How to build a 96-Volt Electric Motorcycle

Step 2 Strip it and start finding spots for everything

This is what it looks like gutted. I placed the motor in first and located the controller (the electronic carb for the motor). I am using 12-volt, maintenance-free wheelchair batteries; less range but more charges (& maintenance free). I stuck one of the batteries where the original 12-volt battery would normally go.

It is an Advance DC 6.7" 72 volt DC motor (You can run a 72-volt DC motor at 96 volts, you just have to be careful in your rpm-ratio calculations not to over speed it!)

I used a Curtis 72 to 120 VDC, 300 amp Controller (36,000 watts of power available)

Comments

[swordsmen]

Why don’t you use boat batteries instead of wheelchair batteries? Boat batteries can be recharged like wheelchair batteries and they hold more power.

[ac-dc]

Given same battery tech, what it is used for and called is fairly irrelevant, they are basically different battery sizes or different plate thickness to arrive at different capacity.

Similarly you can buy a thick plate (deep discharge) battery in a wide range of sizes regardless of what they are called, though it is often the case that the most popular sizes used cost less.

[kagenin]

I'd imagine that lifespan is an issue. Boat batteries may hold more power, but you won't be able to recharge them as many times as a wheelchair battery before they'll stop holding a decent charge. I would imagine that wheelchair batteries are designed to be as hassle-free as possible (since a disabled person in a wheelchair probably won't be able to do most maintenance of their own chair), while basic boat maintenance requires you to check your batteries on a regular basis anyway. But I'm not 100% sure about these statements, it's just conjecture on my part.

[Kentucky-bum]

Kagenin, Most large, industrial deep-cycle batteries are lead-acid, but not sealed; they are what is commonly referred to as 'flooded'. On average they deliver about 30% more power than a sealed lead-acid battery but require routine maintenance. You must check the water level in them regularly or they die a premature death. But contrary to what you said, you also get about 30% more charges out of flooded batteries (vs. SLAs). I chose SLAs (sealed lead acid) because of the lack of maintenance knowing full well that they will not go as far, nor last as long, as flooded batteries. (The price of being lazy :-)

[kagenin]

Ah, thanks for clarifying.

[Montreal]

evparts.com Controller is 1400$ :S Motor 989$ Nice idea, but definitly not a cheap project ! If the project could be done for 1000-1500$, that would be so cool.

[thebluecommander]

I think it can be done. Honestly, a Etek-R motor with controller and batteries can be done for $1500. Nice. check out Robotmarketplace

But I haven't done this myself.

[Josh_B]

(removed by author or community request)

[zach911]

motorcysles ehh....

[Josh_B]

Doh! My mental spell-checker must have taken a coffee break :)