About 3 years ago:
I was an out of shape 50 year old, with a poor heart.
Knowing that I needed to exercise, I got cheap bike.
Unfortunetly, I was in such poor health that I became winded after a short, gentle ride.
Fearing for my life ... really!
I got a cheap Ezip Mountain Trailz electric assist bike, knowing that when I became tired, I could motor, or assist, my way home.
It worked nicely ... I began to ride daily, and as my health recovered...
I began using less motor assist.
When my biking ability began exceeding the EZips, I began improving the bike.
Over the past 3 years I have been tweaking it into an awesome around town machine.
Stock: .................................... Modified
24v Sealed Lead Acid Batteries .... 37v Li-ion homemade batteries (50% speed increase)
450w motor @ 24v ................... 675w motor @ 37v
20T motor side freewheel ........... 16T motor side freewheel (25% speed increase)
7spd 14-28T gear freewheel ......... 7spd 11-32T gear freewheel (32% pedal speed increase)
16-17mph top speed. ................. 30mph capable w/ pedal assist!
8-10 mile no-pedal range ............. 40+ mile no-pedal range 80+ miles (with 2 of my homemade packs)
Motor alone "bogs" near 27mph, pedal assist appreciated!
Some assist through 32mph.
I have several EZips, presently, and have modified all, for various purposes, including a Winter - ice & snow model.
I still maintain my license, registration and insurance, but have not driven my car, for almost 2 years now.
Next stage will be an eMotorcycle, followed by some form of eCar.
Yes ... homemade, or ... probably, home-converted.
Ebikes have become my testbed-development platform towards "greater" eVehicles.
Homemade Battery Packs
Studded Tires?
EZip - IZip 20mph Upgrade $20!