Family Truckster (electric trike)

[BigIrish]

I wanted something to cruise around the neighborhood with my 10-month old so I whipped up this trike using an old Schwinn, a trike conversion kit, baby seat and 36volts worth of electric propulsion. It goes 20 mph with no pedaling.

Dorky as can be...but I love it.

 

[bob w]

Very interesting. Can you talk more about the motor/drive system?

 

[Sam_Fear]

Where's the build on this!?

 

[Tripper]

Wow... that's *way* kool!!! [cl

 

[BigIrish]

Where's the build on this!?

Not a whole lot to show actually. The rear end is a kit you buy and just bolt on. My only issue was the band-brake, (like on cheap go-karts) didn't work b/c the brake drum just spun on the shaft...but thats what welders are for. These things are only 90% "made in China", the other 10% is "made by owner".

The drive system is a 500watt electric bike kit, sold on numerous websites. Again, just bolt it on. They are pretty sweet nowadays though. The motor is actually in the hub of the front wheel (note how large the hub is). The kit comes with a hub motor wheel, batteries, speed controller, and thumb throttle. Just bolt on and go. It came with a bag that hides the batteries, but I prefer the 'science project' look, so they are exposed. I'll eventually build a metal tray for them to ride in. This kit is 36volts, but will handle 48 or even 60volts, so I'll probably add another battery or 2 for front-drive burnouts. These things have great torque.

 

[groundhog]

Can you post a link for the kit that you used please? Looks real cool....