Factory build... or DIY ebike Kit?

[NEPMTBA]

What makes you happy?

Ride a factory built E or build one from a kit or scratch to ride?

Disclaimer, no illegal builds or modded out units.

 

[scottxpc]

I'll put my vote in for factory clean lines motor and battery integrated into frame more streamlined and warranty!

 

[Bigwheeler]

DIY provides me with the features I am looking for at a low cost to play. But the big thing is that I can adjust on the fly due to open source goods instead of proprietary manufacturer products. I have already made the switch to 2170 cells for a $600 battery that I can use on all three of my eBikes. They aren't much to look at but get the job done.

At some point I want to get an integrated motor type eMTB but waiting until the right unit becomes available.

 

[WoodlandHills]

My 1000w ebike is gearing limited to 20mph, is it illegal?

 

[Jim Oswald]

Can anyone get me started on my journey to get my wife into an E-bike. I rented a Rad and we liked it, but being a DYI-er, I realized there are components I could install myself. She has a Specialized step-through hybrid with 21 speeds. Will components give me the same usablity, safety, etc? Brand? Where to install the motor? How many watts needed for some local hill riding on pavement/fire roads? Thanks.

 

[Frogslayer]

My 1000w ebike is gearing limited to 20mph, is it illegal?

Nothing's illegal until you get caught lol jk but it depends where you ride.

 

[Hoggdoc]

DIY provides me with the features I am looking for at a low cost to play. But the big thing is that I can adjust on the fly due to open source goods instead of proprietary manufacturer products. I have already made the switch to 2170 cells for a $600 battery that I can use on all three of my eBikes. They aren't much to look at but get the job done.

View attachment 542

At some point I want to get an integrated motor type eMTB but waiting until the right unit becomes available.

Interesting, what advantages have you seen with the 2170 cells. Did you build your own battery pack, if so can you provide the parts list including the BMS specs.

 

[Hoggdoc]

My 1000w ebike is gearing limited to 20mph, is it illegal?

Technically no because it exceeds the 750 watt limit. How ever maybe if your controller can be programmed to low the amps output to 750 watts maybe it would pass.

But here is the BIG question who is going to know, police or other authorities don't have the knowledge or equipment to check.

 

[Vaf513]

Can anyone get me started on my journey to get my wife into an E-bike. I rented a Rad and we liked it, but being a DYI-er, I realized there are components I could install myself. She has a Specialized step-through hybrid with 21 speeds. Will components give me the same usablity, safety, etc? Brand? Where to install the motor? How many watts needed for some local hill riding on pavement/fire roads? Thanks.

Get her an Aventon Pace 350. Then you won't have to worry about anything but riding. Excellent components. Excellent quality. She will love it. You don't want a diy bike for your wife.

 

[jhudspeth]

Can anyone get me started on my journey to get my wife into an E-bike. I rented a Rad and we liked it, but being a DYI-er, I realized there are components I could install myself. She has a Specialized step-through hybrid with 21 speeds. Will components give me the same usablity, safety, etc? Brand? Where to install the motor? How many watts needed for some local hill riding on pavement/fire roads? Thanks.

Hey Jim. Take a look at the assembly video's by johnnynerdout on youtube. I built my own e-bike from a 2012 stumpjumper i've had for quite a while. Really happy with how it turned out. I've put about 1500 miles on it off-road this summer with no issues. Even built my own battery (52V) for it from the tear down of Modem batteries (18650's) i bought from batteryhookup.com. I'm really happy with it, and i know how everything goes together, so no expensive shop work needed in the future.

 

[jhudspeth]

What makes you happy?

Ride a factory built E or build one from a kit or scratch to ride?

Disclaimer, no illegal builds or modded out units.

Build it yourself, with a mid-drive motor. Hub drives just don't have the power, as I'm 6'4" and weight about 225lbs.. Hub motor just dies on the hills. Mid-drive has so much more capability. Completed my build in June 21, and I've put about 1500 miles on it off road.. No issues to date.