E-Bike System

[BrianG]

I've been looking around at e-bike kits for a little while now toying with the idea, but I really just want something ready-made. I came across this and thought it looked pretty nice. I want something that's going to be reliable and have the power and range to get to work and back (~20 miles round trip) if I want. I want the 2500w model because I'm heavy and will want the extra torque needed for hills and such. Anyone deal with/heard of these guys and/or this model?

The way I configured it (51v 20Ah LiFe pack, Theunderbolt system, etc), the price is steep at $3800...

[TexasSP]

Why not just look into some electric scooters, may be more comfortable as a commuter.

http://www.scooterlectric.com/X-Trem...ke-XB700Li.htm

http://kidsonroll.com/Mopeds/XM-4000...ctricMoped.php



These look like fun but a little more money:

http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s/specs.php

[mistercrash]

I have been looking at this one, mainly because there's a Motorino dealer 10 minutes from my house.

http://www.motorino.ca/motorinoltg.php

And if you like the retro look

http://www.motorino.ca/motorinoctg.php

Or the fold able compact model

http://www.motorino.ca/motorinoltf.php

The first one is the one I'm really interested in. They also have the same with carbon fiber chassis.

[Metallover]

Anything you buy professionally made will cost a ton. Look at stealth electric bikes if you want something really cool, but they are $6000+. Building yourself you can get it done for $1000-1500 depending on the frame. Turnigy lipos are something like $42 for a 5ah 6s pack in the US warehouse with $.01 shipping during a swarm sale, and 12 fet "lyen" programmable controllers are under $150.

If you want to toy around with setups, there is some GREAT prediction softwre - http://endless-sphere.com/forums/vie...php?f=2&t=6892

The bike you linked to looks pretty good. I actual bike probably costs $1000+ and after the components and labor the price is actually pretty good. If you have the money and you don't have time, I would probably go for it unless you want full suspension.

[aqwut]

Have you ever the bikes made by GiO?.. I can get you great prices on them, I'm have a whole sale account there..

[BrianG]

Thanks for the input guys! I'm not really interested in scooters because I really want something I can pedal on the trail if I decide to. The purpose of the bike for me is trail riding, jaunts to the store, and commuting (depending on weather). All the other ebikes I've seen are in the sub-1000w range. Like I said, I'm on the heavy side so I want more power and range, hence the 2500w model I originally linked to.

I know something pre-built is going to cost more, but then I get something that doesn't look cobbled together and the whole thing is warrantied.

Judging by some of the e-bike only links above, the one I linked to is pretty much on par cost-wise given the power and range. The published specs of ~90ft-lb of torque, 33mph, and 52 mile range with 20Ah battery sounds good to me. Of course, the range figure has a lot of variables, but worst-case I cut the range in half, it's still good. And for some reason I run out of juice, I can pedal the rest of the way.

aqwut: The only electric Gios I saw were scooters. Do they have ebikes similar to what I'm looking for? I'm not dead-set against an electric scooter, but it's gotta be a really good price for me to go to that via an ebike.

[simplechamp]

Will you use one of the chargers they have available or work out something else?

[BrianG]

I'll probably get their standard 2A charger and see if I can either boost the current a little, or see how they're doing it and make my own. But really, 2A charge on a 20Ah pack is 10 hours, which is fine for overnight. But I doubt I'll need anything close to that since I'll probably charge at work too. I don't see myself doing any long "road trips" where a 1 hour charge would be needed.

[mistercrash]

I configured a bike I would like on the link you provided Brian, it comes to $6429.00 lol

[BrianG]

Wow, what the heck did you pick for options?? I thought the way mine was configured (thunderbolt 2500w system, 20Ah pack, 10GA wiring, hi-strength rack/bag) was pretty decent and the price is $3809.00

Although, that analyst computer option looks nice too. But I suppose I could just plug in my watt's up meter instead and save $150.

[J57ltr]

I know you said you didn't want to piece one together, but these guys have some pretty powerful motors up to about 20kw.

It was in this thread:

http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29512

http://www.goldenmotor.com/

Jeff

[mistercrash]

Originally Posted by BrianG

Wow, what the heck did you pick for options?

I started with the model with two motors (one in the rear and one in front) and added all the options

I bookmarked ''stealth bikes'' a few months ago. I'm thinking of selling the wife's Rav4 and get that Bomber bike. I might have enough left to get a RC helicopter as a bonus.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by mistercrash

I started with the model with two motors (one in the rear and one in front) and added all the options

I bookmarked ''stealth bikes'' a few months ago. I'm thinking of selling the wife's Rav4 and get that Bomber bike. I might have enough left to get a RC helicopter as a bonus.

Yeah, I saw those stealthbikes too, but over $7k for the "lesser" model kinda turned me off. They do look mean though...

[mistercrash]

I got an email from them today saying that the Bomber is $9900 plus $150 freight. Yikes.

[BrianG]

Yeah, yikes is right. It's nice, but not that nice. I think even $3800 is reaching TBH.