Lightweight Electric Motorcycle With Bamboo Frame

Step 2 Researching and ordering drive train parts

 Based on your goals and budget, you should research and order your drive train. Our drivetrain components are mostly parts manufactured for electric scooters. We decided to go with a 48 volt system as it was the best compromise between power and weight. It is very important that all aspects of your drive train are rated to at least 48 volts (or whatever voltage you decide on), because otherwise something might explode.

 

Our drivetrain consisted of:

            A 48v 1200w motor

            A 48v YK42 controller

            Two 24v 20ah LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries in series

            A hall-effect electric scooter throttle

 

 

Doing some quick research I was able to find all these parts on eBay for fairly reasonable prices.

 

Important notes:

            If you do end up getting a LiFePO4 battery (and we recommend that you do), make sure you             get a balancing (sometimes called “intelligent”) charger.

            It’s very helpful to get a motor that already has a sprocket attached. The standard for electric             scooters fits #25 chain, which is ¼” pitch and is ¼” wide.