Wilerness Energy opinions?

[del]

Howdy,

A couple of weeks ago I found a 1994 Schwinn Classic Cruiser bicycle with a springer front fork in a neighbor's trash. Since then, it's been screaming "motorize me!"

I've considered numerous possibilities, and, at the moment, find myself thinking about the Wilderness Energy brushless hub motor. However, I seem to remember reading unflattering reviews in the past.

Any opinions?

--del

 

[skyl4rk]

I have a brushed WE. I have had it since 2005 and it has been very reliable. However you will have to upgrade the connectors for the battery pack and charger. The rack is not too sturdy. With a 36V 12aH battery pack it will go about 10 miles with not much pedaling.

I wouldn't put a front hubmotor on a springer fork. The wheel is heavy and it puts extra stress on the dropouts.

You might happy time that bike, probably would be better as a gas motored bike than electric. For a good electric, you need to set it up so it is a good pedal bike so you can help it along. Gearing is important.

 

[stude13]

hu skyl; what upgrades need to be done. my first elec. mitch

 

[skyl4rk]

Get a 10 pack of Powerpoles, and put them on the battery, charger and controller, cutting off the existing connectors.

http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp?ProdID=3017&CtgID=3578

These are 45 amp Powerpoles, which means you can use 10 gauge wire in them. You can also use them on smaller wire, you just need good metal forming skills.

This type of tool will work good, although it may take you a couple of tries to learn how to do it:

http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp?ProdID=28193&CtgID=3575

This page tells you how to make a powerpole connection, and how to use the two step method for crimping, it works great:

http://www.w5fc.org/pse_docs/KNOWLEDGE/anderson_powerpole_instructions.htm

The trailer type connectors as delivered are dangerous if you get more than one battery pack. If you happen to connect two battery packs together, it is a dead short at about 80V, which will vaporize the connectors in your hands in a burst of plasma (like welding). I have done this twice and it takes a long time to heal. Powerpoles are polarized, assuming you put all red/black pairs together the same way, and will eliminate your chance of getting burned. It also helps with the spark when you connect the batteries to the controller, the spark stays inside the powerpole.

You can also get one of these to allow adding a pigtail so you don't have to disconnect the battery from the controller to recharge.

http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp?ProdID=3821&CtgID=3823

 

[stude13]

thanks skyl, much apprecisted. mitch