Display upgrades

[kmccune]

I am in the process of obtaining two 500watt 36 volt ecotrics due their cost and fairly low weight I would like to upgrade the LED display and perhaps have a little better control of the Hub motor, since I do not know the construction of their hub motors is regen a possibility?( I want it mainly to save brakes on these crazy hills around here)Thanks

 

[kmccune]

Thanks, I am wanting an LCD display with a bit more control potential. On the "Huffy" E-Conversion I am presently building I have incorporated a direct drive brushless motor and should be able to regen it, it has a 500w motor with a 20 AH battery, I am going to incorporate a controller with regen on it because the 'V-Brakes" are not going to last long around here

 

[AHicks]

About the only time a direct drive motor is going to provide much in the way of regen is going down a long hill at speeds of 12-15mph or more. Trust me, I get there are scenarios like that, just trying to provide a reality check on a v-brake equipped conversion.

To answer your question, the KT controllers and displays (e.g. LCD3) are usually set up for regen, but you would want to confirm that with the seller.

There's also one more thought. With a 500w direct drive, unless you are fairly light weight, there's some concern on my part how you would get it to the top of a hill where regen coming down it would be of much value.

 

[kmccune]

Thank you, no I am no lightweight( about 14.6 stone) Actually I want to have to help a little and the Hills will push my other ebike to 25-30 mph coasting( one hill has a stop at the bottom and one of the others has a virtual switchback I can easily pedal up most of them on assist1-2 sitting down( out of 5) My Knees are basically good enough only a slight swelling on left from time to time The 750w (nominal- 81# ebike is a beast,I do have a few problems with it{I need a step thru and I do not like the weight} I used to be a "torque" Guy while not faster I could sit and ride by guys that were pushing on the old iron frame single speeds.
I realize my top speed is limited on the 500 W , on the other hand I had the "e cruiser up to 31 mph and I was starting to get very uneasy( was expecting a wobble)
This is no country for old guys speeding(I only speak for myself)-Kevin Ps - did see regen mentioned on the LCD3 I am contemplating and I think the Voilamart 36-500 watt is direct drive gearless Thank you -Kevin
I happened to think just now I think the display has maybe 6 wires going to it the kit only came with some kind of rudimentary display attached to the twist throttle and on the ecotrics the stock display is a n LED will a LCD3 work there/ Thanks again I really appreciate knowledgeable People.

 

[AHicks]

1. When dealing with hills of any size, my experience has taught me gears are required (even when considering 48v 1500w direct drives). Either a geared hub, or a mid drive for me. Obviously, the size of the hills, your weight, your physical condition, etc. are all gong to play into this as well.

2 As a rule, KT equipment must be used in pairs (KT display and controller). Using a KT display on a non-KT controller may light up, but they're generally not functional otherwise.

Oh yea, I get the big hills with stop signs at the bottom....

 

[kmccune]

Thank you,
I did notice a lot of the controllers came with the display, the only problem I couldn't find one that had a 500w controller, the bike shop recommended I replace the fork with a standard Fork and new wheel( upgrade to disc brake-actually makes sense) I will let everybody know what happens, I tried to get another frame used or returned , already equipped to build, guess what happened got scammed out of close to $100("the beat goes one" we sure are living in interesting times) Kevin
PS- Good Fraternity you Folks have here"" May the EMF be with you!".

 

[AHicks]

Just a quick note. A 500w motor does not necessarily need to be matched to a 500 watt controller. It would need to be 500w at minimum. A 750w controller would work fine, even a 1000w controller. They'll work with no downside. The excess capacity is known as "head room". Buying a controller with some head room is a great plan actually, as it assures you that no components within it will be working at capacity, which means it's less likely to break down or over heat.

 

[Sierratim]

I do think disc brakes are a good precaution, esp with local hills. Our first ebikes were MTB conversions with V-brakes. With added weight and our hills, they just weren't up to the task. We did ride them for some years, but were always cautious about our downhill speeds.

The new ebikes have hydraulic disc brakes. What a difference. I let 'er rip on the ride into town hitting 35+ mph coasting. The brakes drop the speed very quickly when needed. Wonderful nice upgrade.

 

[kmccune]

All I can say is ,wow! 35MPH and the advice on the controller"taken in advisement",I have seen "Jamis ' bikes now and I am starting to drool( a lightweight chrome moly step-through, with a bosch middrive with a new 'Musk battery', ( bubble bursts and I land backside down- quite stunning actually)( a steel step through weighing 26#, somebody pinch me{I have the 82# beast sold I believe} I think riding should be a privilege not a chore.