How fast are they?

[newtrikebuilder]

I'm looking at the Etek-RT motor, which should get around 50mph if I use the same gear ratios. With different gear ratios would I be able to get a higher top speed (with slower acceleration), or is 50mph really all that the motor is able to do? I am also increasing the battery capactiy, so that will probably double the weight of the batteries.

In a petrol car the performance is usually pretty poor when you get close to the top speed. How fast are the etrikes as they approach their top speed. Do they have good performance until they reach their top speed?

Also, what is the acceleration like? My car will do 60mph in just under 10s, should the etrike be able to get similar performance (up to the trikes top speed)?

I really need it to be able to cruise at 60+mph (need to use the motorway), but the Lynch motor will probably cost me double. At the moment it seems to be quite expensive if it will only do 50mph.

[Stiggy]

Hi, the RT motor is heavy and old tech.
The power output is slightly less than lmc but it is possible to increase top speed by applying a higher voltage provided you have a suitable controller such as a Curtis. You need to check for heat build up on the motor but mine was doing 65 mph around Mallory Park 2 days ago and did not get warm.
The range will drop considerably though at those speeds.
1 volt = 50rpm x 96 volts = 4800 rpm. Torque also increases with the higher than standard volts. 0-60 is about 10 seconds but 0-50 is only 6.
Stiggy

Attachments:

[Stiggy]

Thanx to Paul at Team MEV RTR for this clip of the Battmobile at Mallory park

[newtrikebuilder]

So that Battmobil has the Etek-RT engine? I thought it had the Lynch one, but there are so many Etrike variants I don't know which is which.

What batteries do you use in your trikes? The plans mention cyclic SLA which you can get for around £30, but cyclic ones start at around double that price. £30 will just about get a basic car battery. I considering some 100Ah leisure batteries. If I get 8 (96V) then I would need to increase the chassis length by about 500mm. I want to at least a 60 mile range, mostly at 60mph.

I have been looking at the Kelly controllers. They don't appear to be mentioned in your plans, but they can be programmed with free software and they provide regen braking and revserving. Some of them will handle 96+V as well.

I'm still unsure what I'm going to go for. It's either a cheap, efficient, light weight but slower PMAC one. One that is fast, heavy, but expensive. Or nothing. If I lived close to work then a PMAC one would be ideal.

[Stiggy]

I have used all types of motors, the best all rounder being the LEMCO that is in the one in the clip. You will not go far on leisure batteries as they are not designed for high draw cyclic demand. If you shop around you can buy SLA 24Ah batteries for £30 but you will not get 60-60, more like 40mph for 20 miles. You will need Life for 60-60

[coco]

Stiggy, what's the spec of the Lemco you are using? What sort of money is the lemco? (I have found them to be very expensive)

[Stiggy]

200-127 it's damn good, £1400 inc 72v controller + VAT

[newtrikebuilder]

If you want a Lemco then it's probably best to buy it direct from Lemco. They do look relatively expensive in the US, but if you buy from there then they are probably shipped to the US and then back to the UK when you buy it. When buying from the US you also need to take into consideration the VAT, delivery cost, and a few other things, which puts the price up a lot.

I'm looking at Lemco now because I don't want to pay high delivery prices in the US. Unfortunately they don't sell 96V controllers so I'll need to get that from somewhere else

[coco]

I agree that there is little point in building a 'planet friendly' etrike if you have shipped the parts half way round the world to do it.

However its had to believe that you can buy a whole EV kit from one of the US websited for less than Perm will sell you a PMG132 (even after import, tax etc)! Someones getting rich!!

I have to admit that it wasn't the 200-D127 I got a quote for but it was a LOT more than £1400. I'll go back and speak to LMC again!

Anyway, welcome aboard newtrikebuilder - where are you based?

[newtrikebuilder]

I've got prices for the Lemco motors and that particular motor with the controller is around £1400 (+VAT). The more powerful Lemco motors aren't much more expensive, but it costs more to get a 96V controller.

I'm in Berkshire, but I'm still not sure whether it's worth spending thousands of pounds on this project. I need high performance and a long range, which really puts the price up.

[Scott]

Im Interested in building one sometime but price of the Motor and controller etc,, plus the batteries puts me off abit,, are these motors and controllers used on anything else that so we could pick second hand bits

Scott

[fer]

May 7, 2010 11:36:04 GMT newtrikebuilder said:

I'm in Berkshire, but I'm still not sure whether it's worth spending thousands of pounds on this project. I need high performance and a long range, which really puts the price up.

I went through the same process, and found I could not afford/justify the cost for batteries, controller, etc, which is why I am hoping to go with the Eco-Exo as soon as it is available.

(Hi from Berks too!)

[Stiggy]

Actually I beg to differ, they are excellent value for money. On a track you could not believe the excitement and buzz you get for £2k The Chevy I was racing has more than 2k's worth of tyres.

[newtrikebuilder]

I'm looking at about £4000+. £2000 would just about get a Lemco motor, a 72V controller and some batteries, but no chassis, or bodywork etc. Few hundred extra for lights etc.

There are some parts which seem to be stupid prices. The only speedo I can find is just under $200. I could probably make one for less than that. 96V DC-DC converters seem to cost hundreds too. 96V battery chargers seem to be about £500 too, which is a lot more than the £150 72V one you sell. 96V seems to push the price up well past £2000. I'm tempted to do all the electronics myself for sensible prices, but it'll take ages. Actually it's looking more like £5000+ if I can't find cheaper ways to get these parts.

[Stiggy]

I built mine for £1500 but it didn't do 65 then.
The motors come up S/H on the battery vehicle society forum but at $1000 for a new AC one with controller and contactor and throttle you can't go wrong. Details of the supply of these and others are listed on the build disc.