I’m using this bike, so here are my updates:

A bike that is a poor bike without electrics added will become an even poorer bike with all the weight and power of electrification. Start with a good bike.

I had to fix some derailleur adjustment issues but the chain still slips. I will replace the chain (note: the Walmart chain I used appears to be at fault, it slips right out of the box!). The tiller steering is very annoying, and the pedals aren’t forward enough for me (the bike was built for shorter legs). Also, the seat back is not quite cushioned enough to be riding for long periods.

First Lithium Powered Commute from Peter’s Bikes on Vimeo.

November 10th, 2008

I now intend to improve this bike. The tiller steering needs to go and the front fork with it. It is too thin and the brake mounts can’t be used with the motor on at the same time, since the chain occupies the same space as one of the brakes. Devising a new motor mounting could take some effort… Alternatively, I could use a switch, some relays (to disconnect the motor from the batteries and motor controller), and a coil of stainless steel wire to use the motor for braking. If you connect the power wires of the motor together, it will brake. Adding resistors between the power wires will vary the braking force; it’s tough to find big enough resistors, but you can use a coil of wire wrapped around a plastic pipe too– just vary the length of the wire.