Welcome to Electric-Bikes.com
Do-It-Yourself
Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) Parts for the DIYer.
Thinking of building a fast (over 20 mph) e-bike? If so, it would have to be registered like a moped or motorcycle. So, there's essentially no legal limitation. The moped limit (any design) is 30mph. For faster e-cycles, you will need to register and insure it and earn a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license.
Kits and Instructions
Bidwell Bike Pusher
You can build the Bidwell Bike Pusher over a weekend in your garage, using standard hand tools. It uses parts from a standard Currie electric scooter: electric motor, drive wheel system (including wheels), wiring, connectors, battery, charger, and handlebar thumb speed controller. The Bidwell design accommodates a variety of charger and battery options that are available at local stores. All the frame components are available at local hardware stores.
You can mount a cargo box on your Bidwell Bike Pusher in seconds. The Bidwell Bike Pusher fits into the trunk of your small car for easy transporting to and from your biking area. The standard batteries (located under the diamond plate deck) will push your bicycle at 16 to 18 MPH for approximately 8 miles. The range can be increased to up to 30 miles by adding more batteries. Pedaling also increases the range and you can also easily pedal home with a tired battery because the motor "Free-wheels".
The Plans and Builder's Guide ($35) is an 8.5 X 11 inch comb-bound construction manual with over 40 photos and illustrations. This 48-page book describes in detail how to build this unique device and how to attach it to any bicycle.
Click here for more photos and text.
Bidwell Design, bidwelldesign@comcast.net
Slipstream Electric Bicycle (formerly the EMB)
The EMB concept is a "homebrew" motorbike. A motor, a set of batteries and a throttle are mated to a mountain bike frame. The pedals, all original gears and derailleurs need to be stripped from the mountain bike. [As such, it doesn't qualify as an 'electric bicycle' under California law.] The motor is added and linked to the rear wheel using a heavy duty chain and a large gear on the rear wheel to reduce the motor's speed. The motor is hooked to a throttling mechanism, which controls the amount of power flowing to the motor. The throttling mechanism is then hooked to the batteries.
A complete set of plans on how to convert a regular mountain bike to an EMB are now available at a special price of $45.00. With detailed asssembly instructions, pictures and diagrams these plans show you, step-by-step, how to construct your own EMB. Included is a list of all component suppliers along with the parts used and all part numbers. All major components are available via mail order through these companies.
Specifications:
•Fully electric, powered by rechargeable batteries
•Batteries recharged by the Sun using Solar Panels
•30 miles per hour top speed
•0 to 30 miles per hour in 4 seconds
•20 mile range between charges
•Built upon an inexpensive steel mountain bike frameBill Gerosa, 914-773-6749, Bill@econvergence.net
Convergence Technologies, Inc., 12-6 Foxwood Drive, Pleasantville, NY 10570
http://www.econvergence.net/emb.htm
Pedal-Electric (PedElec) Bicycle Plans
Pedal and/or use the electric assist motor powered by rechargeable batteries
- Direct chain drive - no slippage
- 16 miles per hour top speed
- 6 to 8 mile range between charges
Bill Gerosa, 914-773-6749, Bill@econvergence.net
Convergence Technologies, Inc., 12-6 Foxwood Drive, Pleasantville, NY 10570
http://www.econvergence.net/pedelec.htm
Various electric motorcycles can be built from plans. Learn more at Motor-Scooters
Here's a D-I-Y model from a guy at Stanford.
http://www.jstraubel.com/ebike/ebike.htmTechies and Do-It-Yourself folks will find an in-depth introduction to electric bike terms, concepts, batteries, and drive systems at:
POWER ASSIST FAQ (http://www.peltzer.net/ebike/PA_FAQ.htm)I. Introduction and Background
II. General Terms and Abbreviations
III. Experimental Propulsion Systems for PA's and Other Advanced Vehicles
IV. A Short Guide to Batteries for Electric Vehicles
V. Common Questions to Constructing and Maintaining a PAA thorough FAQ section from 4QD (a manufacturer) on batteries, motors and controllers:
http://www.4qd.co.uk/faq/index.htmlThe Zappy Users Group trades lots of technical information on parts for ZAPWORLD.COM products.
Here's a calculator which also should help your understanding of gradients, masses and speeds: http://www.4qd.co.uk/faq/current.html
To get a better idea of how DC motors work with regards to varying torque, amps, RPMs, etc., check the interesting chart at http://www.lynchmotor.com/213.2.htm
Just Kidding! But, really, many types of modifications are possible with electric scooters.
Motors for Inventors and Engineers
For an Electric Bicycle, choose PMDC motor, something in the 1/2 to 1 hp range.
Reputedly the supplier of motors to ZAPWORLD.COM is:
Revcor, Inc., 251 Edwards Ave., Carpentersville, IL 60110
Toll Free: (800) 323-8261, Phone: (847) 428-4411, Fax: (847) 426-4630
www.revcor.comFor years, Wilde has provided parts for and built electric vehicles. His Revcor #60036 is reportedly larger than the standard ZAP motor. http://www.wilde-evolutions.com/PriceList.htm or http://evparts.com/
You can also follow their links to other companies that sell EV parts.
http://evparts.com/Suppliers.htmLynch Electric Motor Co. Ltd
Unit 8, Heath Close
Heathpark Industrial Estate
Honiton, Devon
England, EX14 1SN
Phone: +44 (0) 1404 44132 Fax: +44 (0) 1404 47050 E-mail: sales@lemcoltd.com
Manufacturer of the Lynch permanent magnet DC electric motors.
http://www.lemcoltd.sagehost.co.uk/Here's another Motor supplier: http://www.imperialelectric.com/home.html
Here's a good motor site. http://www.members.home.net/rdoctors/
Loads of motors at http://www.motionvillage.com/products/motors/
Here are some great technical sources:
http://lynchmotor.com/240.htm#2.1
http://www.kta-ev.com/
This document explains how to calculate the hill climbing ability of EV's.
http://lynchmotor.com/PDF%20files/241.202.pdf"When we first started in the business we found it extremely difficult to get one or two motors for testing on a variety of applications. Even when we did it, the price was exorbitant. Now we use a number of motors and sell bare motors. As few as one can be purchased. All the specs are entered here[on their website]." [Editor's note: their selection is limited.]
Palmer Industries, PO Box 5707 US Endicott, NY 13763 USA
Phone 800-847-1304 or 607-754-2957; Fax 607-754-1954
E-Mail - palmer@palmerind.com
http://www.hancock.net/~palmer/motors.htmMRI has developed an new, very efficient traction motor. Contact Dave Flynn, president of MRI, for information at 573/545-4546 or dflynn@showme.net
Speed Controllers:
Variable-speed with a 12V controller from http://members.tripod.com/~divelec/hbridge.html
The controller has adjustable "ramp up" controls that allow you to set the rate of acceleration from a standing stop. The controller has a max of 50amps.
Diverse Electronic Services in Nanticoke, PA. 570-735-3306 or 570-735-5053.Various controllers: http://www.motionvillage.com/products/controllers/
Typically motor controllers limit the top speed of scooters and electric cycles. The Hot Scoot for instance is limited to 18mph stock, but by-passing the controller and feeding the motor the full 24V drives the top speed up to 30mph (with a light rider crouching to reduce wind resistance on a level surface with no wind; a 250 lb. rider can easily achieve 27mph on the level.) Thunderstruck-EV of northern California sells a "turbo button" kit that accomplishes this. It may be possible to rig up a similar type of turbo button on the Voloci, but I would be hesitant doing this to the NiMH batteries, as the direct draw may be too much for them. It might be doable for the SLA version. It would really be ironic if the cheaper, lower tech SLA version could be tricked out to beat the NiMH version. The Hot Scoot with a Curtis 36V controller and a 36V battery pack would be a real barn stormer. Figure 35mph for sure, and probably close to 38 or 39mph at full throttle if the rider is tucked into the wind.
Batteries and Chargers:
The people who frequent the newsgroup, sci.chem.electrochem.battery, are the experts on batteries.
Find a bunch of information on batteries and their performance in the FAQ section of:
www.EVdeals.comDate: Sun, 16 Apr 2000 11:25:59 -0700
From: Steffan Carroll <steffan@usa.net>
Subject: Battery Algorithyms, Peukert's Equation
This battery handbook has lots of great stuff, including the actual equations for calculating battery performance.
http://electrosource.com/batt_mnl/cvr_note.htmBatteries in a Portable World answers questions and provides easy to understand explanations. It provides an insight into the different battery chemistries, examines suitability of each system and addresses the frequently experienced problems of unreliable service and short life. The batteries are scrutinized in typical field use under less than ideal conditions rather than in the manufacturer's controlled laboratory environment.
http://web.tiscalinet.it/nick/guide_bpw_0_00.htmFree Tech Paper "Battery Essentials"
Batteries are essential for the performance of any EV. They also represent a major investment, so maximizing life can be critical. Our technical paper "Battery Essentials" covers: Selection, Installation, Initial Break- In, Use, Failure Mechanisms, Storage, Maintenance, and Testing. For a Free copy via email, just forward your request to EVAmerica@aol.comA low-cost on-line supplier of batteries: www.batteries.com
Hawker Batteries offers listings of run-down rates showing the constant current discharge/amps at various durations, 5 min to 20 hr. http://www.tauber.com/hawkgene.html
Dynage manufacturs a full range of battery chargers for NiMH, NiCd, or Lead-Acid.
Dynage Power & Magnetics, Division of Oakleaf, Inc.
www.dynage.com, Voice (direct) 605-335-8807, Fax (direct) 605-335-5972Batteries-Chargers: http://www.evdeals.com
A list of battery suppliers: http://www.egroups.com/wdb?method=&listname=zappy&tbl=2
Cliplight products make a high-amp charger (12v/10amp) - http://www.cliplight.com
A small (less than 10A) open-frame battery charger power supply with combinations for sealed lead acid (gellcell) and automotive (wet) batteries. http://www.ibexmfg.com/index.htm
Ed Benjamin has written a short but informative article discussing different types of batteries (Lead Acid, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, etc.).
https://www.batterybikes.com/03info_forum_frame.htmThe complaint about "no big NiMh cells" is well taken, but there is a technical reason for that: NiMh has a much higher internal resistance than Ni Cd, and thus generates too much heat. If made too large, they melt or explode in use. F cells are about the biggest you will see. Moltech made the c cells for "white lightning" that holds the land speed record.
Electric Vehicles of America, Inc. (EVA) is the leader in EV Safety with the use of Anderson SBX connectors, the First Inertia switch, dual contactors, and more. A paper describing safety is available also free. Its title is "Safety First".
"Anyone can build an EV - but building great EVs requires experience and engineering."
Bob Batson P.E., EVAmerica@aol.com, www.EV-America.com
Electric Vehicles of America, Inc. (EVA)
Tel# 603-569-2100, Fax# 603-569-2900
11 Eagle Trace P.O Box 2037
Wolfeboro, NH 03894Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2001 06:07:22 -0800 (PST)
From: Jerome Byrd <k3gnc@yahoo.com>
Subject: Charging batteries in parallelYes, you can charge batteries in parallel even if they have different discharge rates and/or capacity. Charging batteries in 'series' is the rub! The current in a series circuit is the same through all components. This means that if you have batteries with different capacities or at different stages of discharge, they ‘keep’ getting current forced through them even after they are fully charged&ldots;not good! Charging mismatched batteries in series will almost certainly destroy the smaller battery. Charging will not stop until the 12v 17ah battery is charged...which is long after the 12v 12ah is charged. The 12v 12ah battery will heat up and get damaged.
In a parallel circuit, the current pool is the sum of the current flowing in each component. If one battery is fully charged, the voltage will match the voltage from the charging source -- and resist further current flow. The excess current will flow to the other ‘needy’ batteries. It’s something like that trick with the pyramid of wine glasses&ldots;.you can keep pouring until the last glass is full.
What’s the danger!? Voltage!! If you have an improper/unregulated charging source, then you may overwhelm the resistance of the charged batteries as you continue to charge the others. Voltage is like water pressure&ldots;. If you pour the wine at a regulated-proper rate you are ok. If you shoot the wine at the top glass from a fire hose&ldots;you have a mess!!
A couple of things could happen charging two unevenly discharged packs. A lot depends on the charger. (I'm not talking about packs that are like within 5% or 10% of each other. More like 15% or more in difference.) The charger may get a false reading of a charged pack and go into trickle charge mode and not fully charge the pack that is really low. Or, it may subject a pack that is near full charge to the stresses of over-charging because the pack that is really low has a long way to go to reach full charge. Like I said, it depends on the charger. Either way, I don't think its a good idea to charge two packs that differ greatly in discharge levels on the same charger simultaneously.
How do SLA chargers decide when to stop charging? Same as with one battery...when the battery voltage reaches a specified limit. The voltage across batteries in parallel is the same for 'all' batteries no matter how many, so the charger acts like it is charging one battery...same as normal.
Electric Vehicle Parts & Kits
Global Light & Power
520 Pine Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864 tel. (208) 263-5027,fax (208) 263-6908
email: glblitnpwr@nidlink.com
http://www.nidlink.com/~glblitnpwr/EVPARTS2.htmlElectric Vehicle Parts
Permanent Magnet Motors -- SpeedControllers -- Pot Boxes -- Cable, Wire -- DC-DC Converters -- Components for Electrathon & ultralight EVsElectric Vehicle Kits and Power Packs
Electrathon Engineering Kits -- Motorcycle and Light Weight vehicle Kits
Others who are interested in LEVs:
An online powered bicycle users' group trades information, tips and ideas at http://yahoogroups.com/group/power-assist/
You might want to join the EV list http://www.madkatz.com/~mikt/ev/evlist.html
Hosted at SJSU, they're intouch with EV activity in the Bay Area.Lawrence Emanual, Oakland BAC
supporter of lightweight ("no heavier than the rider") transportation.
yop@jps.net
