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Kits to Convert Bikes to Electric Betterbikes
Go To Step 3 and Select Batteries -->Second step in creating Betterbike is choosing 1 or more motors. Fortunately, comfortable recumbents can be fitted with a variety of mid-drive motor or a hub-drive motor kits.
Mid-drive kits modify the recumbent's chain system to transmit both human and motor power to the gearing at the rear wheel. Adding gearing to the motor provides the user with both high speed and good hill-climbing.
- Electro Portal offers the E-4 mid-drive kits for the Sun Bicycle EZ-1 and EZ-3. Kits are very reasonably priced at $600 and capable of 500-600W depending on battery chemistry. Click here for an in-depth look at this kit.
Click for instructions about installing an Electro Portal E-4 kit on an EZ-1 or EZ-3.
- EcoSpeed offers mid-drive kits to convert Bike-E, Sun (EZ-1, EZ-3, EZ Sport), and Easy Racers (Gold Rush, Tour Easy) recumbents. Ecospeed's high performance PowerPack Motor kit's are priced at $1295 and are capable of 1100-1800W depending on the voltage of Li-Po or NiMh battery used.
NEW OPTION! In addition to the popular Powerpack, Ecospeed now has a Mid Motor from BMC (see BMC Hubs below). Slightly less power (37V 25A), but with this new addition, Ecospeed/BMC is now one of the most efficient motor kits you can buy. The new BMC mid motor and controller for the Ecospeed has been designed with electronics to prevent current spikes on acceleration and gear shifting. As a the result is a motor that is really easy on batteries and somehow 30% more efficient than the Powerpack. Also, because of less voltage spikes, Lithium batteries now have increased range before reaching the low voltage cut off threshold of the BMS. Click here for more information on Lithium batteries.
Hub motor kits power the bike using a hub motor built into the bicycle wheel.
Note that all prices above are estimates and subject to change.- BionX of Canada offers well integrated, lightweight hub motor kits featuring an advanced controller, both power-on-demand and ped-elec operation, and regeneration. Prices range from $1000 - $1500 depending on choice of battery (LiPo/NiMh) and Voltage (250W+ at 24V, 350W+ at 36V).
- Heinzmann of Germany builds hub motors kits with both wattage and gearing options. Heinzmann has built electric motors for 40 years, and offers hub motor kits starting around $1000. Heinzmann hubs are efficient, lightweight, and have almost no drag when coasting.
- Crystalyte offers a series of hub motors for both front and rear wheels in 16", 20", 24", and 26" wheel sizes. Prices range from $600 to $1100. The Phoenix series can deliver 48V X 40A with PbA or 58V X 40A with Li-Po, both will turn a standard mountain bike into a 25-40mph vehicle. Crystalyte also offers other hub motor kits in the 15 - 25 mph range.
NEW UPGRADE! Now the Crystalyte phoenix series comes with an insanely powerful 72V 40A controller. With this voltage even small 20" wheels can get over 40 mph. This is great news for recumbents bikes and trikes.- BMC
now offers a light (9 lbs) brushless planetary gear hub motor kit.
This hub is reliable, quiet, efficient and affordable. Price range is $550 to $850 depending on which of the several options/upgrades you choose.
Features:- 540W (W/15A controller)motor with torque rivaling 1000W motors
- 15A 37V Controller, with upgrades to 25A and 35A
- Hall Effect Throttle with power on indicator
- NO DRAG FREEWHEELING
Additional Options:- Rear Hub Motor Kit Available: Rear Hub Kit threaded for Disc Brakes & Sprockets.
- Powerful Controller Upgrade:The new 35 Amp Brushless DC Controller is capable of 26V,37V,and 52V of operation.
NOTE:
As a bonus, this hub wheel is built in house to desired sizes of 20", 26", and 700C by Electro Ride LLC. The wheel build features high quality spokes and a durable spoke pattern often seen in touring bikes carrying 200 lbs of cargo. In addition, you can request thorn resistant tubes and kevlar tires as shown in the picture for any of the hubs listed above.
Engineering Performance Tests Results (Table and Curves) for 36V 15A:
BMC 36V 15A Performance Table
BMC 36V 15A Performance Curves
Before you think you need more than the 36V 15A controller, check out the near 80% efficiency, 342 rpm max assist (26 mph for 26" wheel) and very reasonable torque.
Cad Drawings of Front and Back Hubs:
BMC Front Hub
BMC Rear Hub
Only 4 kg / 8.8 lbs!
Quadribent™ Side-By-Side Recumbent Bicycles for Two People.