Hawaii_Ed
Member
I recently was hired for a job about one mile from my house. Parking is HORRIBLE at the facilty, and it is so short that biking made perfect sense. The only problem in coming home is a steep uphill haul! I am in average shape, but do no feel like working like that after a long day! I have my gas bike, but the oil and chains have messed up some pants, and the happy time has been giving me some issues lately! (Time for a new motor)
So with the short commute, I decided that an e-bike might be perfect. I can actually roll all the way to work, and only need power coming home.
- My friend owns a machine shop, and he was given a Trek "Snap-on anniversary" bike years ago for buying a batch of tools. Not being a bike rider, he tossed it in the rafters, and the crank got bent when some equipment fell on it. I thought it'd make a good e-bike being strong steel and none suspension, and it is a decent quality bike. Also, it was free!
- I had a spare set of cranks from my shift kit, so easy fix!
- My good friend 5-7 heaven used to run electric, and he graciously let me have his brushless hub motor for free as well. He ran it at 72v with no issues.
- My other good friend pickettblanco was moving, and had a spare set of excellent MTB tires I picked up for free as well! Nice upgrade on the bike!
- I had an old frame rack and topeak bag from my pedal bike commuting days, perfect mount for the batteries!
- I had bought a pack of 3 14amp 12V batteries for my son's schwinn scooter, but the controller died on it, so I highjacked that for this project! I also used the scooter 36v charger. Will need to get him a new set though eventually! ($120)
- Picked up an ecrazyman controller and throttle for $50 on E-bay, it is rated to 48V
- I salvaged an old heavy duty extension cord for motor wiring, and some old electronics wires to hook up the hall-effect sensor.
- No brake switch safety, but I may add it since my 13 year old son will be riding this at times...
- a little solder/heat shrink and zip ties, and it is on the road!
I do not have a speedo on the bike, will add it today. Seems to be rolling at 18-20, sure is quiet compared to my gas bike! LOL!
So total cost is just under $200, should be drop dead reliable, and clean! I can still get some pedal assist exercise, but not kill myself going home!
So with the short commute, I decided that an e-bike might be perfect. I can actually roll all the way to work, and only need power coming home.
- My friend owns a machine shop, and he was given a Trek "Snap-on anniversary" bike years ago for buying a batch of tools. Not being a bike rider, he tossed it in the rafters, and the crank got bent when some equipment fell on it. I thought it'd make a good e-bike being strong steel and none suspension, and it is a decent quality bike. Also, it was free!
- I had a spare set of cranks from my shift kit, so easy fix!
- My good friend 5-7 heaven used to run electric, and he graciously let me have his brushless hub motor for free as well. He ran it at 72v with no issues.
- My other good friend pickettblanco was moving, and had a spare set of excellent MTB tires I picked up for free as well! Nice upgrade on the bike!
- I had an old frame rack and topeak bag from my pedal bike commuting days, perfect mount for the batteries!
- I had bought a pack of 3 14amp 12V batteries for my son's schwinn scooter, but the controller died on it, so I highjacked that for this project! I also used the scooter 36v charger. Will need to get him a new set though eventually! ($120)
- Picked up an ecrazyman controller and throttle for $50 on E-bay, it is rated to 48V
- I salvaged an old heavy duty extension cord for motor wiring, and some old electronics wires to hook up the hall-effect sensor.
- No brake switch safety, but I may add it since my 13 year old son will be riding this at times...
- a little solder/heat shrink and zip ties, and it is on the road!
I do not have a speedo on the bike, will add it today. Seems to be rolling at 18-20, sure is quiet compared to my gas bike! LOL!
So total cost is just under $200, should be drop dead reliable, and clean! I can still get some pedal assist exercise, but not kill myself going home!
