The eBike thread

SlowBlowin

I've got the widest seat available (the bike not me) - but its a hard tail.

Next bike is going to be a long range cruiser, built for comfort - might even get a parasol !!:D:D

Mousewar

You've all lost me. An electronically illiterate person like me will have to settle for what's in the shops, I think.
I was speaking to a lad in one of them and he ended up recommending me this:
https://www.haibike.com/gb/en/electric-bikes/electric-trekking-bikes/sduro-trekking-40-gb1217?id=45314148
I've classed this as my safe choice. Spec seems good and as I have a 20k each way commute he suggested the fancy tyres and suspension would help out.

My unsafe choice is Kuma. https://www.kumabikes.com/pagem1
I just like the look of this thing, especially because it doesn't look like an ebike. The Haibike is grand looking but sees almost like a mini motorbike or something. It just seems a bit much to me. I talked to the guys in Kuma. The torque of the motor isn't listed on the site but he told me it's 80nm. That seems pretty good from the little I know. Not sure how the other features would match up.

Anyone care to share their thoughts? Thanks in advance and sorry for spamming the thread.

unkel

unkel wrote: »

You really should get back in the saddle Mad_Lad!

Yeah I should, God knows I need to loose the weight, I haven't been on the bike hardly at all since 2014 and I got the Haibike in 2013 lol.

I'd find it very tough with only 50 Nm of torque too starting back on the bike after so long + I haven't a throttle and the poxy speed limit is just too low, it's a real pain when you're fighting with the motor cutting in and out when you're at the limit, it's so sad considering the e-scooters can do 50 Km/hr and that's perfectly fine but a much safer bike with proper brakes is limited to 25 Km/hr ? madness.

Not having a throttle when you get tired is also not fun, then the bike runs out of power, it's pretty counter intuitive when you think about it. But the nanny EU has to be our guardian to make sure we're all safe and we don't hurt others, awe, so nice. NOT. pure bullsh1t.

+ the rear gear hub broke, the Sram Daul Drive III and I can't get the parts so the gearing is messed up, I need a bit higher gearing so might be only able to replace the crank just to slow down my cadence a bit.

The current Bosch motors are around 75 Nm too which would help but think this is only available on the mountain bikes.

One of the S-Pedelecs would be fun though.

Bosch have now some kind of system that detects tampering of the software and sensors and will go into limp mode and they will charge you a fortune to fix it if you try to modify it, this is really incredibly ridiculous, you buy the bike you should be free to do what you want with it.

The latest generation of Bosch motors solved the drag when the motor is off seemingly, it only took since what, 2012 ? lol.

Mousewar

Mousewar wrote: »

You've all lost me. An electronically illiterate person like me will have to settle for what's in the shops, I think.
I was speaking to a lad in one of them and he ended up recommending me this:
https://www.haibike.com/gb/en/electric-bikes/electric-trekking-bikes/sduro-trekking-40-gb1217?id=45314148
I've classed this as my safe choice. Spec seems good and as I have a 20k each way commute he suggested the fancy tyres and suspension would help out.

My unsafe choice is Kuma. https://www.kumabikes.com/pagem1
I just like the look of this thing, especially because it doesn't look like an ebike. The Haibike is grand looking but sees almost like a mini motorbike or something. It just seems a bit much to me. I talked to the guys in Kuma. The torque of the motor isn't listed on the site but he told me it's 80nm. That seems pretty good from the little I know. Not sure how the other features would match up.

Anyone care to share their thoughts? Thanks in advance and sorry for spamming the thread.

You can't go far wrong with either, I'd love to test out that OEM Bafang Mid drive.

Any specs on it ? Torque ?

Why is the Kuma an unsafe choice ?

The Yamaha is well proven.

I wonder would the 8 speed hub have much cogging when peddling without power ?

Mousewar

Deleted User wrote: »

You can't go far wrong with either, I'd love to test out that OEM Bafang Mid drive.

Any specs on it ? Torque ?

Why is the Kuma an unsafe choice ?

The Yamaha is well proven.

I wonder would the 8 speed hub have much cogging when peddling without power ?

The lad I spoke to in Kuma said the Bafang was 80nm torque, which I gather is good. Is Bafang generally a good motor brand?

I think of the Kuma as the unsafe choice because there's little in the way of reviews of it and I *think* the other spec of the Haibike (wheels, suspension) are better. The kuma seems like the prettier but perhaps less practical choice? Not sure though...

Mousewar

Mousewar wrote: »

The lad I spoke to in Kuma said the Bafang was 80nm torque, which I gather is good. Is Bafang generally a good motor brand?

I think of the Kuma as the unsafe choice because there's little in the way of reviews of it and I *think* the other spec of the Haibike (wheels, suspension) are better. The kuma seems like the prettier but perhaps less practical choice? Not sure though...

The Haibikes are super quality and extremely well constructed so you can't go wrong.

The Bafang motors are pretty solid, I'm sure reviews of the OWM version of their mid mounted motors can be found with some googling.

80 Nm is decent, that's where you want to be aiming.

The Banfang and Yamaha motors are good but Bosch have the edge when it comes to software and torque sensing making the cycling experience pretty natural.

The latest Bosch motors have around 75 Nm of torque and I've read that they have greatly reduced the drag effect when motor power is off it can be quite noticeable, it's certainly noticeable with my 2013 Bosch but they seem to have recently addressed this so if you're getting a Bosch bike make sure it's the latest model and has the 75 Nm of torque a lot of them only have the more compact 50 Nm version you want to be aiming higher than this if you have any half decent hills, but more torque will mean less fumbling around with gears.

If you can get a test of any of those bikes you're sorted but in reality you'd need to take it to the hills to get a real idea of how it will perform and whether you'll be happy or not but I doubt you will be disappointed with the performance with 80 Nm of torque regardless of what bike you get the difference will be in how the power is applied and how it reacts to your pedal input and this is where the Bosch leads but a good margin.

In my outlaws area in Germany there is a local bike shop and they have loads of electric bikes displayed outside and People can just take them for a spin and come back 30 mins later and they don't bat an eyelid, they don't even go into the shop and ask for a test, here in Ireland they'd all be robbed, that's one of the differences between here and there lol I was flabbergasted when I saw this.

unkel

75-80Nm of torque is still not great though, is it? The Bafang BBS02 mid drive base motor that I have (not the more powerful HD or the even stronger new top of the range model), puts out 120NM as standard, with a standard 48V battery. With a fully charged 52V battery, that would be more like 160Nm

unkel

unkel wrote: »

75-80Nm of torque is still not great though, is it? The Bafang BBS02 mid drive base motor that I have (not the more powerful HD or the even stronger new top of the range model), puts out 120NM as standard, with a standard 48V battery. With a fully charged 52V battery, that would be more like 160Nm

I was sure you had the BBSHD lol.

Yes it's easier to put out more power when you're not limited by the law

80 Nm is a lot better than 50 Nm, now I know the OEM's like Bosch and Brose go over the 250 Watt limit because no one measures this only acceleration and speed but I don't know how much power they do actually pull or what their limit is so they are naturally going to be restricted.

I got up Mount Leinster with just the 50 Nm from the Bosch and that was really really tough even with the motor and I was a lot fitter then but it meant that I could do it, without the Bosch not a hope, some parts of the Mount Leinster RTE Mast access road are around 24% some so steep you're nearly fall backwards if you pulled the handlebars too much.

The gearing helps a lot too of course, I was in the lowest gear for most of that and it was tough because my cadence was too fast for me, more torque would have allowed me use a higher gear.

80 Nm even better and it should be able to drag most people up pretty much any road you'd have here without much issue, sure more power is great but it also consumes more battery.

The Brose motors are one of the best in the world if not the best, they're around 90 Nm.

The greatest issue for me is drag when the power is off and the Bafangs are known for drag as well as the older Bosch and others, I think the Brose are one of the best for drag too.

I'd still like to try out that Bafang OEM motor.

SlowBlowin

unkel wrote: »

LOL

I guess these days even the most conservative, reactionary people are slowly starting to realise that electric bikes and cars are the way forward

No - all change, latest post urging her reconsider, stick with a pedal bike, its healthier.

Thargor

Wow Andy Kirby and his mate really crapping on that Specialised in the video, that would be 10k minimum over here...

unkel

Once you have used a pretty powerful eBike, then going back to a road legal 250W max bike like the specialized is pretty pathetic. And I have no idea why that bike should cost €10k, that's just ridiculous profiteering although I'm sure they have used some expensive light weight materials.

My first eBike was my old almost worthless mountain bike that I converted myself for a grand total of €190 or so, including the battery. It's at the start of this thread somewhere. It was a very cheap kit, but still way more powerful than that €10k specialized eBike.

The specialized is like buying a Ferrari with 30BHP that's limited to 50km/h. Looks great, but that's about it

Mousewar

I'm going to try the Kuma tomorrow.
I've actually never ridden an ebike before. Any advice on what I should look out for?

loughside

Mousewar wrote: »

I'm going to try the Kuma tomorrow.
I've actually never ridden an ebike before. Any advice on what I should look out for?

just look out for other cyclists who will be totally fecked off with you passing them on the hills, followed by the now standard `yer cheating` greeting!


Just point and reply with `ancient technology`......... goes down a treat!

unkel

Works with cars too

Many a BMW 520d / Audi 2.0TDI was schmoked by my humble 118BHP Hyundai Ioniq electric. Electric vehicles FTW!

Mousewar

Mousewar wrote: »

I'm going to try the Kuma tomorrow.
I've actually never ridden an ebike before. Any advice on what I should look out for?

Na not a lot, just make sure the power delivery is smooth and not jerky.

It won't be until you climb decent hills will you know what it's really like.

Mousewar

Deleted User wrote: »

Na not a lot, just make sure the power delivery is smooth and not jerky.

It won't be until you climb decent hills will you know what it's really like.

Thanks. Although I'm not sure there'll be any hills in the industrial park l'll be testing it in.

Mousewar

Tried the Kuma M1 there.
Certainly liked it. Gorgeous bike, very comfortable.
Again, I've never ridden an ebike so I've nothing to compare it with.
To be honest I barely noticed anything different when I was cycling, it just seemed like cycling and getting up to speed was incredibly easy. Once over 25k there was zero noticeable difference. Bike carried on smoothly. Starting off at level 5 power was very quick and up to speed in seconds. No hills unfortunately except a long slight incline which was a breeze.
Certainly nothing today that would put me off it.

unkel

Mousewar wrote: »

Once over 25k there was zero noticeable difference

That's because all road legal bikes are programmed that the motor must stop working over 25km/h, so it is just you doing the pedaling

Most home build eBikes have a throttle so you don't have to pedal at all and even if the system has a speed limit, you can override it and it will go as fast as the max amperage of the controller allows. My own old bike with the entry level Bafang motor does 63km/h with the wheel in the air (and about 45km/h with my 100kg on it)

Mousewar

Mousewar wrote: »

To be honest I barely noticed anything different when I was cycling, it just seemed like cycling and getting up to speed was incredibly easy. Once over 25k there was zero noticeable difference. Bike carried on smoothly. Starting off at level 5 power was very quick and up to speed in seconds. No hills unfortunately except a long slight incline which was a breeze.
Certainly nothing today that would put me off it.

Lol as unkel said, it cuts off after 25 Km/hr but if it felt like a normal bike beyond that than that's a positive because some bikes have a lot more drag than others when the power is off.

You're not going to notice a lot until you take it to the hills and once you do it certainly won't feel like a normal bike.

80 Nm of torque will seem like a huge amount of power when you just got your legs on a hill, turn off the power then turn it back on again when climbing a big hill then you'll be might glad of it, remember more Torque means more power and that means shorter battery time.

My Bosch is only 50 Nm, but I've climbed some decent hills including conquering Mount Leinster all the way from the Nine Stones to the RTE Mast, with just 50 Nm so you'll be happy with 80 Nm.

By the way if you get the chance head up to Mount Leinster with it, on a clear day the view is fabulous and if you know what to look for on a clear day you can see the wind turbines in off Brittas Bay!

Mousewar

Oh yeah I know, I just meant there was no jerking or sudden drag once I went past 25k which I understand could be a factor.
For those us reduced to obeying the law, it's a plus anyway.
*responding to unkel

John Hutton

Lads, I keep my bike in the garage. Just a thought with recent frosty weather, could cold kill my battery? (Would rather not keep it in the house due to danger of batteries)

unkel

No problem as long as you don't charge it when it's below zero

John Hutton

unkel wrote: »

No problem as long as you don't charge it when it's below zero

That's a relief, I've already rescued the bottles of beer from the garage ahead of the freezing temps forecast, glad to know my bike will be ok to stay there!


I'll take it in to charge if I need to when its sub zero.

John Hutton

John Hutton wrote: »

Lads, I keep my bike in the garage. Just a thought with recent frosty weather, could cold kill my battery? (Would rather not keep it in the house due to danger of batteries)

You can charge the battery in the house just make sure you charge in a fireproof location with a smoke alarm.

Performance while riding might be another issue depending on the internal resistance to begin with it might feel rather sluggish while trying to pull max power if it's sitting outside all day for instance.

When you're finished with it charge to 50% if you don't intend riding it for a couple of days, charging to 100% and storing it is not good or leaving it below say, 10%. Charge it up then before you need it the night before.

My Bosch battery has been sitting at 50% for the last 4 years ffs, it's a waste really but I hope to get on it soon again when the weather gets better, will be interesting to see how it's survived.

BarryM

I saw a piece by Minister Ryan about the introduction of e-scooters. He says that there is a raft of legislation and regulation to be examined and modified as necessary before they can even introduce the law to allow them. I just wonder how they will deal with where on the existing infrastructure they will decide they can be used?

How do people here think the decisions will affect bikes? They get by on the basis of you have to pedal.....;), will they modify the speed limit?

BarryM

BarryM wrote: »

I saw a piece by Minister Ryan about the introduction of e-scooters. He says that there is a raft of legislation and regulation to be examined and modified as necessary before they can even introduce the law to allow them. I just wonder how they will deal with where on the existing infrastructure they will decide they can be used?

How do people here think the decisions will affect bikes? They get by on the basis of you have to pedal.....;), will they modify the speed limit?

Ebikes will stay highly restricted as they are governed by E.U legislation which probably doesn't yet exist to cover e-scooters and nobody will want to go through all the hassle involved in changing this restrictive legislation for e-bikes.

I would imagine the e-scooters to be limited to the same 25 Km/hr if not it would be absolutely ridiculous to imagine these e-scooters being able to continue at 50 Km/Hr and beyond where as bikes have proper brakes and they are safer at speed than those small e-scooters.

Also if E-scooters can have a throttle without being classed as a motor vehicle it would seem ridiculous that ebikes would still be restricted to pedelec.

So the only way I can see this working is for e-scooters to be classed as motor vehicles which would require tax and insurance the same as S-pedelecs.

Mousewar

Kuma just took 600 quid off the bike so I'm agonna go for it.

Mousewar

Mousewar wrote: »

Kuma just took 600 quid off the bike so I'm agonna go for it.

Good for you, best of luck! Can't wait for your thread

Skill Magill

Was toying with the idea of an electric Brompton, it comes in at about 3 and half grand, is that mad money or would I be buying quality that would last 20 years?
It ticks the boxes for me, foldable and light enough to cycle without battery, also like the idea of not really needing to lock it as it would be on me at all times.
I know you can get 1500 tax free on the bike to work shceme, your employer just has to buy it for you. Is it as simple as that? How much would 3,500 translate with the tax break?

I was looking at rad bikes too, but they seem heavy to transport(although they have more powerful motors which might be a buzz)

So mad or not on the Brompton?

SCOL

Skill Magill wrote: »

Was toying with the idea of an electric Brompton, it comes in at about 3 and half grand, is that mad money or would I be buying quality that would last 20 years?
It ticks the boxes for me, foldable and light enough to cycle without battery, also like the idea of not really needing to lock it as it would be on me at all times.
I know you can get 1500 tax free on the bike to work shceme, your employer just has to buy it for you. Is it as simple as that? How much would 3,500 translate with the tax break?

I was looking at rad bikes too, but they seem heavy to transport(although they have more powerful motors which might be a buzz)

So mad or not on the Brompton?

Personally I couldn't justify paying that I bought a 750w bafang middrive kit €1,000 including battery. I bought a battery as I was using it to go to work. I have also made a battery for €50 and it works great.
I use mine for commuting 45Km per day it has a few thousand KM on the clock at this stage. If it was a commuter bike paying for a bus/car, insurance tax etc that's how I justified mine I reckoned 6 month payback for me after that I'm saving.
I assume you one would also be limited to 25Km, bus fare maybe €20 per week if yours based in Dublin that about 75weeks payback

John Hutton

I own a regular brompton and used it daily for commute on train. I would love an electric one but it is too expensive.

Before pandemic I had planned to buy a different folding bike with disk brakes and a correctly sized bottom bracket and fit a bafang middrive. This would work out much cheaper, and also better, albeit an inferior fold.

But I havnt been commuting for 10 months now so I have no need.

Mousewar

Skill Magill wrote: »

Was toying with the idea of an electric Brompton, it comes in at about 3 and half grand, is that mad money or would I be buying quality that would last 20 years?
It ticks the boxes for me, foldable and light enough to cycle without battery, also like the idea of not really needing to lock it as it would be on me at all times.
I know you can get 1500 tax free on the bike to work shceme, your employer just has to buy it for you. Is it as simple as that? How much would 3,500 translate with the tax break?

I was looking at rad bikes too, but they seem heavy to transport(although they have more powerful motors which might be a buzz)

So mad or not on the Brompton?

Assuming you're on the higher tax band, you'd get about 700 odd euro off (about 720 I think to be more precise). So you'd be looking at about 2,800 all in.

Skill Magill

Skill Magill wrote: »

Was toying with the idea of an electric Brompton, it comes in at about 3 and half grand, is that mad money or would I be buying quality that would last 20 years?
It ticks the boxes for me, foldable and light enough to cycle without battery, also like the idea of not really needing to lock it as it would be on me at all times.
I know you can get 1500 tax free on the bike to work shceme, your employer just has to buy it for you. Is it as simple as that? How much would 3,500 translate with the tax break?

I was looking at rad bikes too, but they seem heavy to transport(although they have more powerful motors which might be a buzz)

So mad or not on the Brompton?

3.5 K is worth a lot more to your health than a car, usually electric bikes in general are high quality bikes too and would probably set you back at least 1500 before the electrics are added.

So the way I look at it is this, if you are happy with the bike and it gets you out and up hills when you otherwise wouldn't get out cycling and if you're planning on putting in a lot of effort yourself then I'd say it's absolutely worth it.

EDIT: have you got a link to the bike first ?

Skill Magill

Thanks guys, I've put a deposit down so hopefully I'll get it tomorrow.
Its this one although I'm not buying it on line
Black 6 speed Brompton Electric

Its going to be my second electric bike, I still have one thats in the shed and an absolute tank, I used to love flying around on it but will probably sell it or look at doing it up again. Might be a nice project, I've been following this thread for a while now, and putting in a bigger motor looks dooable

Its going to be a bit of a come down from my regular ride



Hopefully it all goes to plan tomorrow.

Skill Magill

Skill Magill wrote: »

Thanks guys, I've put a deposit down so hopefully I'll get it tomorrow.
Its this one although I'm not buying it on line
Black 6 speed Brompton Electric

Its going to be my second electric bike, I still have one thats in the shed and an absolute tank, I used to love flying around on it but will probably sell it or look at doing it up again. Might be a nice project, I've been following this thread for a while now, and putting in a bigger motor looks dooable

Its going to be a bit of a come down from my regular ride



Hopefully it all goes to plan tomorrow.

Ah ok so it's a commuter bike and I take it you're not going to be climbing too many hills with it ?

Will you be putting it on a train or bus or anything like that or cycling it all the way yourself ?

Looks like you can fold it for the car, train etc ?

Skill Magill

Exactly, its quite compact so can throw it into the boot if its lashing, I absolutely hate driving the car in and rarely do it to be honest.
And I need the exercise, so pedal assist is ideal and I went for the six speed cause I have a steep hill on my commute.

I was driving the motorbike the weekend before last and was going up constitution hill on my way into Phibsborough and there was a chap on an electric bike doing about 30km/h beside me. I powered on a bit and he was still with me And here's the thing, at 80 he was still with me but I had to stop for the lights as he disappeared up Phibsborough Rd. I was really impressed (although absolute madness I think you'll agree) Wouldn't mind upgrading my old electric to do something like that, looked great fun.


But for now, I'll be happy with the pedal assist.

John Hutton

Skill Magill wrote: »

Exactly, its quite compact so can throw it into the boot if its lashing, I absolutely hate driving the car in and rarely do it to be honest.
And I need the exercise, so pedal assist is ideal and I went for the six speed cause I have a steep hill on my commute.

I was driving the motorbike the weekend before last and was going up constitution hill on my way into Phibsborough and there was a chap on an electric bike doing about 30km/h beside me. I powered on a bit and he was still with me And here's the thing, at 80 he was still with me but I had to stop for the lights as he disappeared up Phibsborough Rd. I was really impressed (although absolute madness I think you'll agree) Wouldn't mind upgrading my old electric to do something like that, looked great fun.


But for now, I'll be happy with the pedal assist.

That looks awesome, bromptons are class.

Skill Magill

Skill Magill wrote: »

Exactly, its quite compact so can throw it into the boot if its lashing, I absolutely hate driving the car in and rarely do it to be honest.
And I need the exercise, so pedal assist is ideal and I went for the six speed cause I have a steep hill on my commute.

I was driving the motorbike the weekend before last and was going up constitution hill on my way into Phibsborough and there was a chap on an electric bike doing about 30km/h beside me. I powered on a bit and he was still with me And here's the thing, at 80 he was still with me but I had to stop for the lights as he disappeared up Phibsborough Rd. I was really impressed (although absolute madness I think you'll agree) Wouldn't mind upgrading my old electric to do something like that, looked great fun.


But for now, I'll be happy with the pedal assist.

I've done the high power bike thing and it was great, I really miss it but I wouldn't be so Keen in Dublin, to much traffic and People around.

Best of luck with the bike, would like to know what you think of it after you get a chance to properly test it out.

Joe1919

John Hutton wrote: »

I own a regular brompton and used it daily for commute on train. I would love an electric one but it is too expensive.
.

Wooshbikes.co.uk are doing a special Brompton kit for £529 plus delivery but I presume you need to factor in the duty and vat situation.

https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?hubkits#q70kit

unkel

Bought the Bafang programming cable ages ago from AliExpress for EUR8 shipped (it's just a standard serial to USB interface cable) but never got around to using it until now. Was always annoyed that in the zero power assist level, you have no throttle either and that there was too much torque in the first power assist level. If I want to cycle around very slowly (with dog on the lead) at say 10km/h, it is very jerky. Made my first attempt at changing these, haven't tested the bike yet

It's pretty straight forward, here's a good basic vid for anyone interested

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MChTEUqv8dE

Some of you have programmed the Bafang, what did you change?

Anniearenyouok

Hi e_bike virgin here (please be gentle)

My budget is upto 2000e max including locks, any other accessories needed.

Daily commute approx 10k total. Will be using cycle to work scheme.

Will use it the weekends for long cycles and Park with kids, so it will be used.

Would like assistance as carrying bit more weight than normal and i like the idea of help up hills etc..

Any idea or recommendations?

https://www.decathlon.ie/ie_en/electric-hybrid-bike-riverside-500-e-grey-red-en-s169143.html

I was thinking of the above one from decathlon.ie

Thargor

unkel wrote: »

Bought the Bafang programming cable ages ago from AliExpress for EUR8 shipped (it's just a standard serial to USB interface cable) but never got around to using it until now. Was always annoyed that in the zero power assist level, you have no throttle either and that there was too much torque in the first power assist level. If I want to cycle around very slowly (with dog on the lead) at say 10km/h, it is very jerky. Made my first attempt at changing these, haven't tested the bike yet

It's pretty straight forward, here's a good basic vid for anyone interested

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MChTEUqv8dE

Some of you have programmed the Bafang, what did you change?

OT but isnt it weird how many Youtube videos about ebike tutorials feature such crappy sub-Halford level bikes? Its really strange.

unkel

Not something I see as a pattern from other vids, but I noticed that particular bike looks like a bit of a sh1tter alright

My budget was really low too, but I bought an older well worn full suspension Specialized for €150. Bafang kit was just over €400 shipped from the EU (so no taxes) and battery was €50, charger €15

Very powerful (1.5kW), capable and fast bike for just over €600 all in

unkel

The Bafang programming yesterday worked, which is good. But it's not quite at what I want so I'd say this will be a bit trial and error. Full throttle speed is now 8.7km/h in first assist level, I want that to be about 10km/h (dog walking speed for long distance or for when she is tired). Also assist currents not quite right yet.

ReganBrady

Based on the information and rules we should have an engine of 250w not more than this, it should stop giving power once at 25 kmh and engine should provide assistance once pedals start and stop assisting as pedals stop turning, so motor should be assisting only when user is pedalling and as pedalling stop by the user then it should cut out the power. Also it needs to keep in mind that old batteries are safe to make a battery pack as they should be matched technically. I like this information and will keep reading the further sharing, very interesting and good new knowledge for me.

Padre_Pio

unkel wrote: »

Not something I see as a pattern from other vids, but I noticed that particular bike looks like a bit of a sh1tter alright

My budget was really low too, but I bought an older well worn full suspension Specialized for €150. Bafang kit was just over €400 shipped from the EU (so no taxes) and battery was €50, charger €15

Very powerful (1.5kW), capable and fast bike for just over €600 all in

When it comes to speed and safety, do you wear additional gear, or just keep the speed to "normal" cycling speeds.

unkel

I just keep to normal cycling speeds. I like having the power. I like quick acceleration, but cycling at over about 25-30km/h serves no purpose for me.

Padre_Pio

unkel wrote: »

I just keep to normal cycling speeds. I like having the power. I like quick acceleration, but cycling at over about 25-30km/h serves no purpose for me.

Thanks, I know some of the unrestricted e-bikes will easily do moped speeds.

I wouldn't like to come off one just wearing shorts and a t-shirt:eek::eek:

Padre_Pio

Padre_Pio wrote: »

Thanks, I know some of the unrestricted e-bikes will easily do moped speeds.

I wouldn't like to come off one just wearing shorts and a t-shirt:eek::eek:

I was up to around 90 Km/h at one point, think that was with the 100 Volt battery. I went back to lower voltage not too long after.

I can tell you if I had a camera to capture the faces of People passing in cars as I sped along in the shoulder on the old N9 from Carlow to Castledermot, one time I was considering a bat man costume or Super man just for the laugh.

Thargor

Where's the best place to buy conversion kits these days and does anyone have any 2021 recommendations? Probably go for rear wheel drive, don't think my DIY skills are up to a mid drive conversion.