Noob Moped Conversion...
Hi,
As you probably guessed from my subject, I'm totally new to EV's. I have a Puch "Free Spirit" moped. I've gotten it up and running on gas, but I've bought a new moped and I would like to convert my old Puch to electric. I'm wondering if there are any good books out there to educate the VERY new. I'm basically starting out on the 0 level for EV knowledge. I'm alright with regular motors, but self taught. I'm thinking about a hub motor, but I'm not sure how well it work on this. If I don't use a Hub Motor, I'm thinking about using a HXT 80-100-B 130Kv Brushless Outrunner.
Here is their site: http://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5142
I'd like to use the chain I already have on the bike, does anybody know much about configuring that? Also, I'm in Iowa so anyone close to here interested in teaching someone, it would be welcome (and paid, lol).
Here is a picture of a Puch "Free Spirit," (This isn't mine, just the same model): http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124323641@N01/297132041
It has pedals and a magneto that I'd like to incorporate to make the ride more efficient. I'm afraid that I just don't have the technical know how. I have plenty of time and am willing to learn if anyone can point me to the right resources.
Oh, and lastly, as far as usage I'd like about a 20 mile range, with a max speed of around 45mph. I only need it to get around town. I'll probably use two batteries like the this, from golden motor saddled on the back.
Here are the specs:
BMS and 110V-240Vac 2A Universal Charger Included
Weight: 5.8Kgs
Capacity: 36V/10AH or 36V/16AH
Max Discharge Current: 35A(10AH)/60A(16AH)
Max Continuous Discharge Current: 20A(10AH)/30A(16AH)
Charging Cycles: >1000 times
Ranges(full electric mode): 32Km(10AH) or 48Km(16AH
I know I'll need a lot more parts but I'm just in the brainstorming stage, so thanks for reading, and your help!
Mel
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Re: Noob Moped Conversion...
Skip the outrunner motor, especially if you are a beginner.. I have followed some threads of what it took to get those to work as an EV motor, and it was almost absurd. It is totally not designed for that application.
Your best bet is to talk to someone at a place like Electric Motorsports who specialize in these types of conversions. Do it right the first time. Let them design and sell you a kit where the parts will all work together.
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/
That particular bike looks like a candidate for a powerful rear hub motor, custom built onto a stock wheel. You may want to check with Doug at EV tech to see what moped sized hubs he can get his hands on at this point. You need to call him, as his web site really needs an overhaul and shows nearly none of what he has available.
http://www.texaselectricbikes.com/
45 MPH speed plus 20 mile range will take way more battery than you have listed.
Also, haven't heard many good reviews on that battery source you mention. Actually have read some really bad ones. Most of the moderate sized LIFEPO4 batteries don't have the continuous or peak output needed to run a heavier bike, especially when hills come your way.
Re: Noob Moped Conversion...
What batteries would you recommend? I'll have to charge inside because I live in an apt. without a garage. Is there a good midprice option? I'm searching the forums for more info so sorry if I i'm repeating other posts, I just haven't found the right ones yet.
Thanks for the tips on the engine and the site. I'll call them this week.
Re: Noob Moped Conversion...
I am by no means trying to discourage you from the fun of trying to convert that bike to electric, but I have done several small EV projects and know what is involved in doing it successfully. The speed and range you are looking to get will require some serious batteries. You mentioned in your other post you are on a budget. You can't really build an electric moped that can do even 40 MPH and have a 20 mile range without a significant budget for batteries. That's pretty much why very few people are doing this yet.
Lead acid is always a short term, heavy, less expensive option than Lithium, but it will make the bike handle and brake like a pig, and the performance will go down part way into the discharge.
This seller below has good feedback and makes some higher AH packs.
First you need to find a hub motor and controller that can power the bike, find out how high of a voltage you can safely run with then, and then research the batteries. I would think 30 AH would be minimum, with 40ah being better, and you may need a 72 volt system if you want some speed. That is going to be an expensive conversion. Another option is to accept a more sedate 25 MPH top end but with good torque and range, and go with as strong of a 48V set up you can find. going 45 on that little bike is pushing it in my opinion anyway. In California , 30 MPH is max speed for any moped.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LiFePO4-48v-40ah-BATTERY-FOR-ELECTRIC-SCOTTER-E-BIKE_W0QQitemZ170327465626QQihZ007QQcategoryZ11332QQssPageNa...
Link to an older post on similar lines.
http://visforvoltage.org/forum/6069-what-best-48-volt-rear-hub-set-35-mph-bike
If these could be adapted, they would have the power to move that bike to a high speed and make it climb well. i am not sure if the hub would fit your frame without major modification, as they are more designed for a normal bicycle..
http://www.electricrider.com/crystalyte/phoenix.htm
Re: Noob Moped Conversion...
Check out this user's blog: http://visforvoltage.org/blog/nasukaren - not a Puch Maxi - but very similar. She used a motor intended for an RC plane and got good results. I don't recommend you use a hub-motor from EMS because they don't have them in the right size. You could try a bicycle hub motor but they might be a bit underpowered.
Good luck and have fun!
John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.
Re: Noob Moped Conversion...
"She used a motor intended for an RC plane and got good results"
I just looked at her site and she just burned up something again.
That person has had so many problems with that set up. That out rigger motor is powerful, but the corresponding electronics to make it work in an EV application is a serious engineering project and would be a monumental undertaking for anyone, especially a beginner.
I bet one of the bigger Phoenix motors with a 40 amp 72 V controller would move that moped along no problem. I am just not sure how you'd mount the hub to the bike, drop out size, etc.
E-Ped is an awesome choice
My friend used to make movie sets one and he worked on a Dr Suess flick in which they made an E powered scoot. It used a HD marine battery thar was heavier then hell.
It ran all day long on a charge with plenty of power.
I am also planning a E-Ped both a conversion and another one of my own seaign from scratch. I will used SLA batteries on mine. It should go about 20 plus on a charge based on what my local dealer has told me and with a Crystalyte Cruiser. Braking and not power will be your main challenge with the heavier batteries from what two local shops have told me.