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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]
     

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  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.
     
  3. TJandGENESIS

    TJandGENESIS Are We Having Fun Yet?

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    Wow! That is something.
     
  4. Wildkow

    Wildkow New Member

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

    Wildkow
     
  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.
     
  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?
     
  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.
     
  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/
     
  9. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Does it have regenerative braking?
     
  10. Mirza

    Mirza New Member

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    The ecospeed system does not have regenerative braking. Bionx is one that does, however.
     
  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?
     
  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
     
  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.
     
  14. hiremichaelreid

    hiremichaelreid New Member

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