two speed vectrix?

in theory, yes this would increase top speed.
it would increase losses in the drivetrain, and make it more complicated (and heavier and more expensive).

since the power stage uses IGBTs, another option would be to increase the bus voltage, to get power at higher speeds.
IGBTs generally have a much higher voltage rating than mosfets. 600v is a common rating among power IGBTs
this would also increase peak power (same peak torque at higher rpm)

it depends whether you are more competent at mechanical fabrication, or electrical modification as to which would be easier for you to implement.

Im an electrical guy, so i tend to go for electrical solutions over mechanical ones.

Matt

I must say that I would not want to go much faster on the 13" wheels of the Vectrix than the 62mph top speed. I rarely go over 55mph.

but maybe it would affect the range too? I mean in a positive way, like an "economy overdrive"

no, adding a two speed gearbox will reduce range for two reasons:
it adds friction to the mechanical side of things
it increases toque (motor side amps) required while in the higher gear.

Matt

no, adding a two speed gearbox will reduce range for two reasons:
it adds friction to the mechanical side of things
it increases toque (motor side amps) required while in the higher gear.

I must disagree with your statements. I have been using gears with my e-bikes and I get much better range than most hub motor bikes at the same voltage and amp hour rating with lead acid batteries. I also can climb larger hills with a smaller motor which saves battery energy. If you over gear like I did my first try then the battery charge will not last long but you will be able to go really fast. If your low on charge and need to limp home gears is a great way to extend your range. There have been several times I was able to extend my range by using a lower gear which draws less current and add about 5 miles to my trip. Yes it takes a little longer to get there but you don't have to get off and push. Please don't make assumptions about the additional friction to the mechanical side because it is so small it is not even worth calculating. And it only increases amps in the higher gear if you shift too soon. The reason for gears is to help keep the motor running at it's most efficient speed. I will put my geared e-bike up to your scooter any day. I test drove an e-max and found it to be about as fast as my e-bike with less acceleration. The gears are a great improvement and until you have tried an e-bike with the gears properly setup you will not understand.

Grandpa Chas S.

If I where to travel the same speeds as your "E Bike" I bet Vectrix would still go further
Vectrix is already geared in the hub, Motor does approx 6 rev to 1 rev of the wheel (laymens terms)
Vectric is capable of 150klms, all you need to do is to crack the software that limits it.
Pete

I think you are right, at 23 MPH the Vectrix would indeed go farther than my e-bike. But at the same time if I had the same amount of batteries on my e-bike as you have in a Vectrix there would be no contest. The e-bike could both go farther and I am sure it could out climb the Vectrix as well. Next time you do a comparison try not to compare apples to oranges.

BTW I am using 36 volts at 12 AH lead acid which means I have 36v*6ah = 216 Watt Hours. The reason I use 6 AH is because I normally only discharge my Lead to 50% DOD. How many Watt Hours are there on a Vectrix?

Grandpa Chas S.

Dont know...Dont really care. I ride 70-100klm daily with a top up charge
done 18,000ks on vectrix's using it in my work.
ride mostly mountainous country roads at normal exilerating speeds.

can always add more batteries in the spare fuel tank

Happy ridin
Pete

I got gears runnin out my ears!

One of the things that intrigued me about the Vectrix as a commuter vehicle is the very fact that it has no gears and no clutch to fool with. Twist and go - twist and stop...It just don't get any more ingenious than that for me! :-)

If I want gears, I take the Harley or the Mazda RX out of the Garage. :-)

"Vectric is capable of 150klms, all you need to do is to crack the software that limits it.
Pete"

Maybe so, but you can't do magic, it's OR speed OR range.
If there was a way to have both, vectrix would immediately change their software and all problems would be solved!
They'd sell twice as many I bet!

Hi-
What is that nice 'fuel spare tank'.
Could you please add some photos and where or how get one like this?
Looks fantasctic!
Claudio

wow I didn't even see that!!
cool!
photoshop or real? :-)

Hi-
What is that nice 'fuel spare tank'.
Could you please add some photos and where or how get one like this?
Looks fantasctic!
Claudio

That's an obvious photo-shop edit. Notice that the "tank" is a direct clone of the side panel, including the reflected light strips near the bottom. Besides, if you added something there, you would no longer have access to the key switch.

Looks good, but its a fake.