ALMOST BEEKEEPING - RELATED TOPICS > OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FORUM

E-bike build using a kit

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Lesgold:
Hi Folks,

It?s good to be home from the trip but there is a lot to do around the place. Cleaning the ute and van is the number one priority followed by beekeeping chores and plenty of gardening. Mixed in with that will be a couple of projects that I have planned. The first is to build an e-bike using a donor bike and a conversion kit that was purchased on line.

During our travels, I met a guy who had done exactly that. I?ve always wanted an e-bike but the expense put it on the back burner for a while. If you build one yourself, you can end up with a product that is much cheaper than a store purchased bike. So I decided to give it a go and put one together.

The first step was to look for a donor bike. Going down the second hand path can save a lot of money and you can buy one that is well made for a fraction of its new value. When we were passing through Sydney, I saw a good bike advertised quite cheaply. It was over ten years old but it had all of the features that I was after. This bike would have cost well over a $1000 new but I was able to pick it up for $350. I chose the conversion kit that I wanted and it cost me $1500. If I wanted to buy an e-bike with similar features, I would be paying double the amount that this project will cost.The kit arrived this morning and I had to make a start. (Even though there were some more important jobs waiting) The first task was to disconnect the crank from the bottom bracket and remove the pedals. This only took 5 minutes and was a simple task using some of the tools supplied with the kit. Guilt got the better of me so I returned to my cleaning jobs. I may spend an hour or so on the bike tomorrow if beekeeping duties allow. I?ll keep you guys posted on the build. It should only take about half a day but it will be assembled in small blocks of free time.

Kathyp:
please do keep us updated.  I have been looking at those but they are stupid expensive to buy new.

BeeMaster2:
I don?t ride my bike very often so there?s not really any reason to buy an e-bike. They sell them at our local Ace Hardware store, the price tags are well over $4,500.
Not something that I could justify. Being out in the country where I live, the main road are not the safest place for a bike. I?ll stick with my side by side. At least I can get pretty close to the speeds that the cars are doing and it is large enough to be seen.
Jim Altmiller

Ben Framed:
I am very interested in you project also Les.  As Katyhy ask, please keep us updated.
Thanks,

Phillip

Kathyp:

--- Quote ---Not something that I could justify.
--- End quote ---

That's where I have been.  We have a grocery store that is within walking distance if you like long walks, but I don't want to carry all that stuff home by hand.  I always feel  kinda dumb driving to the store though.  Especially in good weather.   :grin:

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