Can it be done? From Scooter to Motorbike!

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tokendood
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Can it be done? From Scooter to Motorbike!

I was thinking of buying an Electric Scooter to use since my conventional motorbike has blown it's engine and leaked oil all over my back garden.
I live in the UK and I haven't found any off the shelf conversion kits, but wondered if I could use the parts from an electric scooter and convert my bike into an electric bike?

I don't think anyone has tried this, at least that I could find via Google and while it may seem an unusual route to take (as opposed to parts of the shelf) the cost of 2nd hand electric scooters is cheaper than the cost of the parts.

I can think of many of the problems I'd face but I'd like it if someone who HAS built an EV can break down any major problems I would face in doing this.

Ideally I'd much rather have the parts and convert from their but I'm weighing up which route would be better at this moment in time.

Spaceangel
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Re: Can it be done? From Scooter to Motorbike!

Most people do just exactly that. They convert a bikes with a blown engine to electric. There are hundreds done maybe more. I blew the engine in my KZ-550 and ran the oil low on Honda CB-500 Twin so I converted them to electric. I used a large sprocket on rear and a real small primary and as speed went faster I felt more power as I went even faster~er. So maybe use a jack shaft for best power to weight and or a transmission. Depending on scooter design or motorcycle design you can go Hub motor or two Hub motors.
BTW , What type of bike are you considering for conversion. Just to give you an idea, my KZ project used a 3 HP series wound motor but maybe I'll go with 5 Hp on Honda. You don't have to use all the power but it is nice to have it to use anyways.
As for using scooter stuff well let me try to quote.

I live in the UK and I haven't found any off the shelf conversion kits, but wondered if I could use the parts from an electric scooter and convert my bike into an electric bike?

Most scooters are 3,000 to 5,000 watt and I feel that isn't quite good enough for me. But maybe OK for you. Do you have hills? What type of power do you plan on using? Lithium or Lead?

KB1UKU

tokendood
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Re: Can it be done? From Scooter to Motorbike!

Thanks for your response Spaceangel.

The bike is a Suzuki GN125
the area is very hilly and I live on a steep incline.

I will probably be using Lithium since Lead is quite heavy, and the more I use, the more the bike has to work to carry it's own weight.
Wattage wise I would prefer enough to do 65mph but that is just a pipe dream at the moment since even 30mph is better than the speed of my walking and I'm sure my feet will thank me for it too.

The main thing I'm looking to do, is a simple conversion so I can learn the ropes. Once you know WHAT to do, upgrading later down the road is simple repetition. A lot of people who have made guides for how they converted their vehicle have made great guides without a doubt but some of us just aren't that bright. A simple connect the dots would do me just fine.

Better yet would be if someone could show me and direct me step by step, but I think we're a good 10-20 years away before EVs are that accessible.

What is the benefit of using 2 hub motors? More torque?

colin9876
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Re: Can it be done? From Scooter to Motorbike!

If youre happy with a 30mph Max speed this 1000Watt motor (pulls about 2000w at peak) will do it
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Electric-E-scooter-48-volt-1000-watt-Motor-/230598290554?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Scooters_LE&hash=item35b0baac7a

I used one on my first motorbike conversion, it worked well, but you need to gear it right, needs a high ratio - so a large sprocket on the back, or a planetary gear reduction on the motor itself (some motors can be bought with this built on)

Its DC and uses chain drive but it will give more torque than an equivalent rated 1000w hub motor, so Im sure it would get your bike to 30mph. I got bit over 30mph max on mine but it was only a 50cc bike frame, so yours may be bit heavier.

tokendood
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Re: Can it be done? From Scooter to Motorbike!

Thanks for the link Colin.

I searched high and low for a store like this one, I can see them coming in handy.

The frame itself is very light and 30mph should be fine.

colin9876
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Re: Can it be done? From Scooter to Motorbike!

Where in the UK are you? I could help you do it perhaps
The hardest bit will be getting the gearing right, also those motors use a smaller chain gauge than motorbikes. So you either have to change your chain and back sprocket, or engineer a bigger sprocket on the motor.

Steve from Jozzbikes has lathed his own sprockets in the past, great guy, he may also be able to give some tips. Hes converted a few bikes to electric with great results (www.jozzbikes.co.uk)
Theres a video on that site showing his conversion of an Aprilla 125! He used a bigger motor than the ebay one tho but its a rocket!

tokendood
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Re: Can it be done? From Scooter to Motorbike!

I'm in Staffordshire.

gasdive
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Re: Can it be done? From Scooter to Motorbike!

I don't really know anything about this gear other than it exists but it seems perfect for converting a GN125

http://www.enertrac.net/index.php

=:)

Jason
Blogging my Zero DS from day one http://zerods.blogspot.com/

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