fast bike

I don't know if it will quite meet your speed requirements (it lists it's top speed as 30 plus) but it certainly meets your distance requirements. It's not cheap, but it sure looks nice. :-)

http://www.optibike.com/%20%20index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=24

My opinion: Bicycles aren't built for that speed range. At that speed a bicycle is very unsafe.

Why not get a motorcycle?

www.BugEv.net looks real nice.

- David Herron, http://davidherron.com/

Hi MTD88,

I agree with Reikiman, 45 mph on a bike is very dangerous, they just aren't built for it.
I occasionally get up to 30-35 if I pedal assist my MB-1-E or am going down a hill but I don't even want to go beyond that on a bike.

Another factor is that you really start hitting a wall of wind resistance above that that takes a lot of power to overcome. Putting out that much power will drain any battery system a LOT more quickly than at lower speeds.

Suppose you did hit on a design that would power you that fast and remain stable, I seriously doubt that you could get more than 10-15 miles at most range. You would need a ton of batteries even if they were Li-Ion type.

It's just homebuilt, but my bike will do 24-25 mph, however, will only sustain that speed on flat ground for maybe up to 12 miles before my batteries are fully drained. If I slow down to 15 mph my range nearly doubles. I have 36Ah@24V AGM SLA battereis so that's a lot of weight but I don't think I would get more than approx. 20% gain from Li-Ion batteries, if that, even with the lower weight and ability to draw them down more.

Achieving either 45 mph or going 45 miles range (on a bike) without pedal assist is not a realistic goal, IMO.
Achieving both ... just ain't gonna happen with today's technology in my best opinion.

Please don't let me discourage you from trying though, this is just my opinion and I am just going on my experience and from what I've learned from others. I have no doubt that you can learn a lot from trying and perhaps teach us all a few things along the way. Good luck in your ambitions and go for it!

Reikiman's suggestion of an electric motorcycle is probably much more realistic, a motorcycle can carry much more weight (in batteries), is designed to stop and may be something to consider if you want that range and speed.
Even then, 45 miles would be exceptional for range, I would think.

Dave

MB-1-E
Electric - Bridgestone MB-1 Mountain Bike

The guy who runs this site: http://www.falconev.com/ could probably set up something for you. You could always go the dewalt route too.

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Avatar taken from http://www.electricmotorbike.org/
Anyone got one they want to sell?
My KZ750 Project: here

This is just my opinion and will sound like something a mother would tell her child.

I have to agree that speeds over 30 mph are not safe on a bicycle. Additionally there are potential legal ramifications. In Washington any ebike capable of exceeding 25mph without pedaling is considered a moped and requires registration, inspection, etc.

You can get written up for an unregistered/uninsured motor vehicle if exceeding power or speed limits set for ebikes,or just a speeding ticket, even on a regular bicycle. Should you crash and hurt yourself or an innocent bystander liability is also a question.

I have seen a man hit in a crosswalk while crossing a street by a large rather manly woman on a ten speed bicycle going just 25mph. He ended up with some broken bones and a few loose teeth. She and her bike didn't fare much better. Her front wheel collapsed on impact and she flew a good 20 feet before landing rather hard on the pavement. Not to mention the policeman who just happened to witness the whole rather bizarre incident had his ticket book out almost before she hit the ground. At 45 mph he probably would have been killed.

These are also the types of things that can reflect badly on ebikes and if enough of them happen watch the legislation come pouring out that limits use, speed and power.

In short we must all use our rides responsibly or we all may end up being focused upon and loose some or all of the privileges we now enjoy in the more enlightened areas anyway.

That said welcome and keep us informed of the progress of your project. Building these things is fun, frustrating at times and ultimately rewarding.

Ditto

People tearing around on 5000 series motors will bring harsh legislation down on all electric bike users. Get a motorcycle, moped or scooter. These bikes require constant maintenance (brakes don't last long) and it will be as heavy as a scooter anyway. Speeds like that on a bike are dangerous for all involved. Go with a 400 series motor and 72 volts. That will give you 30-35 mph and plenty of range if you pedal hard. The 5000 series motors are current hogs even at low speeds.

Deafscooter is Here...

I read your talk on Fast E bike.......

I think it can be safe, at least not being a danger to others, but it depends on why you want that kind of speed, and where you plan to go that fast. There are designated bicycle roads where I live. Some, running along drainage channels, are very straight and level and very low traffic. You could reasonable go 45 on these, but you'd need to slow down when encountering others. All it takes is an unseen object on the road, or pothole and you could get in a very bad accident. Thats why anybody with sense IMO on a motorcycle wears a full face helmet, motorcycle jacket, gloves, and boots above the ankle. And motorcycles don't leave the ground like bicycles do.

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Avatar taken from http://www.electricmotorbike.org/
Anyone got one they want to sell?
My KZ750 Project: here

I said at the top of this I think bicycles aren't safe at high speed. I think generally this is true, but in the back of my mind I know about these people that a bicycle to the top of a mountain and then ride down at high speed. One of my coworkers does this.. he says they use some really beefy components, like hydraulic disk brakes, extra strong frames and wheels, etc. I suppose if you built your bike out of those components it would be safe, but the expense would be comparable to the cost of a motorcycle... And like Andrew says, motorcycle safety equipment is a good idea.

- David Herron, http://davidherron.com/

When searching for a battery, make sure it can handle the demands of a motor like the Phoenix. You'll need to find a battery that can handle at least 40A continuous running and 60 max. Oh ya, they are pigs.... and oh ya, you shouldn't really go that fast...nothing is made for it on a bike, not the frame, not the brakes, not the helmet, or anything else, let alone the tires... But you can do it with a Phoenix, but if you're caught, it's not speeding, it's driving an unregistered, unlicesed, uninsured motor vehicle, and the fines and penalties that come with that. 30mph is more than enough for a bike, and would need a brake upgrade just for the 30mph speed...40-50mph....write out your will first.

Giant Stiletto Bike
500W Golden Motors 20" front wheel kit
190lb rider
Flat ground speed: 36kph
Top speed: 44.8kph

We're exploring new territory with electric bikes. I value the folks that are willing to push the envelope, try new things, create more power, make things go faster. They're learning valuable things and finding better ways to construct things.

Many of us have cars that will go 100 mph. That doesn't mean that we actually drive them that fast, or that they'd be safe at that speed. It does mean that there is reserve power available for other purposes. Hills, headwinds and many other things.

A vehicle designed to cruise at a certain speed should have a good amount of reserve beyond that speed. Not having it could prove dangerous under many circumstances.

Richard