.

I'm looking for something in style to the Prodeco bikes... something that isn't obviously an eBike. The largest I've found in my price range (around $1400) is the Prodeco 500w series. Do they make them larger than that without sacrificing the look of the bike? I'm not really concerned with longevity of the battery as I'd sacrifice speed/torque for less ride time. I live in Tampa and this is just for getting around downtown since we are moving that way in two weeks. My wife and I are sharing my vehicle since she wrecked hers, so something that fits in the back of my trunk (it's pretty large) is also a plus... which is what brought me to the Prodeco.

My scope of looking online is pretty much limited to Google search and eBay. I started with the most expensive and worked my way back (I know not necessarily the best way to shop).

Regardless. Having heard what I'm looking for, am I on the right track? I've read some posts regarding upgrading the batteries and speed controllers, but I don't know what else there is to do. I'm an old gear head/RC car fanatic and pretty handy individual - but honestly, I'd rather spend the money out of the gate and be DONE with it!

Any help is much appreciated!
C.

Welcome aboard.

What do you consider torque? Is this torque?
[youtube]x-IzxWa_y-w[/youtube]
That's only 1500watts & plenty torque. see "ghetto" in sig.
Tampa is flat. You really dont need hill climbing power sustainability.

Is that your real bike? Frankenbike is an understatement. LOL

So hearing what I'm looking for, knowing I will NEVER take this on a trail and will be on gradients less than 5 degrees... whats a good 'stealthy' preassembled bike with good US support.

Lucky you found ES.
Do It Yourself. Only way your gettin' a 40mph bike. Unless you spend.

Dogman's bike is awesome. (needs a paint job :wink: )
Full sus. DIY cargo eBike.

The only way to get good US support, is to buy a bike @ a reputable local LBS or eLBS.
That carries & services a line/model of eBikes.
Otherwise you are shipping broken parts or (sic) Bikes to some repair center. Expensive.
Hope Tampa has a good eBike shop.
IIRC Prodeco is based out of south Florida.
There is alwaysHPC.
They receive some mixed reviews though. Can be accomplished cheaper yourself.
If you value pre-assemble bikes, then its not that bad a deal.
They sell through Ebay so make an offer.

See... this is where I will get made fun of, but form over function for me in this instance. I'd sacrifice SOME ability for a clean bike. I'm less concerned with it getting stolen and more concerned with being on a bike like you built and a client seeing me and wondering, "WTF is he doing on that". Unfortunately, I'm downtown. I am in finance. And image is everything here when it comes to securing deals. It's one thing to pull up on a Prodeco or Stealth bike, but i'd lose an account if I pulled up on your thing! LOL Just ribbing you!

What do you consider stealth? Try this on for size.Do you see the motor/drivetrain?
Do your best to bring your bike into the office/home with you. Cant steal it if your watchin it.
How much image do you want to buy.Maybe.

frock what others think of you.
Image is an illusion & a disease on society.
Be true to you, or die.
Welcome to the Endless Sphere.

 

[Clider]

That is TORQUE! Nice.

The two links you posted at the bottom are awesome looking. That's what I'm talking about!

I know it's hard to take someone at face value when they say they are humble, after they tell you they need a high end looking bike... but besides my vehicles, home and suits, you wouldn't tell I like nice things. It's a necessary evil in my industry to be how I am, otherwise, you aren't taken seriously. Plain and simple. Just don't want anyone to NOT want to help me because they think I'm being stuck up. Quite the contrary.

I'll look into those other bikes though and maybe consider just adding a motor and kit to one I can buy - it does seem to be a lot cheaper!

Thanks again guys for all the help!

 

[dogman dan]

New bombers only cost 10 grand or so. You might also be interested in an optibike, also in the ten grand price range.

I give up trying to figure out what you want. You want it to look good but not interest thieves. You want high power, but intend to ride it downtown where cops will see you.

 

[Brentis]

That is TORQUE! Nice.

The two links you posted at the bottom are awesome looking. That's what I'm talking about!

I know it's hard to take someone at face value when they say they are humble, after they tell you they need a high end looking bike... but besides my vehicles, home and suits, you wouldn't tell I like nice things. It's a necessary evil in my industry to be how I am, otherwise, you aren't taken seriously. Plain and simple. Just don't want anyone to NOT want to help me because they think I'm being stuck up. Quite the contrary.

I'll look into those other bikes though and maybe consider just adding a motor and kit to one I can buy - it does seem to be a lot cheaper!

Thanks again guys for all the help!

*That's what we need to know.
What I have, is low to middling torque here on the sphere.
Approx 75ftlb @ 0rpm
Some of the mad bastards here are running 2 or 3 times more torque.

*The M55 I linked is like $50k. The KTM IIRC near $20K.
Neither are stealth.(nor is a Stealth) thieves would be all over those bikes.

*I hope I didnt come across as "knocking" you, for your profession. I have had to wear a mask to be employed as well.
I was just doing some amateur philosophizing.

*Build a geared rear hub into your favorite bike. Be proud of your creation.

 

[sflorlando]

Welcome to the Sphere.

Build your own you can make it as ghetto fabulous or as stealthy as you want.

Ken in Orlando