beargardens

I'm having trouble finding a street legal (under 20mph) electric conversion kit. I'm a poor college student just looking for something to get me to campus a littles less sweaty. Ground's primarily flat and I'd rarely be looking at biking more than 12 miles round trip. ( one thing I don't understand is if these bike batteries hold their charge as I wouldn't be able to charge it on campus/at work) I weigh 120 pounds and my bikes 26".
My price range is about 300-500$ but cheaper the better
is it possible to get something dependable for that?
I'd potentially go higher for a warranty
I'm at a loss but here are some I've been looking at

https://www.electrikmotion.com/convkit2.htm
https://largoscooters.com/wildernessenergy.html

anyone have any experience with these?

JinbaIttai

Nobody will ever test how fast it goes, unless you fly past an uptight policeman pointing a radar gun. Speedometers are inexpensive.

Since you can't charge the battery on campus/work, stay away from SLA (sealed lead acid). Those have to be charged right away. NiMh is good to go at partial charge, as is LiFePo4.

My favorites for price:
https://www.goldenmotor.com/
https://ampedbikes.com/buynow.html

The ampedbikes kit is a higher price, but it comes with an upgraded rim.
The less expensive goldenmotor kit includes a reliable motor, terrible rim, and will come with a beat up box.

Snowsurfer

You may want to increase your budget to $1000 to get some good batteries. Do it?

jerryt

Both of the vendors you referenced are probably dependable. I have a Wilderness kit and its dependable. With your low weight and low trip mileage you shouldn't have a problem. As noted, SLA's should be charged after a ride so a better chemistry like lithium is best but Nicads might be more in your price range.
How much time will elapse before you can charge the batts?

beargardens

Well my first class is at 9 and at the latest I'll get out at 3:50. At what type of public places can I charge it? I can't really see them allowing me to charge it in the library

electrogreen

There are several easy ways of charging your batteries anywhere.
The easiest is to plug them in anywhere you want. You're probably only using a few pennies of electricity anyway. If you're the type that thinks that is stealing, just ask. If they say "NO!", then go to Plan B.

Plan B
Accommodation. It's a great word, especially in Canada where government and agencies wish to be more inclusive. I get my own bike rack fastened to the wall and ceiling, a shower, and free charging facilities because I bike to work. You may be suprised how accomodating the school might be. Start by asking for covered, secure parking.

lfairban

There seems to considerable confusion about what is legal and what that means to you, the consumer.

I believe the criteria you cited about 20 mph is part of the classification by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This pertains to what one is allowed to sell, not buy or opperate. They are not traffic laws but Consumer Protection laws. This is a large part of why you do not see many ready made bikes in shops, and nothing even close to the high end bikes that many people have put together.

When I called the BMV in my state (Ohio) they refered me to the State Highway Patrole who told me that e-bikes are regulated as bicycle.

You may wish to look at:

https://veloteq.com/links_to_laws.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electri...#United_States

I doubt that the law applies to bike kits at all, but this is debatable.

Basically I am saying, quit worring and build what you want.

As for your technical question, 12 miles round trip should be within the capabilities of most available systems. I have an 8yo Currie with 2 12V 12Ah batteries for 24 volts that can do 20 miles if I use the assist judiciously. It would come up a little short if I went hog wild, as I have throttle control and can make it do wasteful things if I wish.


You sould be OK with SLA batteries, they are heavy but they are cheap.

beargardens

Hum for the price would something like this be a better idea? They both have lithium batteries.

https://www.batteryspace.com/index.as...OD&ProdID=4445
I can get new tires for cheaper than the 26"...

https://www.scootersnbikes.com/cs-220b.html
the larger version

Seems to be around the same price i'd be looking at for the kit and nimh batteries separately

JinbaIttai

Just to clarify, those are for lithium batteries, not Lithium iron phosphate batteries.

beargardens

Forgive me but whats the difference?