Building an E-Bike

Owzmo

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 18, 2017
10
4
England
Hello,

I'm currently thinking about building an electric bike. Building things from scratch is a big hobby of mine, as I've worked on motorbikes in the past and I also enjoy building PC's. I was wanting to know if anyone could help me as to what I'd need in order to build an electric bike, and if there are any sly tips that can make a big difference too. I was inspired after watching this video. Obviously I will be riding on private land, with protective gear and I'm itching to get a big electric motor for a lot of enduro - need that torque to get through tough areas hah. What parts would I need, and what is the best bang for my buck? I'm just needing an overall bit of help if anyone is willing to provide. ;)

Thanks,
Owen.
 
Last edited:

topographer

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 13, 2017
559
216
Mid Yorkshire
Hello,

I'm currently thinking about building an electric bike. Building things from scratch is a big hobby of mine, as I've worked on motorbikes in the past and I also enjoy building PC's. I was wanting to know if anyone could help me as to what I'd need in order to build an electric bike, and if there are any sly tips that can make a big difference too. I was inspired after watching this video. Obviously I will be riding on private land, with protective gear and I'm itching to get a big electric motor for a lot of enduro - need that torque to get through tough areas hah. What parts would I need, and what is the best bang for my buck? I'm just needing an overall bit of help if anyone is willing to provide. ;)

Thanks,
Owen.
Voltage times amperage equals peak watts. So a bike running at 48v–rather than the usual 36v–and being fed a generous 30amps by the controller will have peak watts of 1440W
 
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Deleted member 4366

Guest
He says it all in the description: most dangerous and unsafe. 9kw on bicycle chance normally means a high-side followed by a face-plant. Those cable brakes have got no chance of stopping that bike. For 9kw, you need motorbike tires, hydraulic brakes and proper suspension at both ends.
 
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Owzmo

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 18, 2017
10
4
England
Aye, and to be honest that's what I insist on doing. I want something powerful for off-roads, heavy, but agile. Big thick tires, heavy suspension etc. I'm used to riding motorbikes and I've ridden a few twitchy 2-Strokes before but I'm looking for a quiet, and less money consuming alternative. Whilst electric bikes may be expensive in the short term, they are cheaper in the long run, easier to maintain and quite light too.
 
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Owzmo

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 18, 2017
10
4
England
I was thinking about buying a semi-decent off-road bike, and just working from there. Maybe mounting a decent motor onto the wheel, getting decent batteries - then yet again I wouldn't be able to install proper suspension that you'd see on a motorbike - upgrading things here and there when I can afford to. I mean, I'm quite new so I don't know the best cause to go to. That's why I am here. I'm just looking for something to have fun on, where I can rip up the land, as opposed to a motorbike ;)
 

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
17,003
6,536
you can get 150kw mid drive motoors :D
 
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Deleted member 4366

Guest
but I'm looking for a quiet, and less money consuming alternative. Whilst electric bikes may be expensive in the short term, they are cheaper in the long run, easier to maintain and quite light too.
I don't reckon that owners of such electric bikes would agree with that.

It'll probably be cheaper to buy a ready-made one. The Oset is around £3000, but if you want decent power, you need to double that price.
 

Owzmo

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 18, 2017
10
4
England
You don't pay attention to detail huh?
Whilst electric bikes may be expensive in the short term
.
For instance, yeah it's expensive to buy them. But you dont have to pay for petrol, gearbox oil, brake fluid etc. It's a lot easier to maintain an electric bike than a motorbike.