Motor, Controller and B-packMotor - rear driveMotor illistrating off-setBattery pack
OwnerSome Guy
LocationCalgary, Alberta Canada map
Vehicle1994 GIANT 21 speed
MotorCrystalyte 408 Hub motor 3-Phase AC
2007 style offset motor, but with upgraded 12G spokes
Drivetrain21 speed derailer
ControllerCrystalyte JNY-CTPL-R3620
Immediate Start & Pedal First
Cut off voltage 29V (+-1v).

This was originally for SLA, but I use as is for Lith-Po
Batteries40 Crystalyte, 36.00 Volt, Lithium-Polymer
Battery pack was expensive at $600, and was $400 more than SLA, but it is 1/3 the weight and size of SLAs. The most important attribute is the output stays almost constant until the end. Unlike SLAs that the power falls off in the first 5 minutes and degrades linear (almost) from there.
System Voltage36 Volts
ChargerCrystalyte 3620CL
Li-Ion Battery Charger (same rules for Li-Po).

Input 110VAC 60Hz 1.8A max
Output 41.9VDC 2.0A
HeaterGloves and Jacket. Ski-mask on really cold days.
InstrumentationVenture Cycle Computer (kmph and time)
The battery only lasts 6 weeks. These are cheep, so I will buy a new one soon.
Top Speed20 MPH (32 KPH)
15mph(25kmph) with no peddling
20 mph(33kmph) with moderate peddling
AccelerationOkay - suitable for me.
Range13 Miles (20 Kilometers)
13 miles or 20 km to work. The batteries need re-charging by then. I ride with full power all the way (about 40 minutes). I basically pedal to keep the speed at 30kmph.
Seating Capacity1 adult
TiresHemisper EX Low rolling resistance
$20ea
Conversion TimePackaged unit. Took me 2 hours and that included drinking some lemonade.
Conversion CostTotal: $1100
Batteries and charger: $575
Motor and controller: $484
Tires: $40

The bike was $500 15 years ago. I didn’t include it in the cost as I was not using it. Until now it was no use to me.
Additional Features109db siren from a house alarm system. This is how I let cars know they pissed me off (ear piercing). It’s rated for 12VDC but I run it with a 9V. Works great!
I didn't think I would actually enjoy riding to work as much as I do. I saw beavers; porcupines, ducks, geese, and don’t forget the ladies in spandex running by ;)

If I were to do it again, I would purchase the new 408 motor design that is not offset like mine. I had problems last year breaking the original 14G spokes. I believe the issue was the motor is offset to one side and the spokes on one side take all the weight. The new motors are designed so the spokes are equal length and are centered to the rim. Finally, I would investigate alternate batteries such as Dewalt A123 etc. For a little more effort and money I could of made a 48VDC, 20Ah(1.0kWh)pack. I hear some guys are modifying the controllers and running 100VDC - Crazy!!

code by jerry