Scooter or ebike..that is a good question. I am trying to get my hands on a spreadsheet that will help me calculate the speed of various motor options with various wheel sizes to make that decision. I have been referred to 2 online sources but each is blocked in China. Does anyone know of an Excel type spreadsheet - actual file - that will do these calculations?
In some respects I prefer a scooter because they are "cool" looking. There is, however, an ebike that looks a bit like a motorcycle here (also has a cool factor to it
) but has 22 or 24" wheels - easier to make go fast but also easier to absorb bumps, potholes, rips in pavement and even 6" or 8" deep puddles. It also has space for 2 full size batteries and would be easier to bolt things to without needing to cut up the fiberglass on a scooter.
My preference is lower voltage, 36 or 48v. Chain drive seems to win here because most of the high rpm hub motors are happier with at least 60v. I am a little concerned about the sprung/unsprung weight of the wheel/bike, so chain drive wins here. Chain drive lets me put the weight of the drive train in the center of the bike, as opposed to in the center of the rear wheel.
I would love to have a zesty outrunner but I also realize that that is a greater commitment - I have no knowledge of installing hall sensors, etc. The cyclone motor is appealing. They have 24v, 36v or 48v motors that include 650,960 or even up to 1,500 watt motors. Plus it is just across the Taiwan straits if anything goes wrong with it...but I really need to get my hands on a spreadsheet now!
