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Apr 15, 2009 11:26:17 GMT
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Though you guys might like this. I have just bought a Raleigh Stowaway just like this one www.weblogcartoons.com/cb/raleigh0309-2.jpg (my camera batteries are dead) The plan is to set it up with a 750w rear hub motor and mount the batteries on a rear carrier (i was thinking an old fruit crate would look good for this). One of the reasons I am doing this is because for a uni project I am building an electric delivery moped so I wanted to do this first as a tester. It should go pretty fast and will technically be illegal on uk roads seeing as the limit is 250w which has to be pedal assisted. Will get some pics up of my bike and keep you updated. Should be ordering the kit from a chinese company called golden motor within a week. I will use lead acid batteries to begin with (3 x 12v20ah leisure type batteries). |
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Last Edit: Apr 16, 2009 14:10:06 GMT by tomasz151
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Apr 15, 2009 13:00:42 GMT
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sounds good
maybe mount the batteries under the cross bar though. For better weight distrubution
as if there on the carrier it will be tail heavy and difficult to move about.
theres a few electric bike websites
sites like Instructables have build ups of bikes on them
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Thats a good point. Would look a lot cooler disguised on the back rack though. I am signed up to the endless sphere forum which is an electric vehicle discussion group.
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Apr 16, 2009 14:04:07 GMT
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Also bear in mind that this is a 750w motor not the usual 200w used on commercially available bikes in the uk. I did a quick test today with the weight and they don't seem too heavy. Its kind of just like me being a bit fatter. Here is a pic of my bike. Sorry its a bit rubbish it was taken on my phone.  |
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lae
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,045
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Apr 16, 2009 14:55:25 GMT
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Have you thought about the problems of going very fast on quite a flimsy bike? Or the problems of having a really powerful motor? I used to work in a bike shop and we sold electric bikes, if you put the power on while you were standing you could get them to break traction on the rear wheel, which was fun, but it ruined the tyres and ripped the inner tubes apart - they were only 200w motors too. Stuff like snapping spokes, brake/rim overheating because of prolonged braking?
Then again I suppose a human can easily generate 250lbf of torque just pedalling hard.
What university course are you doing? Sounds interesting, I've got an interview for Vehicle Design at Coventry on tuesday and I'm bricking it (initially did a history degree but dropped out a couple of years ago, not done any design/artistic work for about five years... eep)
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Currently:
Mk1 Focus blandmobile
Formerly:
1969 MG Midget
1972 Avenger GT
1981 Datsun Cherry
1989 Corolla
1979 Mercedes W123 200D
1995 Ford Falcon
1996 Ford Telstar (bet you had to google that one)
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Apr 17, 2009 16:56:50 GMT
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Yeah i attached a cut down fruit box today and put the batteries in to see how it affected handling. It is a bit weird but may be ok when the motor is powering the bike and not me. The back rack need reinforcement though, it too wobbly.
frinkmakesyouthink - they are all considerations i need to take into account. The bike is suprisingly sturdy though. The hub motor comes already with the wheel so i am hoping it will be strong enough and i will get some new tyres for the bike. I think breaking may be an issue so i may look into upgrading them.
I have seen more powerful conversions than this on youtube that work ok but i am just going to play it by ear. If it feels too unsafe i will use another bike.
My course is Product Design at Brighton University. The course allows you to design pretty much anything but teaches you little about actually model making etc. This is my final project so its quite a big one. Hopefully i will be taking the bike to New Designers show in London this summer.
Good luck with the interview, it should be a really interesting course, i love the drawings that vehicle designers create. Do you have much experience with computer modelling and rendering?
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lae
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,045
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Apr 17, 2009 17:05:13 GMT
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Nope, absolutely none  Did essay subjects for a-level, did half a history degree, dropped out, worked as a mechanic/bike shop for a couple of years and only got round to applying just before Christmas. So, no idea if I'll get in. On one hand, I've done a fuckload of work for my portfolio with absolutely no instruction or experience. On the other hand, I've possibly done a fuckload of irrelevant and rubbish work and I don't have a clue what I'm on about But they've given me an interview so I guess it's a good start. Plus I think being a mature student helps a bit, shows I'm going to university because I want to do it, not just because I've finished my a-levels and I don't know what to do next (which is how I ended up doing that history degree). |
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Currently:
Mk1 Focus blandmobile
Formerly:
1969 MG Midget
1972 Avenger GT
1981 Datsun Cherry
1989 Corolla
1979 Mercedes W123 200D
1995 Ford Falcon
1996 Ford Telstar (bet you had to google that one)
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Apr 17, 2009 19:42:00 GMT
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I think they will like that you have done a lot of your own work. 80% of getting a good degree is having enthusiasm for your subject imo.
You might want to start thinking about downloading some 3D programs. I use Rhino and Maxwell for rendering but i doubt they will use Rhino. Maybe 3D Studio Max. Its pretty good fun when you have had a bit of practice although doing vehicles is really tough!
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slater
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 6,390
Club RR Member Number: 78
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Apr 17, 2009 20:25:22 GMT
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That bike is stunning!
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vambo
Part of things
Ratrods, Muscle Cars, Pornography and Death Metal!
Posts: 445 
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Apr 17, 2009 20:34:13 GMT
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Awsome! my Father-in-law has a Raleigh Stowaway in Portugal, I'm off on hoilday there next week, i will get a photo of it.
nice project
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1970 Hillman Avenger 1980 Datsun 240K Skyline 1992 Volvo 240 Torslanda 1992 Toyota Hilux Turbo Bizzle 1995 Volvo 850 T5  |
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Apr 18, 2009 14:15:22 GMT
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I reckon a Makita 18V battery grinder would power one quite well, load it up with lots of batteries (expensive) and you'll fly.
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Apr 18, 2009 18:48:54 GMT
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Thanks, i will get some better pictures when i get my camera charger back.
Eventually i would like to use some LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries but they are really expensive.
Will be ordering the motor on monday!
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