I decided to publish this build after completion because honestly I wasn't sure it was going to be successful (first build). This may actually be my first post on this forum but I have received an immeasurable amount of help from everyone's posts here so I'm happy to finally contribute.
I'm new to steel fab (don't look at the welds, its a developing skill) so one of the goals with the design was to make it as simple as possible as far as the steel work goes. I'm okay with 3D-printing so for non-structural items I went for the printed parts. The other criteria was that I was set on the QS Motor 3000W mid-drive swingarm setup because I know its a well sorted little power plant. I have it's 1500W little brother on a purchased E-moto (CSC city slicker). My goal with this mini moto was to double the range of that bike and increase the torque and speed a bit too.
Basic details:
Performance:
With basically the stock settings on the controller I'm super pleased with the performance. It pulls to 45mph quickly and it presently tops out at about 65. Up around 60mph it feels like death is right around the corner with 12 inch wheels so 25-45mph roads are it's sweet spot. Range is about 45 miles traveling at 40mph give or take. Seat height is very low at just under 29". It feels very comfortable to me and the geometry is spot on I think. One taller rider had said the seat height could do with a 1-2" raise to stretch the legs a bit but that would be easy to change if you wanted to.
Future:
Complete the official DOT certification and get a vin and title and all that. I already know I'll have to add a front fender to pass. Over the winter I would like to publish some detailed plans with dims and parts lists so others can build similar bikes easier. Some bathroom remodels were put on hold for this project so I may have to get to that in the short-term to maintain the peace at home. I may add a faux gas tank/storage compartment but I'm not sure if that will mess up the aesthetics. Switching battery chemistry and getting more capacity in the battery is also on the table. In the end this was an extremely rewarding project and its an absolute blast to ride, I hope others will build even better versions of it in the future.
I'm new to steel fab (don't look at the welds, its a developing skill) so one of the goals with the design was to make it as simple as possible as far as the steel work goes. I'm okay with 3D-printing so for non-structural items I went for the printed parts. The other criteria was that I was set on the QS Motor 3000W mid-drive swingarm setup because I know its a well sorted little power plant. I have it's 1500W little brother on a purchased E-moto (CSC city slicker). My goal with this mini moto was to double the range of that bike and increase the torque and speed a bit too.
Basic details:
- -QS 3000W 138 72V Mid Drive Motor 12inch Assembly
-Votol EM150SP Controller
DKD speedometer and Z6 throttle
-72V 45.6 AH 24S-12P custom LiFePO4 battery pack using K2 26650 cells
-IRC 100/90-12 and 120/70-12 street/trail tires. (They won't see dirt I just like the scrambler look)
-735mm pit bike forks and triple clamp
-Off-road driving lights as headlights
-Nose-less bicycle seat (actually really comfortable but no room to move around though)
-2x4" and 2x2" 0.12" thick tube steel for frame. (Overkill for sure on the thickness but the benefits out-way the weight penalty I think)
-2" OD .12"thick pipe for swing arm pivot extension and head tube.
-3/4" 14ga sq steel tube for battery box/controller frame
-Printed parts are carbon fiber infused poly-carbonate (heat and weather resistant, honestly I'm skeptical on the actual CF benefit but it sounds cool and it gives parts a nice flat black surface finish).
-The iconic 5 gallon steel Jerry can cut in half (I love the irony of it and the charging port is in the gas cap)
Performance:
With basically the stock settings on the controller I'm super pleased with the performance. It pulls to 45mph quickly and it presently tops out at about 65. Up around 60mph it feels like death is right around the corner with 12 inch wheels so 25-45mph roads are it's sweet spot. Range is about 45 miles traveling at 40mph give or take. Seat height is very low at just under 29". It feels very comfortable to me and the geometry is spot on I think. One taller rider had said the seat height could do with a 1-2" raise to stretch the legs a bit but that would be easy to change if you wanted to.
Future:
Complete the official DOT certification and get a vin and title and all that. I already know I'll have to add a front fender to pass. Over the winter I would like to publish some detailed plans with dims and parts lists so others can build similar bikes easier. Some bathroom remodels were put on hold for this project so I may have to get to that in the short-term to maintain the peace at home. I may add a faux gas tank/storage compartment but I'm not sure if that will mess up the aesthetics. Switching battery chemistry and getting more capacity in the battery is also on the table. In the end this was an extremely rewarding project and its an absolute blast to ride, I hope others will build even better versions of it in the future.