Add a motor to Hemiway?

[Joe Yeti]

Hello,

Is it possible to add a hub motor to a Hemiway Cobra D7 Pro? The bike has a mid-drive now, but it also can be bought with a rear hub drive as well. My thought would be to add a 750-watt hub drive motor to the rear as an entirely separate system with its own battery and controller. This would be for reliability in case of a failure in the mid drive system (chain break, cassette issue, failure, whatever). Given my injuries, I am VERY limited on my walking distance, hence this idea.

I APPRECAITE your input!

Joe

 

[harryS]

Do you really want a 100 pound ebike with another display, maybe a thottle on the other side and a floating luggage rack with a battery that is going to snap off? Sure, you could solve and reduce the complexity, but it's not worth it,

 

[MartsEbike]

Hi Joe, I understand your concerns but I don't think it will bring any benefits. Its a lot of extra weight to carry around for those just-in-case moments.

Your best bet is to carry a small selection of tools and spares. Like an inner tube (or repair kit if tubeless) and a split link for the chain. There are also many multitools available too that will help if you get in difficulty.

I have the same Bafang M620 motor on my Frey bike. Its a powerful motor! Using the throttle to start moving puts a lot of strain through the components. So try to limit throttle usage until you're moving (pedalling under low assist) and try to feed in the power gradually under throttle. Don't give it the full beans straight away.

Cassettes are fairly reliable, but the M620 can eat away at them quickly if they're not worn in. From new, make sure your derailleur is setup properly and ride the bike conservatively for 250-300 miles before being aggressive with the power. It will allow the chain and cassette to wear in and marry together, and also try avoid throttle usage while in the smallest cogs (highest gears!). I ruined my first cassette in just 250 miles. The second has done over 3000 miles and still going strong. It does work.

Chains sometimes snap but you'd be better off carrying a spare split link and a chain tool. That way you can hopefully rejoin it and carry on riding. I carry a Topeak Link 11 Chain tool, it folds up small and can easily be carried in a saddle bag. But I've never had to use it while out on the road yet!

Inner Tubes - I've always used Slime in my tubes. Some people prefer other solutions but I have to say slime has never let me down. I've just cursed myself by saying that.

Lastly... Recovery. Have a plan if all else fails. If friends or family aren't available to help I know a local taxi firm with large "7 seater" taxi vans. (Although not large by US standards! ) The vans are big enough for my bike if I take the wheels off. If the worst ever happens I'll ring them to recover me.

Other than that all I can say is "touch wood" I've never been left stranded yet, and I've covered thousands of miles and abused the living hell out of my bike! I think you'll be ok.

 

[keithj69]

check out citizencycle on YouTube. May be able to help.

 

[harryS]

For safety, don't ride alone in remote places Carry a phone,

 

[Joe Yeti]

THANKS Everyone! It sounds like it may be better to be equipped with the tools and parts to take care of the most likely problems and my cell and AAA card for the others! On a side not, I TRULY appreciate this input and forum knowledge overall.

 

[indianajo]

Given my injuries, I am VERY limited on my walking distance, hence this idea.

I donated my knees to the US Army. I can walk about 1.5 mph, with moderate pain. I avoided a mid-drive for this reason, and only have a front geared hub drive. Rain takes out the throttle or controller, or motor clutch wears out, I just pedal home in twice the time. I ride places where cell phone does not work and taxis/wreckers could not find me because there are no street signs. My chain lasts 5000 miles and I replace it when the park gauge says 80%.
I carry 10 lb tools, 3 tubes, a folding tire, air pump. I split a tire sidewall 4 years ago and pushed bike & 30 lb groceries 7 miles at 96 F. Schwinn folding tires pop off the wheel and blow the tube, but Panaracer works.
In 6 years the one thing that defeated me, a rail to the seat broke. I cannot ride without a seat, being over seventy. Fortunately I was only 2 miles from a friend's house. 10 years ago a shimano 7 speed rear axle the cone came unscrewed and dropped the balls on the road. I was in town and put the bike on the rack of a city bus. 13 years ago a Shimano 6 speed rear axle broke, again a mile from home. Buy 8 speed shimano or sram axles!
Oh, 3 years ago a stick on the sidewalk on garbage day ran through the derailleur takeup and bent it. I was a 1.5 mile from home and pushed the bike home. Outside town homeowners do not pile sticks on the sidewalk or road.

 

[6zfshdb]

THANKS Everyone! It sounds like it may be better to be equipped with the tools and parts to take care of the most likely problems and my cell and AAA card for the others! On a side not, I TRULY appreciate this input and forum knowledge overall.

I have many of the same concerns and they were a major part of my decision to get a hub drive bike.

I ride in some remote places and in addition to AAA and a cell phone, I also subscribe to Inreach. It's a satellite based emergency texting service with global coverage.

 

[Slaphappygamer]

The new iPhones can send text over satellite. I didn’t know that until after I got the iPhone 16 pro. 15s can do that too.

 

[6zfshdb]

The new iPhones can send text over satellite. I didn’t know that until after I got the iPhone 16 pro. 15s can do that too.

Not all cellular providers offer this service yet. Best to check yours before depending on it.

 

[Joe Yeti]

I donated my knees to the US Army. I can walk about 1.5 mph, with moderate pain. I avoided a mid-drive for this reason, and only have a front geared hub drive. Rain takes out the throttle or controller, or motor clutch wears out, I just pedal home in twice the time. I ride places where cell phone does not work and taxis/wreckers could not find me because there are no street signs. My chain lasts 5000 miles and I replace it when the park gauge says 80%.
I carry 10 lb tools, 3 tubes, a folding tire, air pump. I split a tire sidewall 4 years ago and pushed bike & 30 lb groceries 7 miles at 96 F. Schwinn folding tires pop off the wheel and blow the tube, but Panaracer works.
In 6 years the one thing that defeated me, a rail to the seat broke. I cannot ride without a seat, being over seventy. Fortunately I was only 2 miles from a friend's house. 10 years ago a shimano 7 speed rear axle the cone came unscrewed and dropped the balls on the road. I was in town and put the bike on the rack of a city bus. 13 years ago a Shimano 6 speed rear axle broke, again a mile from home. Buy 8 speed shimano or sram axles!
Oh, 3 years ago a stick on the sidewalk on garbage day ran through the derailleur takeup and bent it. I was a 1.5 mile from home and pushed the bike home. Outside town homeowners do not pile sticks on the sidewalk or road.

EXACTLY why I am considering a second motor. A Hub drive backup.