Isn't that HPC suboptimal for touring; at least I dont see a way to put a rack on it. Why dont you get an ST2; that will be speedy, although not 45 mph, and it has a lot of range and a rack. Also, you dont have to register it. I bet you can even get it on Amtrak without a hassle because it does not look motorized.
I could support 40 pounds on a seat post rack. I plan to take extended weekend trips that are more akin to day hikes. I do not know if "touring" is the most apt word. Perhaps, "cross country" is closer. I am thinking more of
century-like race loops centered around a train station, or between two stations. I run to my grocery store and carry 35 pounds of food back up a 10-18% grade. Pretty much a marine-like workout. I run up a 10% grade and pass cyclists. I am six feet tall. My weight fluctuates between 165 and 185. I now weigh 175 pounds.
One does not need to register a 1000W bike in California (CA) or Oregon (OR). I believe Washington (WA) also has a 1000 watt "motorized bicycle" limit. The USA federal limit is 750 watts, but state law supercedes federal law. I believe Canada is 500 watt limit. I could set power level from the Cycle Analyst display. I love biking around Vancouver, Canada.
I will work with CalTrains and Amtrack to make the issues absolutely clear. EBikes are entirely new to Amtrack. I had the same problem explaining just the concept of an electric bike to CalTrains. The last thing I want is to get kicked off the train 1,000 miles from home. I will insist both trains clarify their confusing web pages.
My goal is one frame that supports two eBike types: both "cross country" and "downhill", for lack of more descriptive terms. I intend to swap rear wheels with different hub motors to achieve my aims. The
weight and power details are outlined in his post. The entire plan hinges on the frame. I know of no other frame that affords such flexibility. The best set of compromises. Especially important is the swingarm suspension, rather than traditional four point suspensions.
The second most important issue is battery. The HPC Revo battery tank has capacity for two 13 Amp-hour batteries connected in parallel. The batteries are NMC chemistry which is the only chemistry targeting either power(Nickel) or range(Mangenese) by altering the chemical ratios. NMC is low weight; the 26 Amp-hour, 52V battery weighs 16 pounds.
The frame weighs 19 pounds, so the minimum weight is 35 pounds. Other weights need to be added. I am targeting 50 pounds.
