More plug-in hybrid bike video

[MrKeenius]

With your trailer, thats pretty efficient use of your bike. BTW. You have a rocket on wheels.

[superfrog1977]

hybrid is very popular these days .... isnt it ....

[andreiter]

Can you take a picture to show us how exactly you wired the 2 batteries in series? I would have to say, using the DeWalt batteries is probably much cheaper than if one were to use some sort of 'bicycle' battery?

[nopochoclos]

Nice bike!! , if you using direct wheel over the rubber wheel, to make it more simple, ??? , sorry for my english. But your bike is perfect, a lot speed.

Greetings

[bonvivant55]

I must just point out that you're using electricity to post a reply. That said, not all energy comes from fossil fuels, and that would be another point all together. Since your world is perfect, let me paint a perfect picture. An air turbine generator powering your computer and giving you that extra boost on your bike coming home from a long day of saving lives at the hospital. Grats on the size of your shadow.

[dadigitechman]

Real good.. If you charge with solar or wind you win!

[fierwall5]

can you show us how you made it

[randyGilliland]

Hi, I'm in Redmond. Which shop or supplier do you go with?

[biodiversivist]

@randyGilliland

I can't recommend any given source (don't want to get blamed if something goes wrong). Do your homework. Endless-sphere is a good place to get information. You are on your own when you build your own. Chinese quality control is really bad. Crystalyte motors are inexpensive for a reason.

Know one guy who found his motor was badly corroded inside, which caused it to fail. He had to buy a new motor, after buying a new controller, which he assumed was the problem.

[naturalist92683]

Very nice, what is your range and cruising speed?

[biodiversivist]

@naturalist92683

About 20 mph, 25 miles. Charges in under an hour.

[tatertotninja302]

@biodiversivist hi can u please email me i am getting a kit for my bike and i wanna know how to wire up the batteries like u did and how did u get it working with out burning uo the controller art they rated for a certain voltage??

[biodiversivist]

@tatertotninja302

I don't recommend that people do this unless they are pretty knowledgeable about electric circuitry and electronics because things will go poof and you will have to figure out why and fix it on your own.

A rule of thumb is if you have to ask how, you probably should not attempt it. Stick with a reliable kit supplier.

[Krackachris7891]

The heck...I was just watching Americas got talent, click on a couple of different videos and now I'm watching this....

[Xperience76aX]

Well, for those not able to use a bicycle to its full potential due to lack of fitness or health disorder.... I think this is an awesome idea and one that should be marketed... Well Done on your inspiration & innovation, good luck with this product... although, it should sell itself.

[TABAGfrancis]

Please watch:

THE WORLD'S SIMPLEST TRANSMISSION for BICYCLE

[1971SuperLead]

Nice, but I can't use it. I don't live in Seattle. I need a Denver hybrid.

[bazengao]

the diference is that thoose guys gained more strengh and endurance for the nest run then you!! and that is called self-improvement and accomplishment notion, stuff that you might miss if you try doing it with out electric motors... (not that gas motors are better).

P.S.: i am not calling you lazy or any of thoose kinds of adjectives, but regardless bikes were build to use human power (muscle power) and not electric or gas.

[biodiversivist]

@bazengao

Snap!

[bonvivant55]

@bazengao You're bashing him for creating a much more ecologically friendly form of transportation than motorized vehicles? Please let everyone know when you create something this useful. And just think, someone will congratulate you by letting you know they do it that much better. With all due respect, the self-improvement you need sir, is not riding your bike.

[bazengao]

@bonvivant55 what can by more ecologically friendly then your own body?? it is the most ecologic engine in the world! because it is NATURE MADE!! you only need to feed your self to keep it running! that doesn't requires any kind of fossil fuel driven energy, like elecrticit from the plug used to recharge the batterys (wich is made by burning fuel)... And i dont need to improve myself even more then what i am now! otherwise my shadow would obscure even more ppl, in theese matters you are wrong!

[supernova1976]

Nice to see decent gentleman on YouTube who knows what he is talking about for a change :) my question after reading the comments: you built this bike back in 2007 are you still using the same bike now with the same motor and same batteries? And what are the reliability issues ? Do you know if new technology since then that can be more efficient now? Appreciate your feedback.

[biodiversivist]

@supernova1976

2006. Same batteries, motor, controller. Battery circuit boards designed for a power tool, not an electric bike. Can blow an internal fuse in battery casing that can't be replaced. Can be bypassed. Have had to replace circuit boards in most batteries (bought off internet).

[jasontrucker007]

Do you find the bike kid trailer causes cars to be more cautious around you? thus making it safer for you

[biodiversivist]

@jasontrucker007

Oh yes. Everyone assumes I have a child on board and gives me special deference. I feel guilty sometimes.

[jasontrucker007]

@biodiversivist interesting, I'm not sure it would hurt or help me yet. Where I live there is clearly not enough space for bikers and is biker unfriendly ( a city in NJ ), wondering if it would help or make a tight space even tighter...

[badmashzia]

hey. can you sen dme your entire design? if posible just private message me and i will give my email adress. i live in karachi pakistan, and would love this over a damn big car any day. thanks.

Z

[crzZoo]

I like your voice. It relaxes me. :)

[ulug89]

@crzZoo his voice makes me breath

[evrider27]

Please show and tell how you wired those batteries in a series. Nice job

[Khamomil]

Hello, I live in Paris where there are lots of hills besides Montmartre. Your outfit is very impressive. The point is not to beat speed records but to bike in hilly terrain. Hills can discourage would-be bikers who are not super-fit bike nuts. This outfit solves the problem. Congratulations!

[bivvyfox]

really effective. can they hear the motor as you go past I wonder? might they think you were really fit

[Pnkbong]

I like Seattle.

[persebra]

i would have to uninstalled the battery pack and carrying it in with me if i used something like that in my town. but its really nice. i am going to learn how to ride this month, its a birthday promise.

[OrthodoxSteel]

408? Is that 408 Cubic Inches? Lol

What watts is your motor.

Cheers!

[drVitall]

What is an electric only range using 6 batteries?

Sure, without taking into account uphill / downhill rides :)

[repellcliffjumper]

how much is the hole thing cost ?with out the bike :)

[biodiversivist]

About $1400. Bike was only $170. One battery pack is $180.

[OrthodoxSteel]

and you used how many packs?? Sounds pricey. What do make of those ones that EBAY is selling?

[tak2mark]

Excellent video! Very informative. Thank you.

[funkytanky]

what is the fucking speed?

[biodiversivist]

They apparently buy motors. Possibly from Crystalyte.

"....We have undertaken extensive research to identify motor, battery and component suppliers who can consistently supply good quality products. We have a cellar and workshop full of crude motors and failed batteries to prove it! ..."

[gracesten1]

Wondering if you had considered any other motor than the crystalyte. There is a uk company that makes something called a "nano" motor for bikes with very little internal resistance. Thanks for the the video - very kewl!

[boutdempapers]

awesome, im a 24 yr old male from bellevue. I am very interested in building and designing electric vehicles from scrap parts. i would really like to brainstorm with you sometimes if you'd like and perhaps work on some concepts with you if you would allow me too. thanks

Liam Schille

[jimprice09]

let say you use 6 battery ,how many miles you will make?

can you use 600w bmc engine to , with the dewalt?

[ricefighter2003]

wow i want one.

[biodiversivist]

I will do that. You can find more info at hybridpowerbike website.

[alexzeegreat]

awesome you should post a guide on instructables. com

[CDickFly]

Thanks, very informative, and innovative as well. I've been trying to figure out which powersource to use for a velo project.

You made these products look very impressive.

[tiredofallvideos]

I got to check out the web site HYBRID POWER BIKE. You seem like one of few intellgent people here, who by being different, can make a good difference.

[Stephenlee5]

Wow, i would buy one of these from you. Its really cool.

[wongthong7]

good idea, bike this fast should come with disc brake at all time.

[nickao65]

By hitting a pot hole the force on a wheel is about 5000 times the force of the constant weight you are talking about. He wants to prevent damage to the unit as the roads where he lives are not in good shape. makes sense to me from that perspective. Sometimes real life conditions dictate you change ideal conditions.

[biodiversivist]

Not a scooter. Must always pedal. Energy stored is about same as other batteries per unit volume, so range is the same also, which depends on how fast you go and how much you pedal. They weigh less and will charge fast if you buy a charger for each battery. You will not get 20 miles without pedaling with four of these. I always pedal and can milk twenty out of a charge but usually about 15 because I tend to cruise at about 22 mph.

[mellowjohnnie]

i am impressed. looking forward to building the next generation for my rig. you are pointing the direction. the dewalt solution appears to be a simpler and less expensive alternative to lithium ion costliness. 20 miles with no assist? i get twelve with 36V. one trickle charger for four hours to recharge. do you pull out each unit every ride and then plug into individual chargers? i guess so. a bit of a hassle but a terrific solution. tell me more. i want more from my unit.

J

[CrashevilleNC]

Is this a homemade kit? What is the website to buy this?

[biodiversivist]

Not everyone should try to build one of these. Things break and you are on your own. If you are not electrically and mechanically inclined don't attempt it. It also isn't cheap. More info at hybridpowerbike website.

[nickao65]

I would think anyone wanting to build one themselves would have the willingness to fix it as it goes south on them. To me its the fun of doing the build and making it work, not buying one ready to go and never wanting to tinker with it.. Nice project!

[javamanjavaman1]

Wonderfull can I have more in formation as to how you put the battery pack togather. and was their a controler in volved?

[biodiversivist]

Java,

See comment below

[nipponoholic]

After riding around Seattle... I'm scared about my front wheel too. It's hard to believe they actually spend money on fixing the road given the road surface quality in most areas.

[nipponoholic]

That looks like Dexter Ave, heading N to S from Fremont bridge. Typically I'm pushing 15 mph up on my lightweight road bike, and about 45 mph down the other side of the hill - but I'm fit, strong, young and uninjured. The electric bike you demonstrate would be great for someone who needs some assistance and motivation to get back on 2 wheels. Great work!

I do wish batteries would become cheaper though - these would truly be the way of the future if they were.

[chicagoelectricbicyc]

Great video! I am now using a dewalt battery on my electric mountain bike thanks to your insight.

To all the critics... Have you tried riding one of these bikes? Its addicting.

[rightwingzionist]

when you go down hill does it recharge your battery? Also do you feel like you are better than people that have cars?

[KCrane289]

Efficiency on a regenerative braking system of this size is very poor with existing technology.

Your secondary question seems to be asked out of spite and probably does not deserve an answer.

[rightwingzionist]

lol I have no spite but that was funny.

Why would it be inefficient? You would need a chip and some diodes. Detect when you press the brakes or press it enough to initiate recharge. A voltage regulator would be needed in order to raise the voltage over the battery spec voltage in order to push the current through to charge the battery. It's been done for RC cars, real cars, trains etc why not a simple system for a bike? Just Do it.

[pspmaniaman]

I use to have that exact mongoose bike!!! Great bike!

[pipersmitty87]

Now I am almost mad I bought the front wheel kit, but I will try to be careful. I know I will be upgrading the batteries once I get greedy for speed. Also can you build me a battery such as the one you described 72 volts!! wow..

[fdhsdfjli9ew]

Thanks for the video. I'm sure you are man enough to not listen to the posters who criticize your bike and claim they can beat you. They are children in mind.

"The law will also come down on hybrid bike riders if guys run around at high speed. It would ruin if for everybody"

This is true. For anyone building one, just keep it on the low down when the cops are around and stay safe around "people powered" bikes.

Cool...

[Anglicain]

mm doesnt that defeat the purpose of cycling?

for the exercise and no polution(considering if you electricity is not produce via hydro,wind, or solar)

however this is a good idea in the sense that bikes can no ascend the steepest of hills, thus making bikes more practical for a go anywhere for even the laziest of people....

keep riding mate....you're doing a good job

[kinsler33]

And so what is that yellow trailer he's got on the back of the bike in the first part of the video, but not the last part? Surely it's not holding extra batteries or anything...

I hate to be skeptical, but there is a long tradition of exaggeration surrounding electric vehicles of every sort.

[biodiversivist]

Trailer was empty. The weak link in all electric vehicles has been the battery. These batteries charge in under an hour and have been going strong for about two years now.

[Snaaky005]

Hi, I'm thinking about building a hybrid bicycle myself. I'm trying to choose which batteries to use. How many kilometers can you ride per pair of batteries and in what conditions? Also, what is your top speed and how long does it take to get up to that top speed?

[biodiversivist]

Go to visforvoltage and start asking questions. Lots of knowledgeable people there.

[TurtleVVisperer]

I like your reasoning for putting the motor in the back wheel. Replacing one of those would be very expensive. Good tip.

[gregwhisenant]

Hi I would like to offer to build a Web site describing how you do this. It seems like there are a lot of people who are interested, and I think it looks great but is very complicated. I would also like to start commuting to work on my new bike. Would you be willing to work on that?

[drendedrater]

I like the idea! I'd rather keep my money and be more in shape.

[biodiversivist]

Think of it as an exercise machine with variable resistance. Your workout depends on how much you use the throttle. You get a hell of a workout if you don't use the throttle, but at least you can pick when to sweat and when not to sweat. Get your workout going home instead of having to change clothes and shower at work. If you are not feeling like a workout, don't have one, but you can still bike to work.

[depro9]

Smart response, no troll could attack this statement without looking like a brain dead zombie.

[minicoppergpiscool]

that is good compared to how much gas u will save

[minicoppergpiscool]

how much was it without the bike

[biodiversivist]

Each pack is about $170 on ebay (I run on four). Each charger is about $40 on ebay (I use four). The controller and motor cost about $600 together. So, about $1500.

[dual85]

No comment - LOL

[desertblbuesman]

Is biodiversivist a new word. How bout sustainabilist. Two cool words. I like your setup and really appreciate you takeing the time making this video. Thanks

[gstraitman]

nice video. I need detail instructions on how to build one. Can you post on the internet? I will look in HybridPowerBike

[cfryar]

Dear Biodiversivist,

Great video and overview. Would you consider sending me a detailed set of instructions and pix from which I could create a PDF document. I'd like to include a parts list, step-by-step instructions, tips, etc). We could publish this for others to use (and hopefully cut down on Q&A you're fielding). I plan to build an e-bike this month for my teenager for Christmas. Thanks for considering.

[biodiversivist]

Drop into HybridPowerBike. I'm selling a battery holder (something you cannot buy anywhere else) that comes with instructions and parts list to build a bike.

[zimant78]

you could do with a racing front chain set, i have 50 teech on my biggest cog and I could do with at least 60 because I use top gear most of the time, with a normal bike.

[biodiversivist]

I think you are right but bikes are not safe at speeds above 25-30. They were not designed for it like a motorcycles are. The law will also come down on hybrid bike riders if guys run around at high speed. It would ruin if for everybody so I'm happy being limited by my gearing.

[zimant78]

lol, I am happy being limited by my 72V monster bike.

Derjew -  I've done eight hours of cycling in a day but I've never had as much fun as going through the woods on an cross-country electric bike. you should try one I think you would love it, it makes cycling a lot more amusing.

[zimant78]

this is true although people make bicycles with 50 tooth cogs without them even being racers, so that speed is okay, the scary thing is down mountain hills  I taking bends at maximum speed... straights are okay, I've got 28 inch wheels on the front of my bike... anything smaller feels tacky now- I can't believe they don't make them anymore! but lorries can suck you into the road.

[biodiversivist]

I suppose off road is another story. It seems to me that if someone wants to cruise at 30 on city streets one should get a motorcycle or scooter.

[cparrish60]

Way cool bike! I use the A123 Dewalt cells to power my electric RC airplanes.

What kind of fixture are you plugging the DeWalt packs into on the bike?

I'll have to get started building my own E-Bike. Thanks.

Chris Parrish

Atlanta

[biodiversivist]

Go to hybridpowerbike to buy a holder for up to six batteries.

[dtuer]

I guess you have four/six chargers and pull the batteries out of the bike and plug them into the standard Dewalt chargers?

[dtuer]

Very nice. It's really not about racing standard bikes, it's about a viable alternative to using your car for every commute. Each E-bike on the road is one less car creating pollution. E-bikes rock.

[biodiversivist]

True that dtuer. It is a wonderful machine. I don't know who derjew was racing, but it sure wasn't me.

[bknegsnlzy]

hey derjewboy he's not going for a marathon,nor is he trying to beat anyone like u he's discussing how his bike works. Find someone on the trail that wants to race, last I checked there was 1million, come back after u race the first 40 and die, u probably scare old ladys on the trail to death and don't care

[derjew]

lolol kkk yea your right. Funny i was on a trail last night, and raced this guy and out sprinted him and simultaneously scared the shit out of people

[sirgazz]

what sort of range do you get?

[biodiversivist]

Around 20 miles on four batteries, depending on hills, speed, etc

[derjew]

Using ONLY my MAN power I COuld easily dust you on that hill. Sure, youd pass me after I hit my VO2 max in a half a mile but thats nothing to be proud of. but you know what else? THe hardest ride I ever did (last spring) was 140 miles with 13500 feet of climbing. Your bike would NEVER be able to accomplish such MANLY NON-PUSSY Ness. There! You see! Given another, what, 15 miles down the road I'd scream by you. Anyway enough. Regardless its a bike, and thats a good thing.

[biodiversivist]

It is a bike, and it is a good thing. Think of it as a tandem bike with a battery pack instead of another rider in back.

[derjew]

SO basicaly this is like biking, for pussies

[biodiversivist]

Pretty much. Make sure to say that to the pussy as he passes you and then keep yelling it at his ass until you can't see him no more or he can't hear you, which ever comes first. Real men ride tall bikes.

[derjew]

hAhAHahHahha REAL MEN. No, my friend. Real men ride MAN powered bikes. First off that hill aint shit scro.

[cstubing]

Are those the same "real men" who wear spandex shorts so they can check out each other's ball sacks?

Great vid, biodiversivist. Thanks for sharing ur work. Seattle has a ton of hills... this must be a life saver.

[derjew]

yea we are the real men. Balls sacks really are great, too!

[zip1212]

real men stay on topic. this video isnt about a legend in his own mind (derjew) .. nor is it about man vs machine.. nor is it a debate. no its about EV's. (electric vehicles) and new battery technology finally here ! + someone (biodiversivist) nice enough to share their experiences and knowledge with you and at their own expense no less. grow up.

[moviedude111]

i have the 406 with a 48 volt nicad, how did you wire it up with out taking the batteries out of the casing? did you manufacture some sort of holder for them, by the way i too have a similiar trailer. nice ride, electric sure is the way to go eh.

[biodiversivist]

I custom made a holder in my workshop out of plywood, using epoxy to glue blade connectors into place. The fast charge time is the best thing about these batteries. You need to keep them in their cases so they can be used in Dewalt chargers, which also perform cell balancing.

[michaeleugeneb]

Sweeeeetness. Thank you Brother. Ride on.

[michaeleugeneb]

Do you think those batteries could be wired to a small solar array to power an LED set-up of maybe 20-50 LEDs?

Do you know anyone who would know more on this if you do not?

Thank you.

Your-setup is amazing and you are awesome!!!

Rawk on.

Roll out.

Live Life Love.

[biodiversivist]

You would want to use the Dewalt battery charger which runs on 120 Volt AC. So, you would need an inverter to convert your DC solar current to 120 AC to power the charger. You would need a resistor in the line powering the diodes because they would need a lower voltage than 36 volts. Hook up with any electrical engineer, buy him a beer and hand him a pencil and paper.

[michaeleugeneb]

Sweeeeetness. Thank you Brother. Ride on.

[suum52]

Where's the best deal on DeWalt batteries? How are they connected into your system?

[biodiversivist]

E-bay

[rochy1432000]

were did you find that shit for 107 dollars ? please tellme if you can not tellme here in the forum ask me for my email please this is good for humanity !

[biodiversivist]

$170. It was a close out at K-Mart. Target has similar bikes for about $240.

[jojo808]

think i know that hill, whats in the trailer? extra batteries? You sure are moving.

[jdbauman99]

Great Video... That is very impressive performance!

1. Are you bypassing the built-in BMS when attaching the batteries in Series and to the bike?

2. Do you use the standard DeWalt chargers?

3. Could you possibly show some pictures and explain how you hook up the batteries?

I am very impressed with your bike and would like to built one like it. Also there is a great Ebike forum called endless-sphere Would love to see you over there if you are not already a member... JD

[biodiversivist]

1) Nope. Works great as is.

2) Definitely.

3) Will do so at "visforvoltage" when I get time.

I'll check out endless sphere. Thanks.

[fldallyb]

WOW I would love to buy this set up!