Building Single Speed Ebike - Bafang Mid Drive motor

[gghupu]

Hi,

I'm looking into building an Ebike with my existing single speed bike with a Bafang 250W Mid Drive Motor.

I was wondering if it is recommended to do so? I understand that mid drive motor prob works the best/the most efficient with gears but from a cost saving perspective, I prefer not have to purchase another bike.

One of the retailers was telling that he does not recommend doing that because I quote: "the amount of lateral force on the motor when starting a high gear lends itself early life bearing failure".

Does anyone know if that make sense?

Thanks for your time!

 

[harryS]

It's a 46T front and 18T rear. I think my Bafang kit is a 46T front. I will have to see if I have a gear that is appropriate on my bike's freewheel and test ride. For sure, you have to be careful not to overload the motor when riding.

It doesn't make a lot of sense though, as a battery costs more than the bike in your link. That said, I put my Bafang on a bike worth $50USD, but it was still a good fit.

 

[gghupu]

It's a 46T front and 18T rear. I think my Bafang kit is a 46T front. I will have to see if I have a gear that is appropriate on my bike's freewheel and test ride. For sure, you have to be careful not to overload the motor when riding.

It doesn't make a lot of sense though, as a battery costs more than the bike in your link. That said, I put my Bafang on a bike worth $50USD, but it was still a good fit.

Hi harryS,

Thanks for your reply! I'm planning to ride on throttle most of the time so I assume it should be less harmful to the motor?

Haha, whatever it works, right?

Cheers

 

[harryS]

Hmm. My BBS02 is 46T and I have an 18T on the rear. That's a relatively easy gear combo to pedal, although my bike has 26" wheels while your Reid Wayfarer has 700CC wheels. What's your normal cruising speed? On my bike this would be about 16 mph and the pedal would spin a bit fast.

In any case, it's not much of a load on a 750W BBS02. The motor pulls the bike to 22 mph fairly easy. Maybe I can look at it again with low throttle yo better simulate a 250W BBS02 I'd listen to your Bafang guy though is he thinks it's too high. Start off with spme help from the pedala and try not to lug the notor on hills.