Specs for Motorizing My Electra Townie ...

[vja4Him]

I am riding my bikes (21-speed Electra Townie and 18-speed Mongoose Switchback) as my main transportation (van needs serious repairs and can't afford the cost).

I would like to do some research and find out what are the best options for motorizing my Electra Townie (and later my Mongoose too!). I work different job assignments everyday, and would like to be able to commute as far as 15 miles each way, and a few extra miles for running errands and shopping after work, so about 35-40 miles some days.

There aren't many hills where we live ... only several overpasses that I can actually pedal up with no problem.

What is the expected life of an electric motor for a bike? What are the price ranges for a battery-powered motor, and which kits will work with my Electra Townie? What are the maximum attainable speeds?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ... !!!

-- vja4Him

 

[Bobocop]

Hi vja4Him,
there are so many choices out there.
for the Mongoose you can probably go with the cheaper chain drive motor system,
for the Electra Townie, i would use a rear hub motor (would look nicer i think)

as for batteries, your not going to get 35-40 mile runs on SLA batteries (you would need a trailer to pull that many batteries)
i know someone that gets about 25 to 30 mile ranges with 5 (60 volts) 12 volt 20 amp SLA's, but each one weighs about 16 pounds, thats like 80 pounds in battery weight alone, I don't think you want that on one of your frames. plus, where are you going to put them (he custom built his frame)
you would need to get a nicad or Li-Po Battery pack (alot lighter) but that would run you anywhere from $700 to $1200 on batteries alone (for that kind of mile range)

anyway you can try visiting some suppliers and get some prices, one place i would check for great info on bike kits is the supplier ebikes.ca
they have all the info you need to know about different batteries, (sizes, ranges, etc)
and they also have all info on different motor systems, explaining how they work, which one is best suited for you etc.

you can purchase your parts somewhere else, but if i were you, i would go and read their Tech Info pages on motors and batteries before buying anything.

Good Luck.

 

[vja4Him]

Thanks for your suggestions .... I realize now, after many months of reading and learning more, I realize there are so many choices to make with an electric bicycle motor .... I need to wait for my tax return to find out just how much I will have to spend ....

Hi vja4Him,
there are so many choices out there.
for the Mongoose you can probably go with the cheaper chain drive motor system,
for the Electra Townie, i would use a rear hub motor (would look nicer i think)

as for batteries, your not going to get 35-40 mile runs on SLA batteries (you would need a trailer to pull that many batteries)
i know someone that gets about 25 to 30 mile ranges with 5 (60 volts) 12 volt 20 amp SLA's, but each one weighs about 16 pounds, thats like 80 pounds in battery weight alone, I don't think you want that on one of your frames. plus, where are you going to put them (he custom built his frame)
you would need to get a nicad or Li-Po Battery pack (alot lighter) but that would run you anywhere from $700 to $1200 on batteries alone (for that kind of mile range)

anyway you can try visiting some suppliers and get some prices, one place i would check for great info on bike kits is the supplier ebikes.ca
they have all the info you need to know about different batteries, (sizes, ranges, etc)
and they also have all info on different motor systems, explaining how they work, which one is best suited for you etc.

you can purchase your parts somewhere else, but if i were you, i would go and read their Tech Info pages on motors and batteries before buying anything.

Good Luck.