new member with 2 electric bike projects

[ElectricPaige]

Hello ... happy thanksgiving to all, i'm a new member i've checking out the site for some time. i have a build that i'm planing, I've purchased the frame from a member. i have a tidal force 750s i'm planning on choosing one of the ebay 1000w motor kits to start my build. i'm planning on building a bike that hides as many components as possible. im thinking of going with lipo batteries any suggestions and websites i can go to ? im located in westchester county n,y this hopefully will be an easy build just until i get my feet wet. but i have another complete bike that i purchased, sort of a teenagers bike i have a rietti gtx 20' inch bike, seat height is a bit high for a kids bike. the website says it holds a 180watt motor and 2- 12volt acid batteries i would like to replace the motor and batteries for more speed and torque but i need some help finding these items the wheel is what i can describe as a mag wheel so if the motor isn't the exact dimension,it will not fit then finding a way to increase the voltage to 36 or 48 volts as per the battery capacity on the bike would be an issue.... I'm a electrician by trade but most of this is quite different from what i do everyday, but anyhow any advise and input would be great. thanks and have a great day.

 

[Drunkskunk]

For Lipo, read the battery section here, and know the risks. Lipo aren't for amatures. LiFePO4 is usualy a better option. Also, with generic Ebay motors, you're taking a gamble. Some people win, some people end up with crap.

As for the Rietti, its a good looking design built with the worst possable parts. The best remedy is to throw out everything except the frame and body and start from scratch. The original bike was capable of 12 mph, and the drum brakes used on the bike are good for about 12mph. I remember adds for the bike proclaiming cast iron wheels. you wouldn't want to ride on those.

New wheels, new brakes, new motor, and a new electrical system and it might not be a bad bike.

 

[ElectricPaige]

Thanks so much I trust your judgment I've read many of your post. Can u guide me please on this small bike the riette I thought the same about the wheels and brakes I think now its easier to change the rear wheel I would like to get a 20" wheel in one unit like those eBay ones any suggestions. I'm not going to take on two projects at once. Asmy budget dosent allow but the more complete bike will be easier. What battery, motor, controller should I get ? Thanks so much.

 

[Lessss]

Wow replies are like a spam bot trying to mention the name of one product as much as possible.

 

[e-beach]

i'm planning on choosing one of the ebay 1000w motor kits to start my build.

If you are going that way, just go to yescomusa.com and get the kit you want. 48v 1000w rear wheel kit is plenty powerful for most first builds. They are generic, but my front hub motor has been a workhorse for about 4000 miles so far. Not fast (20 mph on the flats no peddling) but dependable! I did another 23 miles on it today, like most days lately. It loves to run.

The kits are really set up for SLA's, but you can use the charger to charge your LiFePO4's if you don't mind under charging them a bit. (thank you dogman for that tip!) You may have to change the plug on the end of the charger if you want to go with a pack other then SLA's. RC lipo is really the best bang for your buck, but they can catch on fire...(not very often but it happens.)

I ride with LiFePO4's because when they need a charge, like when I am at work, or going to sleep then I just plug them in and don't worry about the batteries at all.

Hope this helps

 

[Drunkskunk]

What battery, motor, controller should I get ? Thanks so much.

Take a look at http://www.emissions-free.com/store/ for a kit. Keep in mind, Most Ebay kits are rated at peak power. Most reputable vendors rate at nominal power. So often a 1000 watt ebay kit will be the same as a 500 watt kit from someone else.

That bike has a short wheelbase, small tires, and a low center of gravity. It will be good for a maximum of 25mph, and probably do better if you keep it under 20. Even at 20, you'll want to replace the front wheel and brake as well as the rear.

Its hard to recomend a specific motor without knowing how you'll be using it, but a good starting point is a 500 watt MXUS paired with a 48 volt battery. With the standard 30 amp controller that would give you 1500 watts peak.

 

[wesnewell]

I don't believe that. How many ebay kits have you bought? Inspection of the different wattage motors will prove that false. I've bought 3 from yescomusa.com (sold on ebay by several different seller names) and you get what you buy. A 500w motor is a 500W continuous rated motor and a 1000W motor is a 1000W continous rated motor. I've been pumping up to 4000W through my 1000W motor for 18 months and 6000 miles now and it's still going strong.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/48V1000W-26-Rear-Wheel-Electric-Bicycle-Motor-Kit-E-Bike-Cycling-Hub-Conversion-/370646092582