Electric bikes, bicycles and pedelecs

I am new to the entire EV field (as in I'd like to electrify my bike, never done that before). I've been looking at the various options available, mostly hub motors vs chain motors (also called currie). Here is a brief comparison based on theory only:

Hub > chain for efficiency because of additional friction losses with chains.

Chain > hub for versatility because of the ability to bolt a different sprocket if you need a different power/speed ratio.

I'm considering buying the Giant Suede E electric bike and I was wondering if anyone here has one. It lists the top speed at 17mph and I'm not clear whether that is the top speed of the motor, or if it has been electronically limited. If it's limited, does anyone know of a hack to lift/remove the limit?

Hi Folks,

I am considering the WE BD24-10 kit (or whatever it is) from http://www.werelectrified.com/10ampkit.htm . The problem is, there are almost no specs listed on the site, and they won't reply to emails asking about specs. I am interested mainly in the motor, especially how much I can overvolt/overamp it.

Alright, so I found a complete currie 450w setup for 250 dollars (sans shipping). What I want is a more powerful motor such as a 600w or 750w (that comes with controller/ instructions) I also want to change the gear ratio so the bike can achieve a greater top speed (even though I would sacrifice accel.) My question to you is do you think this is possible for me to do myself as it would save a lot of money sending it to scott at EVDeals - also would I have to purchase any additional parts?

Thanks
~Liam

Hi,

I'm getting closer to wiring up my 24V system.
For juice I'll have 8ea 12V-9Ah batteries.
These will power a 24V Scott 560W (3/4hp) motor.

I'm wondering what would be the best wire to use to series/ parallel my batteries?

Would I use the same size to go from the controller to the motor?

The batteries have 1/4" connections. What is the best way to make the interconnections, what type of connectors would last?

What about connecting my Watts Up meter, best connections for end to end connections?

Hi Guys

Sorry, long time no see. Been busy on next version of eLation and suppose I have been a bit of a "rock spider", watching but not inputing to forum. New designs and updates are moving smoothly and feedback from buyers has be awesome.

Im considering either a curie conversion setup or a brushless hub setup for my 17'' kona with 26'' wheels. To my understanding I can pedal "nominally" on either to achieve a speed of around 20mph, my only question is can I pedal harder and achieve a greater speed - 30+ mph. I guess what I'm asking is will a motor add 18 mph of speed or will I just not have to pedal as hard to achieve a speed of 18mph?

Thanks,
Liam

P.S If not is there any 'adjustment' I can make to an existing brushed/less or curie setup that may or may not allow me to pedal 30+mph?

I have massive outrunner motors and lipoly batteries.
These are much lighter and stronger and more efficient than lead acid batteries or brushed motors.

Video of bike with simple drivetrain:

:?
Anyone had any experience with the LIBERTY EB-643 48 Volt, 25 Amp Town & Country Cruiser

Specifications

I am seriously considering building this model of ebike for an environmental science project and also to make a future to mile daily commute for summer classes:
Youtube video of motor and batteries pushing bike on simple drivetrain