Ok, I should probably discuss this here even though it is about bikes/motorcycles, the most interesting thing is the electric aspect IMHO.
I've been looking for "affordable" electric options.
I saw this quick and dirty motorcycle conversion:
http://www.marquecornblatt.com/art/cycle.html
And I says to myself "That looks way easy". But you start pricing it out and it gets expensive, the PERM 132 is $895 (just magnets and wire, no?!?) or kits up to $2300 (
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/PARTS/parts.htm ). The junker bike is the cheap part
Even an electric bicycle is a bit on the expensive side, costing upwards of $1000. I've seen kits on ebay but can't see spending $400 on them since I still need a lot more battery (and maybe a bicycle trailer for the batteries).
And neither of these can get me to work and back (though the gomi bike batteries might just be tired).
My "requirements" are:
1. it has to schlep me 50 miles a day without too much physical effort.
2. Recharge overnight
3. be able to go 25mph if it's an electric bike, 50mph if it is an electric motorcycle.
4. would like to invest about $150 for ebicycle, $500 for emotorcycle1. Only looking for motor/batteries/controller options, not assembled vehicles or things mechanical/legal. I expect to do a lot of stuff myself to make those numbers of course.
So where do I start if I'm on a tight budget?
Can one locate and recondition used alarm system/sump pump/trolling batteries? Is there a better option?
Do they have a "wind your own" motor kit or are there other used motors available that are suitable and in surplus?
Are there simple controllers? I could probably live with full throttle only if it doesn't break stuff.
I'm sure folks have spent a lot of time trying to get to electric AND getting the cost down. Got any ideas you are willing to share?
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