Is this possible?

[Biggles]

I don't have a great working knowledge of electric bikes but I am an engineer by trade. I would certainly like to learn more.

I currently have one of these but the gearbox has stripped. I would estimat over the 3 years I've had it I'v probably only done 500-700 miles based on my average mileage this year when I put a odometer on.

http://www.proriderleisure.com/leisure/electric-bikes/e-wayfarer-electric-folding-bike-silver.html

Could I put one of these on instead?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181869626131?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Willing and keen to learn. If this is not right, tell me why and I I'm open to other suggestions.

Thanks

Kevin

 

[Alan Quay]

The proposed new motor is direct drive, so no gears. This means it will be low torque.

Presumably you have a 250w (15a) controller, and a battery capable of around 18-20 A (perhaps less). To run that motor in the sweet spot you will need something like 30 A.

If I were you, I'd get another geared 250w motor to replace it.

 

[Biggles]

Is there a good reliable place to get theses motors or a replacement gearbox.

 

[Alan Quay]

I always use BMSbattery, but I hear good things about Panda (uk).

If you want to keep the existing controller you need to work out if it is sensored or not. 3 wires to motor is sensorless, 7 is sensored.

But, before you go throwing any money at it you need to consider that the battery may be on its last legs.

 

[Biggles]

Funny you say that the battery is showing signs of decay.

But surely this should have lasted more than a max of 700 miles?

 

[Alan Quay]

3 years is when they often start to fail. 700 cycles us another common failure point.

I just don't want to encourage you to spend your hard earned on something that may be at the end of its life.

 

[Biggles]

Thanks. I am very attached to my money so don't want to waste it either.

The failure was dramatic, last time I used it ti was fine. I recall it was a 10 mile ride on canal side tarmac surface and 100% peddle assist as I like to put some effort in. The a couple of days ago and about 6 weeks since and it broke.

The battery has been slowly been getting worse. I'm sure I read in the blurb somewhere that the battery was good for 2000 charges.

Problem I have now is what to do? I have a bike that suits me fine but in only 3 years of use its failing in very key areas. I use it on my boat for a few months in the summer to move around getting vehicles back, shopping, etc. I very much doubt it it's done 700 miles and probably had less than 1 years (in months) use.

Is this what can be expected as reasonable life for an eBike?

 

[anotherkiwi]

A boat on the ocean I am presuming? This could be why you battery has gone bad, salt charged air will kill a battery very quickly. You seem to be saying the battery is showing signs of decay is that external signs? If so I would carefully dispose of it ASAP.

 

[flecc]

I have a bike that suits me fine but in only 3 years of use its failing in very key areas. I use it on my boat for a few months in the summer to move around getting vehicles back, shopping, etc. I very much doubt it it's done 700 miles and probably had less than 1 years (in months) use.

Is this what can be expected as reasonable life for an eBike?

Once put into use a lithium battery starts deteriorating and low cost ones can typically have a life of three years or less, regardless of how much use they've had. In fact lack of use can be a killer, since a battery left uncharged for long periods like three months or more such as in winter can die completely or be damaged.

The battery quality is important too. The best batteries which tend to cost near to or sometimes well over £500 usually last well, at times even four to five years, but at £200 to £300 UK retail prices they sometimes don't reach two years. I've had some lasting far less time.

E-bikes aren't remotely as cheap to run as normal bikes, they might not be classed as motor vehicles but they have some motor vehicle costs.
.

 

[Biggles]

It's a fresh water canal boat. There is no physical signs of problems with the battery pack, just the performance. Before when new it would stay on 5 lights for ages, now after a few miles or less with pedal assistance it's down to 4.

 

[Alan Quay]

Sorry to say this, but its likely beyond economical repair.

If it needs a new battery and motor, you are looking at £400 ish, possibly more.

You can get a Tesco hopper (or whatever t'other one is called) for not much more.

 

[Biggles]

It's sort of looking that way it would seem. Maybe if I can get a new set of motor gears fitted I might get another year out of it.

 

[anotherkiwi]

It's a fresh water canal boat. There is no physical signs of problems with the battery pack, just the performance. Before when new it would stay on 5 lights for ages, now after a few miles or less with pedal assistance it's down to 4.

That seems pretty normal for a three year old battery. It isn't the number of miles it has done it is the time since it was made - as flecc said a battery ages even when not in use.