There are many options out there for an electric bicycle. Cheaply made ones for $400 USD to premium $3000+ models. I considered just buying a cheap one from a local chain store, but I just do not way multiple bikes. I do not intent to accumulate more unused items. Being an engineer, I would rather build one myself. I have the platform, I just need the design.
There is an ever growing number of electric kits available (website made in 2000). Some replace either the front or rear wheel. Some are single speed, while others are follow the bicycle's gear train. Some companies sell off the shelf batteries, and others have custom made ones. Any way you go, kits are not cheap. Most do not dip below $300 USD, and in most cases the customer should expect to forfeit the better part of $600.
The price to specifications of all the kits I have read about are not exactly blowing my hair back. So, let's design our own.
Analysis and design requirements:
1. Choose front or rear wheel coupling. (I am leaning towards front wheel)
2. Choose motor and battery type.
3. Choose bike platform. (I would suggest make it universal and independent of the exact bike.)
4. Think up additional features you would like to see. (For example, microprocessor based for sure. For example, immediate disengagement of the electric motor when the person is pedaling or when the breaks are touched.)
Cabe
See the other community projects:
