Cargo bike advice

[Jackytwoshoes]

I have this generic Ali express cargo bike which I’ve been gradually modifying for my needs.

I’d like to do an electric conversion but I have the following limitations:

• there’s a strengthening spine under the bottom bracket that means a mid drive kit won’t work.
• The rear wheel is an internal hub gear/ hub brake meaning a rear conversion would be hard

which leaves me with a front hub. The bike has a 20” wheel and disk brake. Which hub motor would be suitable? Keep in mind it’s a heavy old thing with me and a toddler onboard!

Ideally I’d like a torque sensor. Is the E-rider E9 the best option?
What would the best controller be for this setup?
Thanks!

 

[saneagle]

There's chain drive too from Cyclone as a possibility. GNG do a range of crank and chain drives that don't wrap around the bottom bracket.

Mid-Drive Kits

Mid-Drive Kits

gngebike.com

https://eclipsebikes.com/cyclone-c-4/

You can use any hub-motor you want in the front, but you need to get one with the right speed. 328 rpm is the speed needed for riding at the legal limit of 15 mph. If you want a modal speed of less than that, then the normal 260 rpm will give you a max of 12mph and be more efficient. If it were my bike, I'd use a middle-sized 260 rpm 36v hub-motor and run it with 48v. That would give you a maximum speed of around 15 mph and efficient riding at 12 mph. A 260 rpm 36v motor becomes a 328 rpm one at 48v. 48v gives you the higher torque you need for a bike like that.

 

[chris667]

One thing you will need to look at if your photo is anything to go by is how you are going to keep everything sealed. There is nothing more dangerous to an electric bike than salt water, and it looks like you ride that on a beach. That would rule mid-drive out for me.

Which IGH does it have? Depending on the measurements, conversion to a rear mech might well be possible. There are lots of options for brakes too. I can see a caliper brake working, or you could braze canti studs on for something like a Magura.

My ebike uses a Shengyi DWGC22. I am so pleased I bought it instead of a hub motor - plenty of torque for me in the Peak District.