Kona UTE cargo bike

GoldenMotor.com

CoolCruiser

New Member
Jun 15, 2012
173
0
0
Massachusetts
I was planning my first electric conversion would be a Felt cruiser but I picked up this Kona UTE this weekend when I spotted it on CL. Kona sells an electric version and others I've seen have a front wheel hub motor but I think that's mostly because they are using low price\quality kits. I'm thinking a rear wheel Magic Pie 3 w/ 7 speed gears and disc brake is the way to go. Although the frame looks like it has a lot of space I can't find any decent capacity batteries that fit within the frame so I'll probably put the battery on the deck close the the seat.

Any reason why I should consider using a front hub motor instead? Any battery or other suggestions?
 

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racie35

Active Member
Nov 17, 2012
1,702
5
38
usa
that sure is different isnt it. why do you need the gears with an electric motor? arent they rated pretty high nowadays?1000w and up?
 

paul

Well-Known Member
Dec 23, 2007
5,547
44
48
66
Kalamazoo, MI
gears i think are great on a hub motor for pedal assist, i have some long steep mountains i go up and having gears to assist the motor is real nice especially when i am tired. i personally thing gears are a must on a electric bicycle if you live in a hilly area.
front hub i say absolutely not. you go around a corner and their is just a few pebbles on the road you are going to crash if you give it any throttle, the front end will slip out in front of you, especially with a powerful hub like the magic pie 3
 

Easy Rider

Santa Cruz Scooter Works
Jan 15, 2008
2,145
7
38
Nor*Cal
that sure is different isnt it. why do you need the gears with an electric motor? arent they rated pretty high nowadays?1000w and up?
I use to think I didn't need gears when I was using the Boxer frame but then can my beach cruiser and it really is helpful especially when your climbing hills.

BTW good choice of bike.