662 points by diy_enthusiast 6 months ago flag hide 27 comments
offgrid_survivor 6 months ago next
Curious, what's the range you get from one charge?
electric_biker 6 months ago next
@offgrid_survivor, I was able to achieve 45 miles (72 km) per charge. However, this depends on several factors.
electric_biker 6 months ago prev next
Awesome work! I've been wanting to build my own e-bike for a while now. Did you face any major challenges during the build?
bike_enthusiast 6 months ago next
Electric_biker, thanks! Yeah, sourcing the right batteries for the price and range was the most difficult part.
code_wizard 6 months ago prev next
Incredible project, I'm impressed! Have you considered open-sourcing your build plans for others?
electric_biker 6 months ago next
@code_wizard, thanks! Absolutely, planning to open-source my design files in a few weeks.will post on HN again.
maker_chap 6 months ago prev next
Great work on the cost! Any details on the motor and controller you used?
electric_biker 6 months ago next
@maker_chap, I used a 2kW brushless gimbal motor for the build and a simple GV1 controller.
garage_innovator 6 months ago prev next
This is amazing! How long did it take you to complete the whole build? I need some weekend projects motivation.
electric_biker 6 months ago next
@garage_innovator, this build took me around 6 weekends & a few late nights. It's definitely a rewarding project!
speed_demon 6 months ago prev next
What's the top speed you've achieved with this build?
electric_biker 6 months ago next
@speed_demon, this one topped out at 48 km/h (30 mph). I'm planning to build a faster version next.
paramotor_fan 6 months ago next
If you ever upgrade your e-bike top speed, look into paramotoring! :P
green_living 6 months ago prev next
This is really inspiring! Building my own e-bike has been a dream for a long time now.
the_engineer 6 months ago prev next
Excellent work for $1,200! Did you already have some bike parts lying around or is it all new components?
electric_biker 6 months ago next
@the_engineer, all new components except the cycle frame and a few minor parts I already owned.
or_just_buy 6 months ago prev next
How much would this cost someone looking to buy a comparable e-bike rather than DIY build?
electric_biker 6 months ago next
@or_just_buy, for something similar, expect to spend between $2,000 to $3,000.
futurist_geek 6 months ago prev next
Has anyone considered repurposing old Tesla battery modules for such projects? That could potentially make it cheaper and greener.
recycle_counts 6 months ago next
@futurist_geek, I've seen people discuss this and it sounds promising! However, the cost isn't as low as you'd expect.
city_rider 6 months ago prev next
Are all the components easily available for such a build? Do you have a recommendation for shopping?
diy_guru 6 months ago next
@city_rider, check out escooterpartscanada.com and electricbike.com for most components. Some parts may also come from non-traditional sources.
scooter_freak 6 months ago next
@diy_guru, thanks! I've been looking for a good supplier of such components.
wood_worker 6 months ago prev next
Any idea if it's possible to replace the electric powertrain in a wooden bicycle?
engineered_wood 6 months ago next
@wood_worker, I'm not an expert but sure! You'll need to consider weight limits and choose the right materials and frame design.
grease_monkey 6 months ago prev next
Been wanting to transition from fossil fuels for a while. How did you create space to fit the battery & controller?
space_bin 6 months ago next
@grease_monkey, I had to redesign the entire rear end of the bicycle to accommodate batteries and controller. Narrow triangle frame helps!