Electric Bike Conversion

[D19]

I have an Electra Rat Rod that I'd like to convert to electric.

It currently has a 3-speed hub on it. I've seen conversions for the front or rear wheel. I'd like the rear wheel to be my power wheel, but don't want to add handle brakes; not sure if the rear kits allow you to keep the coaster brake.

Has anyone converted a bike? Where'd you get the parts and battery?

 

[BabyRay]

I have no experience, but you might find some help here; https://electricbikereview.com/forums/

 

[HNL2LHC]

There was a member that did a conversation. They were posting up parts available on line. I am sure someone will remember. I sure as hell cant.

 

[Wheeler]

All you need is led lights and a transistor battery to electrify it. Just don't forget the Raiders sticker! The Irish 86 figure head on the handle bars is a nice touch.

 

[JDKRXW]

I've kicked this plan around.
They're more work, but I like the mid-drive idea best.

KITS - Mid Drive Kits - Luna Cycle

lunacycle.com

 

[DesertDog63]

A friend mine did his wifes cruiser. Bought the front wheel which has the motor. Came with a throttle and battery. He mounted the battery to a rear rack. Her bike is fast and still pedals nice. She just uses the throttle to assist when needed. It was a single speed so it still has the rear coaster brake

 

[Dana757]

I doubt you can keep the coster brake. Easiest would be to use a hub motor for that. A mid drive would be bitchen tho. EBay and others have complete kits.

 

[BabyRay]

Yep, mid-drive is the way to go if you’ll be riding hills. Also, cadence sensors suck, unless you want the bike to do all of the work. With a torque sensor and good programming, it’ll feel more like a real bike, you’ll go further and faster than a non-electric bike, but still get a good workout.

 

[Ziggy]

Same, I have two Electra bikes I've been wanting to convert. Its the reason I haven't sold them yet even though we got new e-bike cruisers. The brakes are a key safety factor though as it shuts off hub power or else it'll be briefly unstopable in a panic.
As Dana said, the mid-drive might be your only viable option if it even allows you to back pedal.
Battery placement(especially ladies frame) is also an issue unless you add/use a rear rack type.
Truly been a dilemma, I prefer my Electra's style, fit, comfort over every other bike I've tried.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I have an Electra Rat Rod that I'd like to convert to electric.

It currently has a 3-speed hub on it. I've seen conversions for the front or rear wheel. I'd like the rear wheel to be my power wheel, but don't want to add handle brakes; not sure if the rear kits allow you to keep the coaster brake.

Has anyone converted a bike? Where'd you get the parts and battery?

View attachment 1203891

I have no idea where the parts would be found...but I saw this in flagstaff at a ski shop.. Thought it was cool so I snapped a pic. Its vintage and would go along with the bike if you could find similar...

 

[Ziggy]

I have no idea where the parts would be found...but I saw this in flagstaff at a ski shop.. Thought it was cool so I snapped a pic. Its vintage and would go along with the bike if you could find similar...

View attachment 1203940

Headlight generator. It absolutely fukd up every tire I had

 

[JJ McClure]

Just pedal yore bikes. Skinny tire ahole

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Headlight generator. It absolutely fukd up every tire I had

I literally had no clue what it was, but that makes sense...just thought it looked cool. I could see it being the destroyer of tires!

 

[Rajobigguy]

How about taking an electric bike and mounting a Mac 10 on it to make a hybrid?
Now that’s an idea I can get behind.

 

[SoCalDave]

24vdc to 48vdc = instant torque steer.

 

[mesquito_creek]

I did mid drive conversions on two fat tire cruisers. I don’t see how you keep the coaster brake. There has to be a motor cut off during braking and that’s why they all use handbrakes with built in cutoff switches

 

[D19]

I did mid drive conversions on two fat tire cruisers. I don’t see how you keep the coaster brake. There has to be a motor cut off during braking and that’s why they all use handbrakes with built in cutoff switches
View attachment 1204029

What brand kits did you get? The mid drive looks cool because I don't have to worry about trying to match wheels. I'd have to get anew rear hub because the throttle would need to take the place of the shifter which is not that big of a deal.

 

[3queens]

Headlight generator. It absolutely fukd up every tire

 

[mesquito_creek]

What brand kits did you get? The mid drive looks cool because I don't have to worry about trying to match wheels. I'd have to get anew rear hub because the throttle would need to take the place of the shifter which is not that big of a deal.

Bafang, the china kits… I have 1000 miles on each bike so far

 

[D19]

Bafang, the china kits… I have 1000 miles on each bike so far

What speeds are you seeing? How many miles on a charge?

 

[Wizard29]

What brand kits did you get? The mid drive looks cool because I don't have to worry about trying to match wheels. I'd have to get anew rear hub because the throttle would need to take the place of the shifter which is not that big of a deal.

Like mesquito creek said, the Bafang mid drive seems to be the way to go. I did one on a mountain bike I have that the wife rides and I'm getting ready to do another one. Available on Amazon for $1000 or so depending on what options you get.

Coaster brake will not work with one of these though, so you'll have to figure out brakes.

Not sure why you'd need to get a new hub?

 

[D19]

Like mesquito creek said, the Bafang mid drive seems to be the way to go. I did one on a mountain bike I have that the wife rides and I'm getting ready to do another one. Available on Amazon for $1000 or so depending on what options you get.

Coaster brake will not work with one of these though, so you'll have to figure out brakes.

Not sure why you'd need to get a new hub?

Thanks. I have the Shimano 3 speed hub that came w/ bike. If I add a throttle for electric, it will need to go where the 3-speed twist handle is now. If I went to electric, I'm thinking I really wouldn't need the manual gears.

 

[Wizard29]

Thanks. I have the Shimano 3 speed hub that came w/ bike. If I add a throttle for electric, it will need to go where the 3-speed twist handle is now. If I went to electric, I'm thinking I really wouldn't need the manual gears.

I hope I'm understanding correctly...The throttle could be mounted wherever the shifter isn't. It's just a little thumb actuated thing. Looks like you could mount it on the left side of the handlebar right next to that bell. I had to mount mine on the left hand side because of the shifter as well. Just do like this:

Way easier than getting a new rear hub and you retain the ability to shift gears.

 

[Ziggy]

@D19
Lookie what I just ran across.
Swytchbike.com

 

[mesquito_creek]

What speeds are you seeing? How many miles on a charge?

They cruise best at about 11-13 mph. They will do about 20-22…. But battery life is way worse at higher speeds.

If we cruise 12 mph we get about 30-40 miles out a a charge depending on the terrain… maybe go farther but I get battery anxiety if I see 2 bars out of 5 so I call it 35 miles and I want to be close to home at that point

 

[Ziggy]

View attachment 1203891

Funny, I just saw your bike photo, it almost looks like my new ebike....an HBBC(Huntington Beach Bike Co)

 

[hallett21]

How about a shifter like this??

 

[D19]

Funny, I just saw your bike photo, it almost looks like my new ebike....an HBBC(Huntington Beach Bike Co) View attachment 1204194

Very cool. Those are nice bikes!

 

[D19]

I hope I'm understanding correctly...The throttle could be mounted wherever the shifter isn't. It's just a little thumb actuated thing. Looks like you could mount it on the left side of the handlebar right next to that bell. I had to mount mine on the left hand side because of the shifter as well. Just do like this:

View attachment 1204190

Way easier than getting a new rear hub and you retain the ability to shift gears.

Got it. That makes sense now. Thanks! I watched a few videos on this set up and it looks to be like a good one and the right one for me. I'll just have to add handle brakes. No biggie

 

[D19]

They cruise best at about 11-13 mph. They will do about 20-22…. But battery life is way worse at higher speeds.

If we cruise 12 mph we get about 30-40 miles out a a charge depending on the terrain… maybe go farther but I get battery anxiety if I see 2 bars out of 5 so I call it 35 miles and I want to be close to home at that point

That would be perfect for what we're doing., I'm going to order the Bafang. Thanks for the info

 

[SJP]

 

[Clank123]

I’ve posted before, but I converted our cruiser to electric.
Other than having to lengthen the wiring harness…Easy project.

 

[mesquito_creek]

Thanks. I have the Shimano 3 speed hub that came w/ bike. If I add a throttle for electric, it will need to go where the 3-speed twist handle is now. If I went to electric, I'm thinking I really wouldn't need the manual gears.

The 3 speeds will help a lot. You need to down shift up hills to use the torque changes to lessen the stress on the battery and motor.

The thumb throttle is almost worthless. At first you will think it’s cool like a moped is cool. But after a quick while you really never use it.

I have thought about removing mine for legal reasons. The federal definition of “motorized vehicle” states the 500 watts or less without any means of activating besides pedal assist is not “motorized”. The senior judge at Gilbert municipal court agreed with my interpretation, for whatever that’s worth.

 

[Ziggy]

That would be perfect for what we're doing., I'm going to order the Bafang. Thanks for the info

Just another thought.
The other option I've considered is buying one of the complete 26 inch 500w motor ebikes off amazon similar to the pic below that are in the $500 range and exchanging all the necessary hardware, wheels, brakes, etc. onto my Electra.

 

[mesquito_creek]

Most of the value/cost is in the battery. So don’t be too drawn to the cheaper kits because you are just getting a smaller battery. Convert batteries to watt hours to compare 36v/48v etc.

I am running 36v 20 amp hour batteries which gives me 720 watt hours per charge. So that 500 dollar bike with 48v 10ah (480 watt hours) battery is 35% smaller than what I have.

 

[Ziggy]

Most of the value/cost is in the battery. So don’t be too drawn to the cheaper kits because you are just getting a smaller battery. Convert batteries to watt hours to compare 36v/48v etc.

I am running 36v 20 amp hour batteries which gives me 720 watt hours per charge. So that 500 dollar bike with 48v 10ah (480 watt hours) battery is 35% smaller than what I have.

Yeah, the battery is the weakness with that method but it is still an affordable way to collect all the other components needed. Some of those bikes are offered with different higher ah batteries at slightly higher price.
I will say though, my 20" folding fat tire bike never got very close to running the 48v/10 battery down.

 

[mesquito_creek]

Yeah, the battery is the weakness with that method but it is still an affordable way to collect all the other components needed. Some of those bikes are offered with different higher ah batteries at slightly higher price.
I will say though, my 20" folding fat tire bike never got very close to running the 48v/10 battery down.

I don’t disagree. I had a 36 13ah for a while and it had enough range that never really was a problem. I came home on 1 bar a few times but as long as you make it home that’s all that matters.

 

[Angler]

Based on my knowledge of e-bike conversion kits, I recommend checking out [https://heybike.ca/blogs/heybike-blog/guide-to-electric-bike-components] [https://www.heybike.com/blogs/heybike-blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-e-bike-components] for more details. I hope it helps!

 

[DrunkenSailor]

I’ve posted before, but I converted our cruiser to electric.
Other than having to lengthen the wiring harness…Easy project.

View attachment 1205562

I see you converted to pad brakes. This bike weighs a ton how do they do stopping it with two riders? Nice Schwinn by the way.

 

[LazyLavey]

YouTube is yor friend... several reviews of several brands

 

[D19]

I still haven’t done this. I have not had the time, too busy with other projects. I haven’t even ridden my bike in a year. Lol

 

[Clank123]

I see you converted to pad brakes. This bike weighs a ton how do they do stopping it with two riders? Nice Schwinn by the way.

Responding to your PM since I’ve never figured out how to post pictures in there.
So we communicated on the brakes already.
Here’s a screenshot shot of the parts I ordered from Amazon(backboard obviously for another project.

I’m sure there are better kits, but this one works fine for the ride to the beach and downtown Carlsbad 3/4 of a mile from our house.
We actually pedal most of the time.
I only really use the motor to help get us back up the Hill on the east side of the 5 on the way home. After a few pints and apps it makes it super nice.
Since you have 1968 as well…
Couple things I did.
I shortened the twist throttle way up and machined a couple 3/4 inch extensions for the handlebars so I could run the throttle and the original grips.
Also most all e-bikes I’ve seen are not real tidy when it comes to the throttle and brake cables. I went ahead and sheathed mine for a cleaner look.

The old Schwinn’s pedal assembly is not like the modern bikes.
I cut out the pedal assist pick up to fit around the locknut and epoxied it to it.
Works really well.

In place of the coaster brake I used a piece of aluminum that goes over the axle and runs to the old mount and is bolted to the frame just to help hold the axle.
All the electrical components are in the original tool bag hooked to the seat.

We’ve really enjoyed the upgrade.
It’ll run just under 30mph with me at 250 on it.
Bike is definitely not built for that speed.
We bike in flips and shorts so it’s lucky if ever sees 5mph…maybe downhill!.

 

[bilz]

Timely posts. Been considering doing this. Thanks to all!