Adding handlebar battery control

[Andy888]

Hi All
I have a 2019 Focus Whistler with a downtube mounted battery. The Battery has an integral switch used to turn on, and then choose between 3 different battery
powers. This is a pain as its impossible to swap between different powers without stopping. It would be great to have the control on the handlebars instead.
Does anyone know if this is a possibility?

 

[Peter.Bridge]

They're great aren't they - I have 3 e bikes now !

So the typical components of a hub drive bike (which I think is yours ) are

Hub motor within wheel
Battery
Pedal sensor
Controller
Display
(Optionally throttle)

If your motor and battery are ok, you could replace the controller, display and pedal sensor and be able to control the pedal assist levels from the display on your handlebars

 

[Andy888]

Hi Peter
Thanks for that. Forgive my ignorance but would that mean using the original battery and downtube mount and wiring in a new controller, sensor and display. Is this the sort of thing that would be available as a kit, or would you buy the items as separate pieces?

 

[saneagle]

It's a proprietary system, so the answer is not without making substantial changes to the electrical system.

The motor looks like a standard Bafang one with a normal 9-pin connector. They mention Bafang in the crankset, which probably means a torque sensor system.

Battery replacement is going to be very expensive for what it is, and at only 7Ah, it'll wear out quickly. When that time comes, I'd chuck everything except the motor and fit standard Chinese controller, LCD and battery. That will be cheaper and give you more range if you want it, plus you can get more torque and speed if you want it.

An upgrade like that would mean two purchases - a battery and a controller kit (controller, LCD, pedal sensor, throttle). About £300 - £400 for everything.

 

[Andy888]

Great thanks. The battery seems ok at the moment but i haven't checked it for range yet. I'll see how I go but at least i have options..

 

[thelarkbox]

?I dont know your bike or its system.. But if you have access to the button your pressing to turn on and cycle through modes with, And its a basic momentary contact switch?

If you can solder wires to each of its legs(the button), running up a wire to the handlebars to be connected to a 2nd momentary button to sit in a parallel position to the first, pressing either button should have the same effect. If i have understood the situation correctly???

 

[Andy888]

Yes its a momentary contact switch. It looks like the bottom of the battery unscrews so ill have a look later.

Thanks

 

[matthewslack]

You could make a remote button presser using a brake lever maybe on the handlebars and a Heath Robinson special on the battery...

 

[thelarkbox]

Probably the cheapest easiest additional button to add would be a single membrane button they generally come with an adhesive back and could be stuck on the end of a handlebar cap feeding wires/connection inside the bars?

 

[saneagle]

You could make a remote button presser using a brake lever maybe on the handlebars and a Heath Robinson special on the battery...

You could also use an RC servo and servo tester - about £10 for the pair, or two syringes filled with water joined by a plastic tube, or a solenoid.

 

[matthewslack]

You could also use an RC servo and servo tester - about £10 for the pair, or two syringes filled with water joined by a plastic tube, or a solenoid.

The squeeze action of a rim brake caliper might have possibilities too. So many ways, so little time.