Introduction: Electric Long Bike

I built this electric bike for commuting to work. I stretched the rear triangle section partly because I wanted the extra cargo room and partly because I just liked the look. :-)

Step 1: Cutting and Welding

I started with a few curbside-recycling bikes which I welded together to make a stretched frame. I used a simple jig (made from parts of an old exercise bike) to try to keep things mostly straight ;-)

Step 2: Testing the Hub Motor

This show the initial testing of the hub motor and controller. I'm using a 20Ah 48V LiFePO4 battery, which is not shown in this photo. The hub motor, controller and battery were all purchased on EBAY.

Step 3: Rolling Chassis

Note the 2 kickstands. I need both due to the stretched frame and the battery weight.

Step 4: Final Touches

I'm happy with the performance of the bike. I can sustain 25 MPH with moderate pedaling and I can easily commute the 15 miles (each way) to work and the battery still has reserve charge when I return home. I installed a DC-to-DC converter (from an RC Hobby supplier) to generate 6 Volts to run the headlight and tail-light so all the electrics on the bike run from the 48V battery.

Earthjustice United States of Efficiency Contest

Participated in the
Earthjustice United States of Efficiency Contest