nu-bee building e-bike

[brownma30]

I have a 20-mile long (each way), hilly commute that I am planning to do by e-bike. I have two bikes to start with, a 24" wheel univega rover, and a Gary Fisher Nirvana. Because of the distance and hills, I'm looking at using a Phoenix Cruiser rear wheel replacement with the 7-gear hub. I'm also interested in using li-po tool batteries (as used by biodiversivist on youtube:http://youtube.com/watch?v=zKKvP9wWrlY

Is this a workable plan? Anything I should know before I jump in to this project?

 

[Lowell]

How hilly is your commute, and how much does your bike + rider weigh right now? Also, how much effort are you expecting to put into the pedals?

Where hills are concerned, a smaller wheel size will help get the hub motor up to peak efficiency at a lower speed, but at the cost of top speed. Are you planning to use the tool packs in series?

 

[brownma30]

I weigh about 155; the terrain isn't extreme, just your regular Central Massachusetts hill. I was planning on using the batteries in series. The Fisher is a 26" wheel bike, and the Univega is 24" -- speed is a consideration that takes precedence over power in this instance, I think.