DrkAngel

Thread copy from other forum - in progress

Of course, still in the offing is an etrike conversion. Schwinn Meredian with eZip motor added. Nice cargo space and hanging big SLA batteries below the rear axle will greatly increase stability.
"Schwinn Meridian Adult Tricycle", Front hub motor would work, but I prefer the re-gearing ability of the EZip gear motor.
Rear freewheel:
16T=20mph
18T=18mph
20T=16mph
22T=14mph
etc.
I've had many requests as mobility devices for nearby Senior housing project.

Ballast!
The main complaint on these bikes is the risk of tipping.
10lbs of li-ion helps very little, compared to the 60lb, of comparable SLA.
And ... I get the SLA for, nearly, free.

Also, without the "need" for pedaling, a big comfy seat can be dropped down, further lowering the center of gravity, thus, enhancing stability.
Foot platforms w/outrigger skid pads, or "training wheels", could be added, for additional turning safety, in "Mobility Device" application.
Beats paying $2000-$3000, or more, for other "mobility devices".
Plus the bonus of higher speed, and a cargo basket, for runs to the grocery store, etc.

As a Mobility Device, crank, pedals etc. could be removed. This would allow the simple addition of floorpan, for setting feet on. The big advantage is that the EZip geared motor could be directly connected to the rear axle, and would act as an effective braking system, when throttle released! Making a regen controller feasible?

Also, I have been recycling 35ah SLA batteries, from the same seniors, using the BatteryMinder rejuvenation process, fairly good success rate of restoring battery capacity-capability.
BatterMinder DeSulphation

DrkAngel

Found 24 & 36v controllers w/reverse function!
tncscooters.com & electricscooterparts.com

Should work nicely for mobility device, if freewheeling hub bypassed.
- Connect directly to axle sprocket.

DrkAngel

The Schwinn Meridian Trike appears to have a 22T rear gear. Adding an EZip 450w motor @24v will produce a, senior worthy, 14mph. Running the same motor @36v, 675w output, will produce a corner tipping 21mph!

Dropping my 53lb 2.5hp, 4 stroke, 1500w generator, in the rear basket, will give me unlimited range. Well, 12 hours run time @750w output. 252 miles @21mph per 1.5gal fillup.

"Cruising" speed should use less power = longer range ... maybe 400 - 500 miles?

DrkAngel

Picked up a cheap eTrike candidate
Kent "Alameda 26" Adult Tricycle." - $149 delivered to nearest Walmart.
Click on Picture


A cheap copy of the Schwinn Meredian? (About 1/2 the price.)
Aluminum frame.
Rear axle is a 5/8" shaft with freewheel and "drum" style brake, (friction band).
Plenty of room for additional 5/8" ID sprocket or freewheel.
Rear wheels have the equivalent of a limited slip differential, unsure of method, but there is no "dragging" around corners and each wheel always receives torque. - Friction method! Limited, but some, torque.

Down sides:
Fear of tipping - especially with seat raised into proper pedaling position, there is a feeling of tipping over, at every turn.
Important to slow down and lean body around turns!
Makes me seriously consider slowing down the motorized version ... running at 12V, instead of 24V?

Chain is "tensioned" with a solidly mounted idler sprocket, poor-cheap method.
Might work well to replace with freewheel mounted on motor! ... ?

Will have to mull over some alternatives ... before modification ensues!

Oem handle bars are as wide as a Texas Steer's.
As wide as the rear wheels.
Maybe a track indicator?

DrkAngel

26" Alameda Trike

Rear Axle -
Looks to be room for another freewheel!


Chain Idler - Idler sprocket, hanging on end of bolt.




Differential? - left wheel is operated through some type of friction device!
Right wheel is solid, to axle.
Left wheel is capable of light to moderate acceleration-braking.

DrkAngel

I was thinking of adding another freewheel between the brake and the pedal freewheel.


Hmmm?
Looks like there might be enough space to use a 5 - 6 speed freewheel, for the pedal chain.
Tho ... rigging the derailleur might be a problem ... I don't have aluminum welding capability.

DrkAngel

Alameda has a 20T rear freewheel sprocket, same as the eZip that the motor is designed for.
Efficiency, on this brush motor, is best in the 50 - 80% of "no load" speed (18mph), a 9 - 14+mph "sweet spot" @ 24V.
This efficiency seems to translate well with higher voltage, @ 36V the torque and, presumably, the efficiency, are "sweet" in the 13-22mph range.

Theoretically, 12V would provide a 4.5-7mph "sweet spot" with a 8mph top speed.

"Effectively" ... partial throttle via a PWM controller provides the equivalent of lower voltage, including a shift of the "sweet spot".

Related - 44 Magnum

Of course, motor (watt) output is reduced.
At 12V, or the equivalent, the 450w motor would output a mere 225w.

At 24V, with a potentiometer, I should be able to "dial in" any equivalent voltage.

PS Hidden TURBO button could bypass potentiometer providing full power.

DrkAngel

My consideration is towards a greater degree of independence.
Including financial.

The typical "mobility scooter" ranges in the $2000-$3000.
ETrike conversion ... well under $500!

Advantages
Besides price, An eTrike conversion has the advantages of:
Further range.
Cargo capacity.
Inexpensive component replacement.
Re-gearing capability.
Higher speed - if advisable.

Disadvantages
Poor "inside" maneuverability.
Not authorized for Social Services (medicare) payment assist.

Designed for paved trail cruising.
Good for trips to the store, groceries, prescriptions, doctor appointments, laundromat etc.

DrkAngel

Rather than a tricycle with electric assist, I am building the Schwinn Trike as an electric trike ... with pedal assist.

Yes, there is a difference!
"Electric assist" means that primary and continuous pedaling would be the norm, with occasional, or minimal, motor assist being applied.
"Pedal assist" indicates that the primary and constant force would be the motor, with occasional, or minimal assist being added.

As a mobility device with "pedal assist", the gear reduction motor should be solidly attached to the drive axle, which would provide substantial deceleration when throttle released.
As "electric assist" the gear reduction motor should be attached to the drive train through a freewheel. This would prevent the motor from restricting forward motion when not powered,

Since my primary reason for building an eTrike is as a mobility device I intend on building as an electric trike with pedal assist capability. As such it would have motor only capability, but also ... pedal assist for hills, greater speed, exercise etc, additionally .... powered reverse as a simple option.

DrkAngel

Might have just figured my newest "best" way to mod the large trikes (Schwinn etc.) into electric assist mobility vehicles.
My1016z3 24V 350w gear reduction motor + spoke mount sprocket. (485w@33.3V ... 525w@36V etc.)
9 - 32 gearing provide a stable torquey 10mph.
Motor = $52
Sprocket kit = $18
24 - 36V controller = $12
Thumb throttle = $10 -15 (thumb throttle recommended due to Trike handling characteristics)
~ $100 ! ... (Battery, chain and mounting hardware extra).

Ideal item for the Schwinn Meridian Trike.
Apply to non pedal driven rear wheel for assist, better traction and motor supplied deceleration.
One for each rear wheel! ... for hills, loads and hefties?


MY1016z3 full specs & speculations

Motor drive sprockets: 9, 11, 13, 15
Motor drive freewheels: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 +?
Spoke mount (9 hole) sprockets: 28, 31, 32, 36, 38, 40, 41, 44, 48, 56,

Larger sprockets available if you feel capable of drilling-machining.

Figured up a few possible drive ratios - 26" wheels:

24V Unite gear reduction motors:
At 24V
9T - 28T = 11.2 mph
9T - 40T = 8 mph
9T - 56T = 5.6 mph

At 36V
9T - 28T = 16.8 mph
9T - 40T = 12 mph
9T - 56T = 8.4 mph

At 24V
13T - 28T = 16 mph
13T - 40T = 11.5 mph
13T - 56T = 8 mph

At 36V
13T - 28T = 24 mph
13T - 40T = 17.25 mph
13T - 56T = 12 mph

At 24V
18T - 28T = 22.4 mph
18T - 40T = 16mph
18T - 56T = 11.2 mph

At 36V
18T - 28T = 33.6 mph
18T - 40T = 24 mph
18T - 56T = 16.8 mph

Note - relative speeds do not reflect wind resistance at higher speeds
MB requires 350w to sustain 20mph ... 1000w to sustain 30mph. Upright trike requiring notably more w.
Dual motors @ 36V should be ~30mph capable ... but suicidal on a high trike?

DrkAngel

Schwinn as the starting point would make a better light transport than an indoor mobility device.
Wide-long track and longhorn style handle bars are too cumbersome and awkward for indoor maneuvering.

This is designed more as a replacement for a car ... for self and light cargo transport within a small community.
NEV - (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)
Affordable transportation bridging the gap between the expensive mobility scooter and an expensive car+insurance etc.
Ideal for retired seniors and the somewhat disabled.
More appropriate for runs to the grocery store, laundry mat, post office etc.
Key lock and motion alarm will be advisable options.

capnjonny 

Dk Angel.

I am on the same page with you about trikes. I have been looking for a Schwinn Meridian to convert to electric. I figured the easiest way was to use a front wheel hub motor and some AGM batteries in the rear. In my case it would be for Burning Man.

Last year the bike shop I worked in there saw a few trikes come in. A few electric trikes could be seen driving by (along with all manor of "Art cars" and "mutant vehicles"). I was recovering from a broken hip and couldn't ride my bike. Instead I borrowed a mobility scooter which got me mobile . I was constantly worried about range though. If I had had more time to do something I would probably have built an e trike . This year I am recovered and riding my bike again but am thinking about bringing an e bike as well as my trek mtn bike for some laid back cruising.

BikeDood53

To keep from tipping, the best thing to do, is to go to with schwinn's 24" wheel model.

BikeDood53

Should never allow any Schwinn 26" trike to exceed speeds of 15 mph. Its too tippy, and besides with single speed, to pedal that fast if using electric assist is also dangerous.