Electric bike MKII!

[The Artist]

As some of you may know, I commute daily on my electric bike which looked like this, only with a seat mounted tail platform and aluminium box section battery packs strapped to the sides of the frame in the middle. I can't find a picture of it fully assembled.

https://i.imgur.com/txXgh6Z.jpg

Running at about 1800W from the batteries, it was very reliable and considering this was the cheapest ebay chinese motor kit overclocked and under pretty abusive riding, both weight and riding style, it did very well!

Then a couple of mornings ago, I woke up to find this.

https://i.imgur.com/HfJXIvN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Mo8EUZX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JM0ka0q.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UBCA3hK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gBuV42J.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BxAP2Sn.jpg

I believe the cause was a short somewhere with the balance leads. I had it configured so 4x 6S batteries were all in parallel to charge so all balance leads combined to 1. The ride home before this happened, it was wet and I think water got into one or more of the connectors and at some point during charging, there were a few sparks and enough heat to melt the insulation on the very small balance leads leading to a chain reaction of insulation melting off the main leads and the ensuing fire. I may be wrong but that seems the most likely because of the rain the day before.

Finally, I stripped off anything useful and here is what is going in the bin or if anyone wants it for a project.

https://i.imgur.com/etnpA8X.jpg

The reason for the new thread, I will be starting my MKII today and I already have gotten hold of a baseline electric bike to start with. I will put those in a new post.

[Pete.]

Wow, never seen a derailleur catch fire before - that's bad luck. Took out your batteries too!
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[The Artist]

[The Artist]

MKII just been dropped off.

https://i.imgur.com/eAisija.jpg

[Pete.]

Cool - is that someone's DIY project you've taken over?
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[The Artist]

[Wull]

Why? I don't get it,why not just cycle under your own power and get super fit?

Looks hideous,a lot of work and effort and know how which I applaud but not for me.
____________________
"Scooters are for men who want to ride motorcycles but prefer to feel the wind on their vaginas"

[The Artist]

[Wull]

True.
____________________
"Scooters are for men who want to ride motorcycles but prefer to feel the wind on their vaginas"

[kramdra]

Very interested to see the result of mk2

Nice to see the battery tubes survived, metal end caps with a strategically placed vent hole might have prevented some melting. I have welded up one end, and bolted the other for access, but not started to use them yet.

Wiring does look... designed for dryer climate Do you leave it charging overnight, unattended?

[The Artist]

[The Artist]

Got some bits in the post this week so time for some mods.

https://i.imgur.com/JKkrG5c.jpg

Rear brake upgraded to hydraulic. I actually bought a 180mm disc but it locks up so easy with the 160, there is no need. Also fitted huge long mudguards as this will be used in all weather.

https://i.imgur.com/6OGuijf.jpg

Batteries and controller mounted inside this bag on the frame. Previous owner carried them in his backpack whilst riding and had the controller in a pouch on the frame.

https://i.imgur.com/YICddwt.jpg

Front brake upgraded to 203mm hydraulic from 160mm manual thank god. I can actually stop now. I have actually replaced the forks and neck from my burnt out bike because the ones on this bike were terrible. So here is where things get interesting.

https://i.imgur.com/LixwtB0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SYClDJe.jpg

2x twin headlights for more light POWAH. Also got a battery voltage readout display. In that box is a little circuit to step down from 50v to 12v (for fork lights and extras) and then down to 8v for the headlights.

https://i.imgur.com/I9vHZHV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XjaSpPQ.jpg

LED strips for the forks for extra visibility as winter is coming.

Things still to do.

Finish off the control box. I am waiting on some waterproof glands for all the wires to go through.
Attach rear red LED strip lights
Clean front forks

[The Artist]

Also, a tip to anyone planning on doing this. DO NOT USE A HARDTAIL. Going from full suspension to just front is horrible. Very uncomfortable at speed unless on perfect tarmac or smooth off-road.

I need to figure out a way to suspend the seat or endure until MKIII.

[The Artist]

Got bored.

https://i.imgur.com/feByjWA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PjWntDJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jkdaqNd.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/in3m3WI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ANG6IDi.jpg

[kramdra]

Looks good. Get some self amalgamating tape and make loom waterproof.

Are you using same controller and batteries?

[The Artist]

[chris-red]

Apollo bikes are shitty Halfords specials, if you are going to throw money at an bike why not start with at least a semi decent frame?
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[The Artist]

[kramdra]

Those batteries aint cheap

[The Artist]

They came with this bike. Got a good deal. Submitted a claim on my tenants insurance on Monday and a cheque is on its way to me now which more than covers the cost of my new bike which is nice.

Not 100% sure yet but I want to keep it a bit more subtle than some of the beasts on endless sphere as I am using this for commuting and would rather it didn't get seized by the popo.
Not going to be a homemade frame though but I want something a bit beefier than what I have now. Maybe 2wd.

[nowhere.elysium]

[Baffler186]

[The Artist]

[kramdra]

[The Artist]