Started with a RadWagon that had a rear hub motor and NCRB 48V Dolphin Pack. Upgraded to a BBHSD, color display, Luna Eclipse, Luna headlight, 52v GA Shark Pack. Additional upgrades include - getting a USB rear light and front flasher that I hardwired via a transformer off the battery. I also installed a gas tank gauge (voltmeter with shunt) - measures my watt hours well.
Build Price:
Build Price:
- Radwagon ($1400)
- BBSHD 68mm kit from luna with color screen and Luna Cyclops LED ($890)
- Shark GA 13.5ah battery ($700)
- Voltmeter off of amazon ($20)
- USB transformer off of amazon ($10)
- Upgraded front brake to Tektro hydraulic ($100)
- Schwalbe Big Ben rear tire ($50)
- Re-purposed Radwagon Hub; battery, controller, rear tire and front brake to a 1991 GT Zaskar
- Getting spacers right on the bottom bracket - to minimize wobble
- Biggest challenge in the build was locking down the BBHSD outer ring - I tried everything in my tool box. Finally I resorted to a plumbers pipe wrench and it worked beautifully.
- Heat shrinking the massive voltmeter shunt
- Lots of space all over the bike to use a bigger battery
- I regularly use it for anything within a 15 mile radius - for local errands - it's a car replacement. Hauls myself with two kids on the back.
- Ride it 4 times per month to work (17 miles each way) - recharge battery at work
- It's an absolute night and day difference compared to the original hub motor.
- At speed with just myself at 30amps it goes 33mph on the flats with no pedaling. It spins up pretty well using the gears on the uphills.
- The cargo bike weighs unloaded 90+ pounds - it's a tank but I think the weight adds to the stability at speed with the kids on the back. Even with the heavy weight - it handles very bike-like using pedelec levels 1&2.
Comment