Recumbent conversion

[Safarirv]

I don't mind the questions at all, keep them coming if you have more.
I did drill a hole on the top of the frame for the display/throttle, but on the rear end I shoved the controller inside the square frame. It is a tight fit, and you may have to spread it a bit with a screw driver. I then zip tied it for security. All the wires are nicely packed inside the frame. For the motor wire, just zipped tied it up the fork and inserted into the same hole as the brake/derailer wires then back to the controller.
There are some many wires coming down from the handlebar, make sure you wrap them up and keep them away from the peddle.

Thanks for the wiring suggestions,I should get my motor kit on Monday (6-28) . Let the fun begin. I will let you know about the 7 speed cassette. Did you put on the torque arms? If so did they fit well? Mike

 

[grover]

yes, I put the torque arm on without a problem, but you will have to buy a larger pipe strap.

 

[Safarirv]

yes, I put the torque arm on without a problem, but you will have to buy a larger pipe strap.

Thank you. Also, did you use the KIT brake levers with switches or just leave the old ones in place?

 

[grover]

Yes I used the kit brake levers. I would absolutely recommend them! It is for safety in case you accidentally get the motor into cruise control (which does happen on rare occassion)

 

[Safarirv]

Yes I used the kit brake levers. I would absolutely recommend them! It is for safety in case you accidentally get the motor into cruise control (which does happen on rare occassion)

Great! Another question Lance please. Installing the rear hub motor,I noticed it is offset from the frame, this causes the brakes not to be centered . Did you have that problem?

 

[grover]

Great! Another question Lance please. Installing the rear hub motor,I noticed it is offset from the frame, this causes the brakes not to be centered . Did you have that problem?

Humm - offset? I didn’t have that problem, but you can always place the notched washer on inside or outside frame to make if more even.
Also, with all my conversions I adjusted the brakes… first one is always a little tricky, but once you do it, if becomes easier. Watch a YouTube vid to see how it’s done. Even if wheel is offset you can adjust the brakes to work correctly.

 

[Safarirv]

Humm - offset? I didn’t have that problem, but you can always place the notched washer on inside or outside frame to make if more even.
Also, with all my conversions I adjusted the brakes… first one is always a little tricky, but once you do it, if becomes easier. Watch a YouTube vid to see how it’s done. Even if wheel is offset you can adjust the brakes to work correctly.

Thanks,Lance,I finally got the brakes adjusted by moving some spacers around..

 

[grover]

When done, post pics and let me know how you like your new ride

 

[Safarirv]

When done, post pics and let me know how you like your new ride

Will do, going on a ride tomorrow with my brothers..I sure appreciate your help, Lance.

 

[Safarirv]

Well, it's all done and went for a 22-mile ride with my brothers and it went well ! ..

Here are some pics! Thanks for your help, Lance!
Mike

 

[kmccune]

Sorry I am so late in commenting on this, these Rbikes look so neat, its a pity I am terrified to try to ride one of them around here, it seems that a small emotor setup would be a natural on these to assist in taking off, enjoy these fellows.

 

[Safarirv]

Sorry I am so late in commenting on this, these Rbikes look so neat, its a pity I am terrified to try to ride one of them around here, it seems that a small emotor setup would be a natural on these to assist in taking off, enjoy these fellows.

It is fun, I have since moved the battery to the front, it helps with the light steering..Take care.

 

[Recesslife]

My favorite bike to ride is my recumbent, however since I moved to an area were it is hilly, recumbent biking is a challenge, even with 27 speeds. I did a conversion on my other bike, but just saw my poor recumbent in the corner of the garage begging for me to ride it. So... I decided to convert my BikeE recumbent to an Ebike-BikeE. The BikeE company went out of business many years ago, but they are decent comfortable semi-sit up recumbent.
I used an Ebikeling 20" 500w geared hub (w/ 8 speed freewheel) for the conversion. The controller fit nicely in the rear beam, and used a sling bag attached to rear seat for the battery. The conversion looks very inconspicuous, however the bike is VERY rear heavy, but don't really notice a difference from before.
I've rode it a couple of times, and now will be my go to bike. My wife thinks I look silly riding it, but it is a comfortable ride.
I like having the geared hub because I do like to ride without assist, and kick the PAS on when needed for the hills. What is really cool is that I can also throttle down and feels like I'm riding

My favorite bike to ride is my recumbent, however since I moved to an area were it is hilly, recumbent biking is a challenge, even with 27 speeds. I did a conversion on my other bike, but just saw my poor recumbent in the corner of the garage begging for me to ride it. So... I decided to convert my BikeE recumbent to an Ebike-BikeE. The BikeE company went out of business many years ago, but they are decent comfortable semi-sit up recumbent.
I used an Ebikeling 20" 500w geared hub (w/ 8 speed freewheel) for the conversion. The controller fit nicely in the rear beam, and used a sling bag attached to rear seat for the battery. The conversion looks very inconspicuous, however the bike is VERY rear heavy, but don't really notice a difference from before.
I've rode it a couple of times, and now will be my go to bike. My wife thinks I look silly riding it, but it is a comfortable ride.
I like having the geared hub because I do like to ride without assist, and kick the PAS on when needed for the hills. What is really cool is that I can also throttle down and feels like I'm riding a chopper.

My favorite bike to ride is my recumbent, however since I moved to an area were it is hilly, recumbent biking is a challenge, even with 27 speeds. I did a conversion on my other bike, but just saw my poor recumbent in the corner of the garage begging for me to ride it. So... I decided to convert my BikeE recumbent to an Ebike-BikeE. The BikeE company went out of business many years ago, but they are decent comfortable semi-sit up recumbent.
I used an Ebikeling 20" 500w geared hub (w/ 8 speed freewheel) for the conversion. The controller fit nicely in the rear beam, and used a sling bag attached to rear seat for the battery. The conversion looks very inconspicuous, however the bike is VERY rear heavy, but don't really notice a difference from before.
I've rode it a couple of times, and now will be my go to bike. My wife thinks I look silly riding it, but it is a comfortable ride.
I like having the geared hub because I do like to ride without assist, and kick the PAS on when needed for the hills. What is really cool is that I can also throttle down and feels like I'm riding a chopper.

Grover,

I'm new to this forum, found your post and registered with this site. Thank you for your post, very helpful. I have a BikeE RX and FX. I badly want to convert 1 of my Bike E's into an ebike just not sure what the best direction is to go. You mentioned using an Ebikeling 20" 500w geared hub (w/ 8 speed freewheel. Question: What would you think about using the Ebikeling 1200w? Would you have considered adding the 500w hub to the front versus the rear due to weight? I am looking at both a mid drive and hub drive. I really wanted to add a mid drive and have the bike run mostly like a scooter, and then pedal when/if I'm able. I have some disabilities. If you have any more information/pictures you would be willing to provide It would be greatly appreciative. I'm still learning, thank you in advance. Michael.

 

[grover]

Grover,

I'm new to this forum, found your post and registered with this site. Thank you for your post, very helpful. I have a BikeE RX and FX. I badly want to convert 1 of my Bike E's into an ebike just not sure what the best direction is to go. You mentioned using an Ebikeling 20" 500w geared hub (w/ 8 speed freewheel. Question: What would you think about using the Ebikeling 1200w? Would you have considered adding the 500w hub to the front versus the rear due to weight? I am looking at both a mid drive and hub drive. I really wanted to add a mid drive and have the bike run mostly like a scooter, and then pedal when/if I'm able. I have some disabilities. If you have any more information/pictures you would be willing to provide It would be greatly appreciative. I'm still learning, thank you in advance. Michael.

if you want to do some pedaling then 500W geared (little to no resistance when pedaling) is an option. If I had to do it over I would have gone with the 1200W, just because I find myself throttling it, instead of pedaling. I can use my cruiser bike for the pedaling. It is a lot of fun just driving my BikeE as an electric scooter.

 

[alexander937]

I know I'm very late to this discussion, but has anyone used the Swytch system (https://www.swytchbike.com/) to convert their BikeE into an E-Bike? I'm on the list and it'll be my first conversion, but from what I read, should be fairly straight forward. My only concern, this will be for the 16" front wheel. Any issues having the power come from the front wheel? Most the weight is on the back wheel, so I could imagine some slippage? I might have issues with the pedal assist sensor as well, as I believe someone mentioned might need something different than what most kits send. Don't have the kit yet, but I'm on the this. Thanks in advance for any feedback.