Hello from SouthEast Texas

[Elderberry]

Its been years since I've built anything, but I've got the itch.
I first built an electric offroad go kart for my Son powered by a delco generator. It had 18-9.50-8 turfsaver back tires and was geared so low it would crawl over anything. It used field control for a throttle.

Now I'm wanting to build something similar but 2 wheeled this time. I have a 12/24v 4.5 hp GE 2950 rpm series motor I plan to use. I need a rock climber with ample ground clearance and enough oomph to carry me up at least a 20 degree grade in some very rocky countryside, where I hunt. Top speed can be as low as 10mph.

I just found your site. I can see I'll be busy perusing this good info I've seen already.

 

[2door]

Welcome to the forum. Electric bikes are gaining in popularity here so you're in good company. Check out our e-bike section as well as the DYI area for ideas and input.
Glad to have you with us. Good luck with your project.

Tom

 

[Trey]

I welcome you as well sir. I live in the Rocky Mountains, and the first response to e-bike talk around here is: "grade".
I will be following along. Best of luck to you.

Trey

 

[xseler]

Howdy & welcome to the clubhouse!!

Best of luck in your build.

 

[Elderberry]

Well Today I picked up a "Donor Vehicle", a Baja Warrior, to convert into my Electric Rock Climbing Mule.

 

[wheelbender6]

Welcome to the forum. I built a gas bike first but now I'm an e-bike rider. I don't really prefer one over the other. Both are fun.

 

[Semaj]

Well Today I picked up a "Donor Vehicle", a Baja Warrior, to convert into my Electric Rock Climbing Mule.

Woof! Your gonna electrify that? Its gonna be a sweet ride when your done

 

[massdrive]

Welcome Elderberry

 

[scotto-]

Don't be shocked, life is a gas! Welcome The less wheels....the better!

Anything on wheels rolls better than not. Engines and motors just make them deluxe!

 

[Elderberry]

I've gotten in the drive parts( sprockets & jack shaft) I'm gunna start out with a 12 to 1 reduction. I haven't taken off the engine yet. I don't know yet if I'll have to modify the frame for battery room.

I've been searching/studying up on controllers. I plan on rolling my own as I'm too cheap to buy a new one. I haven't wielded a soldering iron in a long while, but I was a Navy Electronics Technician in a previous life.

As its labeled a 12/24V motor, I was planning to run it at 24 volts. What I've read is that when you increase voltage you gain top speed at the loss of low speed torque.

I need to climb a grade of around 20 degrees at worst, but only for 300-400 feet. the rest of the time will be mostly level.

Does 24 v sound right? Or should I increase it?

 

[Semaj]

I hear More V is better, Im running 72 and the hills here in austin suck. I think once I slap a second motor on the side car im going to build Ill really be moving up them around 30+
Atleast this is what Ive been led to belive by what Ive been told about the crystalite motor ive got. I guess Ill find out for myself some day.

 

[kevyleven007]

they tend to have better torque and speed at higher volts. I would go with 24 or even as high as 48.