resurrecting old ebikes

[bikes4gites]

I acquired four old non-working ebikes from someone moving house - two are Ezee brand ( now out of business I think) and had ni-cad batteries; two are even older and had lead batteries and look more like early motorbikes! I'd like to know if there's any hope of converting them to a li-ion battery and restoring them to use. I'm assuming that if the voltage of the motors was matched with a battery this should at least in theory be possible. Any general guidance on whether I'm wasting my time would be helpful.

 

[Andy-Mat]

I acquired four old non-working ebikes from someone moving house - two are Ezee brand ( now out of business I think) and had ni-cad batteries; two are even older and had lead batteries and look more like early motorbikes! I'd like to know if there's any hope of converting them to a li-ion battery and restoring them to use. I'm assuming that if the voltage of the motors was matched with a battery this should at least in theory be possible. Any general guidance on whether I'm wasting my time would be helpful.

Its certainly possible to do, but you need to be a relatively good DIYer, have a reasonable tool kit and access to a MIG/MAG welder IMHO!
Its a labour of love, and if you do not add the cost of the hours you will need, it can be a very cheap way to get mobile again on an electric bike, one of the best experiences ever.....Furthermore, you will know every inch of it and be able to repair it quickly if ever needed!
My compliments to you for even considering such a job and I wish you well in your endeavours, and we need more like you here on Pedelec!
But, if you have to pay someone market rates to help, a new bike will be far cheaper in the long, sorry, SHORT run.....
The two NICAD ones may be the easiest to convert I feel, and the other bikes might be able to contribute some parts!
Very best of luck and do update us with your progress and maybe an occasional picture, I am green with envy!!
Andy
PS. If the motors are"brushed", you may want to consider replacing them with "Brushless", as electronics for older brushed motors are getting thin on the ground, and such motors generally speaking, may have higher wear (out) rates.
Are the motors in the wheels (hubs)? If yes, very easy and reasonably cheap to do and others here can recommend a good set, with all the needed parts.
If not hubs, then I myself would sell them as they are and get a quality hub bike.
Best of luck.

 

[Nealh]

You can use lithium or lifepo4 as long as the voltage is similar, the controllers should be ok (but check out there current output) so new batteries are capable, make sure you get new chargers with any battery.

How about some pics of the bikes and controller wiring for us to see ?
If brushed you will have either 2 or 4 phases (some bikes double up) if brushless you will have 3 phase.