Testing (rear wheel) motor

radvis

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 12, 2021
13
1
Hi

I need to test the functionality of the new rear wheel motor before I install it (along with the new controller and battery) into the bicycle frame.

I have a brand new Bafang motor in a fully laced wheel rim (the wheel is separate and not yet in the bicycle frame), a new controller, and a new battery. I plan to connect everything with cables and would like to check if the motor spins (to confirm it works).

Is it enough to connect the two throttle wires coming out of the controller, or do I need to test it another way?

RV
 

matthewslack

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 26, 2021
1,854
1,341
Don't.

Unless the wheel is in the frame you will destroy the motor cable.
 
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thelarkbox

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 23, 2023
1,209
370
oxon
Fwiw i conducted a VERY BRIEF pre fit motor test by holding the wheel axle in a bench vice clamping tight on the two flat surfaces to secure the wheel.

Without securing the wheel axle the hub will just spin within the wheel twisting all the wires until something is either pulled or more likely shorted out by the fierce twisting.
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
6,812
3,150
Telford
I sometimes test by clamping the axle in a vice, though you have to be careful to keep the cable away from the rim.
 

Bikes4two

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 21, 2020
1,006
432
Havant
Why not use the bike frame that you have - just turn the bike upside down and remove the existing wheel - or am I missing something here?
 
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