Conversion kit for ME/CFS

[Bike Bug]

Hi, I was diagnosed with ME/CFS 6 years ago and haven't been well enough to cycle a traditional bike since. I did try an ebike at Centre Parcs a few years ago and although it was helpful it still left me to do too much of the work. What I'm looking for is something that will do as much of work for me as possible, including getting me up some pretty steep hills. Ideally, I'd be putting in no effort at all. I don't need to go anywhere in a hurry and I don't necessarily need to cycle a huge distance. I have a hybrd bike that I'd like to convert. Are there any legal kits that I can buy that will do the job? Cheers

 

[vfr400]

If you don't want to pedal, a 48v kit would be better. The only legal one I know is the Woosh rear hub-motor kit. Another more expensive option is the 36v high torque version of the BBS01 that Brighton Bikes sells. I think the Woosh kit would be better.

 

[Bike Bug]

If you don't want to pedal, a 48v kit would be better. The only legal one I know is the Woosh rear hub-motor kit. Another more expensive option is the 36v high torque version of the BBS01 that Brighton Bikes sells. I think the Woosh kit would be better.

Thank you, that's really helpful. Would you recommend the SWX02 48V 250W or the DWG22C 48V 250W rear hub kit? I weigh 13st and the some of the hills are quite steep.

 

[vfr400]

Thank you, that's really helpful. Would you recommend the SWX02 48V 250W or the DWG22C 48V 250W rear hub kit? I weigh 13st and the some of the hills are quite steep.

Whichever is the cheapest or whichever is in stock. They're both pretty good.

 

[sjpt]

You probably want a cadence sensor; that will mean the motor gives power as long as you are turning the pedals, no need to apply any pressure. A torque sensor even on its highest setting will leave you with around 1/4 of the work to do. The cadence sensor will be slightly delayed giving you initial power, especially for a hill start.

If possible you want a motor wound for low speed torque rather than higher speed. Most tend to be tailored for maximum efficiency around 15mph, and if speed drops to say 6mph on a hill the motor is down to below 50% efficiency. It may be difficult enough to find stock of anything at the moment, so you probably won't get much choice that way though.

 

[vidtek]

@vfr400 Has it, I would go for the Whoosh rear hub kit, it will have enough grunt to get you up the hills, and some to spare. Just ensure you get the kit incorporating a throttle.
Cheers Tony.

 

[Bike Bug]

You probably want a cadence sensor; that will mean the motor gives power as long as you are turning the pedals, no need to apply any pressure. A torque sensor even on its highest setting will leave you with around 1/4 of the work to do. The cadence sensor will be slightly delayed giving you initial power, especially for a hill start.

If possible you want a motor wound for low speed torque rather than higher speed. Most tend to be tailored for maximum efficiency around 15mph, and if speed drops to say 6mph on a hill the motor is down to below 50% efficiency. It may be difficult enough to find stock of anything at the moment, so you probably won't get much choice that way though.

Thank you. Yes, I think I tried a torque sensor ebike at Centre Parcs and it was still somewhat demanding. I'll definitely check to see that the motor is wound for low speed torque. I'm not in a huge rush so I can wait for the right components to become available, if necessary.

 

[Bike Bug]

@vfr400 Has it, I would go for the Whoosh rear hub kit, it will have enough grunt to get you up the hills, and some to spare. Just ensure you get the kit incorporating a throttle.
Cheers Tony.

That sounds ideal. Thank you