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Electric recumbent bike project finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by Mirza, May 22, 2007.

  1. Mirza

    Mirza New Member

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    The setup is an ecospeed 750W... with two 36V 15 AH batteries making for a total of 36V, 30 AH.

    So far I've taken it to ~39 mph on flat ground (could go a bit faster than that!) - maybe even a tiny decimal of a degree uphill. That is without pedalling, and without the fairing! I have yet to install the tailsok as well! I just got done putting on the fairing and installing. The batteries, motor controller, on/off unit (bought from Brent - nice unit!) have all been attached via hose clamps.

    Also - Boblbee (sp?) hardshell backpack, Craft RX6 Evolution helmet, Icon Pursuit red perforated jacket

    The recumbent bike is a Sun EZ1-SX.

    Tomorrow I'm getting the Big Apple 2" wide 20" tires installed.

    It does great with traffic - speed and all! I love it!

    [attachmentid=8222] [attachmentid=8223]

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    (I've had quite a few comments about the backpack looking like a jetpack!)

    [attachmentid=8225] [attachmentid=8226] [attachmentid=8227] [attachmentid=8228] [attachmentid=8229]
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 Mirza, May 22, 2007
  2. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Hey, Mirza, that's looking pretty good! With that fearsome helmet and cool jetpack, you shouldn't have to put up with any attitude from drivers. Congratulations on getting it finished.
     
    #2 hyo silver, May 22, 2007
  3. TJandGENESIS

    TJandGENESIS Are We Having Fun Yet?

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    Wow! That is something.
     
    #3 TJandGENESIS, May 22, 2007
  4. Wildkow

    Wildkow New Member

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    Nice, how much does it weigh and what is the range?

    Wildkow
     
    #4 Wildkow, May 22, 2007
  5. priussoris

    priussoris New Member

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    Very nice ! What is the weight of the batteries?
    looks like a comfy seat too for those long rides.
     
    #5 priussoris, May 22, 2007
  6. larkinmj

    larkinmj New Member

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    Mirza- that is really cool! I used to ride a recumbent (non-electric) and was thinking about getting another. Is there a website that has info on the motor?
     
    #6 larkinmj, May 22, 2007
  7. priussoris

    priussoris New Member

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    Here is a site for a hub motor, this is the type I have on my bike ( 600watt.)
    http://www.wildernessenergy.com/ there is another company called crystallite or very similar to that you can google that one.
     
    #7 priussoris, May 22, 2007
  8. Mirza

    Mirza New Member

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    I don't know the range yet - but estimates are anywhere from about 20 or 25 miles using full power and no pedalling - and perhaps 60-80 or so with light to very electric use. Once I get a bit more mullah I'll be able to get a Brain Drain... or maybe it's called a Drain Brain... and then I'd be able to figure out the range!

    The batteries weigh about 22 pounds total I think. The motor setup is I believe 12 pounds.

    The bike according to the manufacturer without anything weighs I think ~ 40 lbs. So about 75 lbs would be my guess! The Sun EZ1-SX is an entry level steel recumbent - so it's already a kinda heavy bike to start with. But I feel safer with steel than with something lighter... plus I suppose it's able to flex better and absorb some of the bad road conditions here.

    The motor kit is from www.ecospeed.net ... I got it through and independent resupplier - Brian Howell who runs www.electric-bikes.com.... the site has all kinds of information about all kinds of smaller vehicles.

    http://www.electric-bikes.com/betterbikes/
     
    #8 Mirza, May 22, 2007
  9. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Does it have regenerative braking?
     
    #9 tochatihu, May 22, 2007
  10. Mirza

    Mirza New Member

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    The ecospeed system does not have regenerative braking. Bionx is one that does, however.
     
    #10 Mirza, May 22, 2007
  11. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Estimate what you put into this cost-wise (excluding the fancy helmet and jet-pack) please.

    Also, does this require a motorcycle license or anything since it's motorized and can go so fast?
     
    #11 efusco, May 22, 2007
  12. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Hmmmm.
    Don't ever remember goint to West Virginia . . . maybe it's time for me to make a flight? With P-38 Lightning as luggage? Ol' buddy? :p
     
    #12 hill, May 22, 2007
  13. Mirza

    Mirza New Member

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    Hehe!

    So here's a breakdown...

    The helmet is actually about a mid-range as far as price for motorcycle helemts go :)... the backpack wasn't too bad either :)

    $1300 ecospeed 750W kit
    ~$1050 for 2 lithium ion batteries w/ 2 chargers

    The recumbent bicycle I got used from a guy in Tennessee... with recumbent accessories already added on - for $650. To get a new one with the features he had on it would cost about $1000.

    There are other costs to add up on that not related to the electric system - Tailsok w/ firefly light, gear, Schwalbe Big Apple tires (balloon tires - so act as a type of suspension!), lights, gear, and tools.
     
    #13 Mirza, May 24, 2007
  14. hiremichaelreid

    hiremichaelreid New Member

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    #14 hiremichaelreid, Aug 13, 2008
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