Where to begin...?

[ElectricBarry]

I picked up a very inexpensive Honda Express 50cc Moped for my son and I to get running while stuck indoors for the winter. After digging into it, it is no longer viable as a gas power rebuild. Instead of scrapping the project, we decided we'd like to try and convert it to electric but we have NO idea where to start (size of motor, other necessary components, etc).

We've read a few posts about similar builds but are still out of our depth. It seems like we can go whole hog and strip it down to the frame and add everything new, but we're hoping to keep some of it's original look in tact (maybe hiding the components inside the block and gas tank). Looking for any assistance/knowledge as to where to begin or at the very least some input about what we can keep/re-use (wiring, cables, etc) vs what has to go.

 

[amberwolf]

Do you want someone to come help you with this (virtually or physically)? (that's what this Help Wanted & Offered subforum is for) If so, you should post at least your general location to get people near enough to you to help.

Or do you want the forum members in general to help you work out what's needed so you can complete the project yourself? (if so, I can move this to the Motorcycle/etc subforum for you)

 

[ElectricBarry]

I suppose we're more looking to complete it ourselves, so the other subforum would be best. I'll come back to this one if we get in over our heads.

 

[amberwolf]

Ok, I moved it over for you.

 

[ElectricBarry]

The main aspects we're trying to determine is what size motor should we be using to max out speed at 35-40mph for this and best options for battery life.

 

[Eastwood]

The main aspects we're trying to determine is what size motor should we be using to max out speed at 35-40mph for this and best options for battery life.

QS motors is a good place to start. The battery part will be the more challenging part, as it probably will need to be custom built to fit that particular frame.

Add photos so we can see the bike

 

[amberwolf]

The main aspects we're trying to determine is what size motor should we be using to max out speed at 35-40mph for this and best options for battery life.

Do you already have determined the power requirements for this, on your particular terrain, road, and weather conditions?
If not, you may want to use the ebike.ca motor and / or trip simulators to do this. It will also give you some basic guesstimate of wh/mile so you can figure out what size battery will be needed to get the range you need under those conditions and usage.