Newbie looking for a motor on scooter project

[amall]

Hello all. I realize this is a very basic question, but I couldn't find an answer through searching. And the forum seems VERY newbie friendly... so here I am!

I find a car excessive for driving to work everyday. I have a 250cc motorcycle that I take when its above 55'F & not raining... which is sadly not too often near Chicago. The bike is a bit bigger (longer) than I really would like. I have a 1 car garage and a 1 car driveway, things get cramped. I really like the idea of a 50cc or 150cc scooter, but can't get excited about paying almost as much as my motorcycle for one. And then I came across wonderful forums like this one!

I'd really appreciate some direction on where to look for specing a motor. I'd like to be able to go 55/60mph (non-interstate highway) with small hills. I like the idea of using a Ruckus as the body. It's ~200lbs with the gas engine (maybe ~150 after its removed?) and all fluids, and I'm ~130lbs, so an estimated weight of ~280.

Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

I'm I think I can piece a decent amount of the rest of the build together after I know the starting point.

 

[amberwolf]

There's a number of simulators (some should be listed on the ES Wiki) to help you determine the power (watts) continuous you'll need to have to do the speeds/etc you're after.



Once you know that, figuring out what motor to use is a little easier, and hten at that point you'll have to determine what battery type and size you need for the range/power you're after.

 

[mistercrash]

Are you absolutely certain that you want to ride at 60 mph on 10" tires? A gas scooter converted to electric might end up being somewhat heavier once all is done with the speeds you're looking at going. The most heavy component will be the battery. Knowing what your commute is would help the experts in here with suggestions. How many miles would you like to travel in a day? Can you recharge at work? What's your budget?

 

[amall]

I looked in the wiki at the motor section before. I looked again and found the simulators.... Awesome!

My commute is 25 miles one way, mostly 45mph with a couple sections of 55 mph. Mostly flat or downhill, though there going home there is a hill my 250cc has issues with if it's not warmed up.

I do have the option for charging at work.

I hadn't considered tire size as an issue. Smaller wheels mean more wear, right? I found a build on evgallery I'll link on Monday. It's almost exactly what I'm looking for.

Sorry for being scant on the details, didn't want to be the noob asking for everything handed to him!

 

[mistercrash]

I hadn't considered tire size as an issue. Smaller wheels mean more wear, right?

I was just thinking that a scooter with its short wheelbase and small wheels would be unstable at speeds over 50 mph.

 

[amall]

Here is my inspiration:
http://www.evalbum.com/2989

It is bigger than a 50cc, though I can't guess on tire size.

 

[jateureka]

That Xtreme XM-5000Li scooter looks very similar to my ZEV.
My ZEV has 13" wheels, which are better for the higher speeds you want to travel, compared to the smaller 10" wheels on the lower powered scooters.