The popularity of such a compact, light and safe mode of transport as a folding electric bike is growing from year to year. How to make such a design with your own hands to save on a purchase?
Benefits
Experts say that a little ingenuity is enough to make a fashionable and durable construction, to buy the corresponding parts - and the faithful electric horse is ready. It has many advantages:
- with such transport you can easily move around a city full of traffic jams;
- it does not require a driver’s license;
- no fuel needed, only recharging for the electrical controller;
- it helps to maintain athletic form thanks to the used muscle strength;
- Do-it-yourself home-made electric bike helps to be independent of shops and market prices.
The average unit reaches speeds of up to 42 kilometers per hour, and at cruising speed goes under 26 kilometers per hour.
The weight of the entire device will be up to 35 kilograms. To perform a high-quality and reliable model from available materials, it is worth using the recommendations of experienced craftsmen.
We make wheeled transport on our own
Where does the assembly of the entire model begin? To begin with, it is worth deciding what the result should look like and what goals we want to achieve using this transport. You can buy a special kit for an electric bike - it greatly simplifies all the assembly work. But the most important thing that is needed is the unit itself with a thickened frame, on which you can put an electric motor.
You can find the necessary parts and accessories at sales, in stores for inventors, in markets with technical goods. Do it yourself in 30 minutes to assemble an electric bike by the power of an advanced student.
Main components
Usually a 48 volt engine is required, a sturdy bike that can handle it, few tools and mounts. As well as patience and resourcefulness, readiness for technical tests.
Additionally required:
- special controller with programmable control;
- acid batteries for the power system;
- disc brake (2 pcs.) rotary type, mechanical;
- moped chain;
- "Asterisk" on 13 and 66 teeth;
- switches
- circuit breakers;
- fastenings for the motor from stainless steel.
The following is a modification of the wheel forks and brakes. Do-it-yourself electric bikes begin to be assembled in 30 minutes from the front fork. Then the engine, battery, resistor are built up.
Some craftsmen prefer to assemble a folding bike, which in seconds can turn from an ordinary into a cargo one or fit in the trunk. The collapsible option is convenient for many reasons - the reduced size of the wheels, the ease of transportation in the elevator.
The essence of the modification is to cut the frame to which the connecting nodes are welded in two places. They are fixed with special bolts, screws and
wing nuts. The assembly and disassembly of the unit in everyday life takes less than 1-2 minutes.
Engine selection
A homemade electric bike requires the establishment of an appropriate technical add-on that will facilitate muscular effort. The main element of the whole structure is the engine. It is selected in accordance with the desired voltage and current strength. In this case, the received power should be around 400 watts, then it will be possible to achieve speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour with a gearbox. The travel range can also reach 30 kilometers, depending on the battery power.
Before choosing a model, it is important to consider the balance between voltage and battery capacity and engine voltage and capacity. For example, when choosing a motor for 500 watts and 12 volts, you need a battery with a capacity of 40 amperes per hour. Permissible capacity is calculated according to Ohm's law. At a normal level of discharge, the battery will last longer and more reliably. To save energy, it is better to accelerate with muscular strength, standing on the pedals - this will save energy at a factor of 1.2. It is better to spend a charge on more difficult sections during movement: on hills and hills, a dirt road.
Resistor setting
An adult or two-wheeled electric bike equally requires gas handles. A variable version of the resistor helps to control the change of speeds and the number of revolutions of the engine. After calculating the AC power, take the appropriate device with the desired voltage. On the brake handle, contacts are set for opening - their position is always closed, passes electricity through the circuit. Pressing the contacts opens and closes the circuit - the motor stops or accelerates operation.
Usually a standard kit for an electric bike contains the necessary parts for assembly. The master’s task is to make the engine stop when pressure is applied to the brake handle. To do this, take two aluminum pieces. One is installed on the moving parts of the brakes, the second - on the stationary. Connecting this combination to an open circuit of the motor, which is attached to the brackets by welding, gives a functional electric brake.
Circuit design
To assemble an electric bike with your own hands in 30 minutes, you need a minimum of skills, but knowledge of some laws of physics is required.
For example, Ohm's law, the resistance of materials or the electrical conductivity of various substances. By compiling a simple diagram in accordance with the classical technical requirements, you can clearly see the gaps in the design, the causes of possible malfunctions or the possibility of further modification.
The circuit of an electric bike includes the following elements:
- bike body;
- current source;
- engine;
- a variable resistor for insertion into an open circuit;
- the battery.
Different schemes allow you to improve the invention and accelerate transport to higher speeds with the same battery.
Choose a controller
The main difference between a classic vehicle and an electric one is the presence of a special regulatory device. This is the controller for the electric bike, which is a box that manipulates the traction of the entire unit. If the country has a speed limit for cycling, this device will help set a limit while riding. Most often it is 25 kilometers per hour.
The design of such a sensor does not include electrobrushes.
But there is a processor that tracks the position of the rim magnets. The controller allows you to optimally distribute the load on the wheels, reduce heat, and the engine - to normalize the efforts to move without jerking.
The developed motion algorithms help to move evenly and at the same speed.
Terms of Use
Today you can see with your own eyes enough vehicles assembled by craftsmen. They perform mountain climbing, dangerous stunts, conquer gorges. But you can just enjoy a good reliable car that got a second wind thanks to the engine.
It is important to comply with the technology of making an electric bike with your own hands in 30 minutes, but you need to pay attention to the recommendations for the proper use of this vehicle.
Do not constantly overcharge the battery by exceeding the set speed in the engine. Also, the bike should not be placed in the sun - the battery may overheat and lose capacity by 80% of the original volume. Particularly dangerous temperatures are about 40-45 degrees in hot countries.
Do-it-yourself electric bike can be assembled in enough quality in 30 minutes. It will last for many years, if safety measures are followed and all recommendations are correctly implemented.
So, we figured out how to make a homemade folding electric bike. As you can see, this is not a big deal.