OwnerHal Spiegel
LocationSachse, Texas US map
Email email image
Vehicle2008 4WD Buggy
4WD based on the WWII halftrack design.
MotorUnite Motor Permanent Magnet DC
Drive unites are enclosed with positrack style gearing.
DrivetrainTwo 800W enclosed drive unites from Unite Motors.
Controller
36V 85Amp scooter style using a Halls Effect throttle.
Batteries3, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Gel
System Voltage36 Volts
ChargerBass Pro
30Amp charger
Top Speed12 MPH (19 KPH)
Plenty of torque. Will flip over backwards from a dead standstill on the beach applying full throttle (currently modifying the weight distribution to solve this problem).
AccelerationAll 4 wheels will spin (ripped up the front yard when testing).
Range30 Miles (48 Kilometers)
Just a guess. I'm able to run around all day on a single charge.
Seating Capacity1 adult
Curb Weight250 Pounds (113 Kilograms)
Tires13 in
Conversion Time1 month
Conversion Cost$1500
Additional FeaturesFriction and electronic breaks.

12V 3000lb winch
I'm a Quadriplegic as the result of a car accident 32 years ago. Years of W/C sports have not been good for the body and, now that I have 4 kids, I need to have a way to keep up with them with ALL of their activities.

I don't like the current electric W/C or scooter designs, so, I built my own.

My criteria for building this were I wanted an all terrain buggy that would run all day and on all surfaces. I wanted it to have enough power to pull a car is needed and to be small enough to fit on an elevator so I could bring it indoors while at the beach. Finally, I wanted something safe and AFFORDABLE.

I built it myself over the spring and tested it around the neighborhood. We brought it to Padre Island for my final test and it worked beyond my expectations. It ran all over the beach with no problems. Currently, I'm rearranging the batteries and may still need to add a speed controller with acceleration control to manage torque (keep it from flipping over backwards).

I'm able to transport it with a hitch mounted platform using a ramp for loading. The winch allows me to load the buggy by myself.

I still like using a manual W/C but this allows me to go everywhere (beach, woods, camping, mud, etc...) with my family.

The materials were purchased from Tractor Supply, Northern Tool, Sam’s (Batteries), Bass Pro Shop (Boat Seat and Charger), EV Parts, and Electric Scooter Parts. EV Parts and Electric Scooter Parts have great technical support. The only problem that I have run into is that I received bad advice from another EV supplier (not mentioned) and fried the speed controller upon installation (a $200 mistake).

The only part of the frame I didn't build is the arm rests. They came off of an old Quickie W/C.

I'm also building a mower attachment for the front.

code by jerry