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General Category >> Technical >> electric assist for trikes?
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Message started by esbee on Sep 2^nd, 2011, 5:54pm

Title: electric assist for trikes?
Post by esbee on Sep 2^nd, 2011, 5:54pm

We were wondering about the possibility of putting an electric assist motor on our Sun Delta trike or getting a trike with one already on it. Does anyone know where and what kind of motor it would take and how to put one on?
thanks
Susan

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by power_bent on Sep 2^nd, 2011, 8:52pm

Try Ecspeed, they use the origanl chain line...
http://www.ecospeed.com/

I'm building an kit for our trike..

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by esbee on Sep 2^nd, 2011, 9:31pm

How much is the motor you are building and are they hard to put on a bike?
Susan [smiley=shrug.gif]

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by power_bent on Sep 2^nd, 2011, 9:51pm

We ordered a 48v 1000w motor..The controller has a max of 40 amp , so i'm getting a 48v 30ah battery.that should be more that enough for a day ride by itself .But that not why we are doing this..I wanted to make sure that we don't run out and we are going to pedal tooo.The goal is to have an assist for a ride of 60 miles.
I was told that 36v 750 w motor is plenty for assist .We are heavier people and i want to up the motor a little.The system i'm building is versilate that i can change the gearing for hill climbing or cruising fast on roads..
The Ecspeed is a simple setup . I believe it setup to be regenerative too.When the motor not in use while pedaling it turns the motor and charge the battery.
My setup won't be that way. I'm going to have freewheel on both side so when motor not in use the only thing i'm working with is the weight of the system.No regenerative.
I'll be glad to help anyway i can..

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by esbee on Sep 3^rd, 2011, 12:42am

how much does this motor cost?
since my husband only rides a short distance- less than 2 miles in most cases, he needs the assist so he can ride longer and have help on inclines...he is a heavier person needing to build stamina and lose weight...he has to sleep propped up (apnea and other issues)
thanks for any help and suggestions

susan

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by jayg on Sep 6^th, 2011, 5:17pm

If you could find a reasonably-priced, used tadpole trike, a RideKick Power Trailer might be the simplist and most economical route to assisted, short-distance riding. A RideKick trailer costs $729, and shipping is free. The RideKick site address is: www.ridekick.com. See the demo video at the site. Also, see a review of the trailer at: www.bentrideronline.com.

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af339/jayg_2010/73791_168381193180258_142653202419724_484827_488912_n.jpg

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by power_bent on Sep 6^th, 2011, 6:35pm

Wow that would be an expensive up grade to do..In order to use that trailer you have to get a different trike that is compatable..Esbee if you could hold on a little bit, I might be able to save you a ton of money to put a kit on your trike..

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by esbee on Sep 6^th, 2011, 7:15pm

okey dokey---will wait...thanks
Susan

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by TonyWard on Sep 6^th, 2011, 8:01pm

power_bent wrote:

Not really - the ecospeed you recommended runs 3-4 grand and is much more complicated to install then just hooking up a trailer

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by power_bent on Sep 6^th, 2011, 9:23pm

Tony, that was just a suggestion not recomended.....There many other reason why i said that site. It not really hard at all to install. [smiley=lolk.gif]

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by power_bent on Sep 6^th, 2011, 9:41pm

Well i went back to the site and they have added more info about the ridekick. There adding more room for the trailer capacity which is good for dual purpose. The only prob i see with this etup which this guy didn't mention is traction. You get anywhere around dirt or gravel you gonna spin the tires..

One thing i'm that i'm not very happy with some people on here is that they don't help people they rather have them spend money.Wheres the Kingdom in that.....

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by Opus the Poet on Sep 7^th, 2011, 4:51pm

Just keep in mind that US Federal rules and TX laws for e-assist are not the same so if you intend to cross state lines you need to build to the Federal rules. In TX you are not limited in power or speed as long as pedalling is required to get assist, but you still have to stay under the posted speed limits. If you can get assist without pedalling TX law limits you to 20 MPH, and either way the bike has to weigh under 100 pounds "ready to ride". At the moment "ready to ride" means if you can take it off and still get assist and ride the bike it doesn't count for the 100 pound weight limit, but that might change.

Federal rules limit power to 750 Watts and 20 MPH with a 170 pound rider on level ground with no wind, no weight limit. I suggest building a bike with 750W that is geared to a maximum speed of 20 MPH and weighs under 100 pounds with batteries.

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by power_bent on Sep 7^th, 2011, 9:40pm

Well said

Title: Re: electric assist for trikes?
Post by Patti on Sep 22^nd, 2011, 9:31pm

Just wanted to mention that there is a used Bionix electric assist for sale over at Recumbent Riders international. The person selling it is a long time member. Might be worth a look. Here is the text of the post:

I have a used BIONIX Electric Assist unit for sale. It includes, charger, cables, battery, laced wheel/hub etc. Regular price for the cheapest unit is around $1,890 dollars, I am only asking $800 OBO since it is used. If interested please contact me at: serenity at nxs dot net