Homemade Friction Drive Electric Bicycle

This was my first attempt at an electric bicycle. I have since built some better designs including a pusher trailer and a bottom bracket drive. Each of these are evolutions. You can view them on my channel!

This is a friction drive electric bicycle that I made. The motor is 350 Watts, 24 Volts. There are 2 lead-acid, 12 volt, 12 amp batteries. Range is about 6 miles. Top speed is around 20 mph. The drive roller is made from a BMX peg surrounded by a 1 1/4 inch PVC pipe that I JB Welded together. The drive roller is 2.125 inches in diameter with a 20 inch rear tire gives approximately a 9.4:1 gear ratio, which is a good compromise between speed and torque. You can get more details of this bicycle here: http://www.evalbum.com/2856

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Electric Bicycle
• Friction Drive
• Homemade
• Roller
• 350W
• 24V
• Ebike
• Electric Bike

[fairyheli2]

i think i will use other ev technology, such as rc outrunners, or even compressed air, as i have methods of using compressed air.

[hutchtransfer]

@fairyheli2 This was my first ev vehicle, so I wanted to make it as simple as possible by using friction drive. Now having built two other electric bicycles I realize that there are much better ways of powering the bike. Compressed air would be cool to see, however I wonder if you could get good range.

[ChrisCross722]

maybe you could use gas like a real american... jk

[hutchtransfer]

@ChrisCross722 It's the smart Americans who are trying to develop alternate sources of energy... :)

[longp2000]

I made one very similar to this when I was about 14. I had a controller failure then the on off didn't work. I ended up dumping it over my back with my face being the brake on the concrete. My Momma was so pissed at me. After I got out of the emergency room and got a clean bill of health she whipped me with a fly swatter. This really brought back some good memories. I got the nick name "Pat Splat" that summer. Your design is much better though, really awesome.

[hutchtransfer]

@longp2000 I was happy how this turned out. This was my first ever electric bicycle build. Definately not the most efficient, however I learned a lot and this helped me build my other electric bicycles on my channel. I also used to have a weed wacker powered bicycle, but I decided to go green since it is cleaner and less maintenance.

[hutchtransfer]

The top speed is around 20mph with a slight downhill grade. Normal cruising is around 15mph. It has decent power, but the wheel sometimes slips. I am now working on a motorized pusher trailer. I will post a video soon.

[fairyheli2]

@ChrisCross722 but gas comes from arab countries where's coal comes from america

[fairyheli2]

@hutchtransfer after looking at power and energy densities as well as cost, lithium or lead with a bldc motor is the way to go. rc motors weigh 100grams but make 700+ watt

[jackvincent90]

@hutchtransfer I cruise at 20mph, is that fast?

[totalrandomcrap]

@longp2000 So you're the Max Headroom Pirate!

[fairyheli2]

i have two 20ah batteries on a touring bicycle frame, how long do you think they will last?

[longp2000]

@fairyheli2 No, she whipped me for 1. not wearing a helmet, 2. for tearing up my bike and 3. because she'd already told me to wait until my Dad could help me. Trust me, I deserved every whipping I got, and probably many more. :)