Posts Tagged ‘installation’

The Basics of an Electric Bike Motor!

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Whether you are interested in purchasing an ebike or you’re looking into starting from scratch in order to create your very own customized electric bicycle, you will definitely need to know the basics of the electric bike motor.

There are two main types of electric bike motors, each with their own set of features and functions.

The hub motor:
• The motor is compact in size to fit into the wheel.
• Most hub motors provide great efficiency with relatively low noise.
• Many of the leading companies offer custom-made hub electric bike motors to fit the needs of the consumer.
• Initially, you have to set up the built-in programmer.
• The best models offer cruise control.
• The weight can range from 5-15kg, which is a lot.
• The power ranges from 250-1000 Watts depending on the hub motor regulations for the area.
• The price ranges from a $100 to as much as $500.
• It is extremely energy efficient with minimum loss of energy and the total cost of maintenance is surprisingly low.
• Generally, you have to modify the wheel to make room for the electric bike motor.

The brushless motor:
• The electric bike motor has electronic functioning.
• It is environmentally safe.
• The motor works with a DC current.
• Generally, a brushless motor has an integrated gearbox, which significantly increases the amount of motor torque.
• High speed cruising with this motor is a highly enjoyable experience.

If you intend on buying an e bike kit then it will come with one of these motors and probably a choice between wide ranges of power. E bike kits are easier to install for a first time user and a person with limited knowledge of machinery. However, if you want to construct an entire electric bike from scratch, then you should pay special attention to the electric bike motor specifications to select the kind that would fit your lifestyle.

Choosing a suspension fork for electric motorcycle

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

Suspension fork for electric motorcycle is an essential part of the motorcycle and when choosing one, you need to ensure that you buy the suspension fork of the recommended length in order to match with the frame of the bicycle. If you buy a complete ebike, the suspension fork that that comes along will already go well with the bike.

Choosing the right fork:

A suspension fork that is too tall will cause the frame to change the handling features of the bicycle and will add excess strain on the head tube exceeding its capability to handle stress. This can result in the cracking of the frame due to excess stress. It can also raise the bike’s stand over height thus making the bike too high for you to comfortably sit on. A short suspension fork will lower the front end of the bike which will drastically increase the head angle thus causing you difficulty in handling the bike.

Choosing the right size:

Some suspension forks come with an adjustable travel which helps you set the correct height for the frame, however, they are more expensive and are not essential for an electric bicycle. Just go for the suspension fork for electric motorcycle of the same height that the frame was designed for.

You can check the frame manufacturer’s site in order to see their recommendation for the fork size for the frame that you have. The suspension forks can have an air spring which can be adjusted with the help of shock pump to adjust the air pressure inside the suspension fork. A suspension fork with a coil spring may require the change of the internal coil spring to another one that will match the weight of the newly finished bike.

Choosing the fork according to Durability:

Suspension forks are available with varying diameter stanchions that range from 32mm up to 40mm. The bigger stanchions are recommended since they provide stiffness to the fork thus preventing the suspension fork from bending while applying the front brake.

The electric motorcycle becomes heavy after installation of the components and hence a very tough fork that is capable of handling a big 8-inch brake rotor is recommended. You can opt for a 20mm through axle, which is usually available with heavy duty forks. This type of suspension fork for electric motorcycle will provide additional stiffness thus providing extra durability to the ebike.