My 1200w/48v EBike Build

[CB590]

So I was going to go with a 50cc scooter and ride to work occasionally. But since the person I'm living with didn't want it in the house I went another direction.

I picked up one of the last Mongoose Argus ST26 bikes for $399 from Amzn. Has 4" x 26" fat tires and is a 7 speed.

Ordered in from EBikeLing a 1200w/48v kit for $365 using funds from an "amp" sale on here. And used my CC to get the 11.6/48v LiPo battery from the same place for another $369. Came with the cheap 3 speed LED controller as the LCD was out of stock. I ordered the LCD the next day when they restocked (not here yet), has 5 power levels for pedal assist and a little more top end as most reviews say.

Only mod needed was the rear dropout was 1-2mm to narrow for the fatter axle. So I used a dremel.

So far I got 22.4MPH on a flat level road here in NJ.

Before:

After:

 

[S&W357]

Nice job. Resembles a Harley Davidson hard tail bobber. Mount some playing cards against the spokes and you’ll be good to go.

very creative

 

[Handy Andy]

At least with Electric, you'd be in the Ozone, better than some of those older putt-putt 2 cycle motors that make you smell like a Sno-Pup in summertime.

 

[CB590]

20w Headlight, 110db horn, and crank tool due in tomorrow. Then I can add the pedal assist sensor to the hub.

I'm eventually going to get a 48v-12v 10amp down converter and get motorcycle small peg lights for the four corners like marker lights too. Can't be too safe.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

You need a CB for it.

 

[CB590]

You need a CB for it.

Thinking rack on back and Lil Wil antenna and my Uniden 66XL that has a swing kit in it.

 

[Handy Andy]

Too many accessories and you'll have to pedal that thing back home - you'll drain the battery faster with those things working...

Every time you key up, you could lose +10MPH so you'll have to be in the "Granny Lane" (and Gear) to maintain some forward motion.

 

[CB590]

Too many accessories and you'll have to pedal that thing back home - you'll drain the battery faster with those things working...

Every time you key up, you could lose +10MPH so you'll have to be in the "Granny Lane" (and Gear) to maintain some forward motion.

other option is a 7ah SLA in a bag just for the radio.

 

[CB590]

7ah in small bag. Zip tie to frame and done.

 

[Slowmover]

7ah in small bag. Zip tie to frame and done.

View attachment 40532

And rolling downhill.

.

 

[CB590]

New display with 9 speed options vs old 3 speed led display and the new 4 CREE led headlight. Very bright and I angled it down abit as not to blind traffic.

 

[CB590]

Controller now in bag. Like a mini tank.

Light wired to go on when bike battery is turned on. Just like a real "bike".

 

[Handy Andy]

What is the weight factor now?

I mean this has got to be getting pretty heavy to lift, let alone the ability to ride and change speed as needed for conditions...I hope it's manageable - because if you wipe out - this can get costly.

Hey...forgot to ask, what about the antenna? What are you going to use?

 

[CB590]

What is the weight factor now?

I mean this has got to be getting pretty heavy to lift, let alone the ability to ride and change speed as needed for conditions...I hope it's manageable - because if you wipe out - this can get costly.

Hey...forgot to ask, what about the antenna? What are you going to use?

Weight hasn't really changed. The kit was like 17 lbs. the bike was 43 lbs.

You can still change gears and use regular.

Also pedal assist let's you play with gearing as well and you can do little assist on setting 1 or max assist on 9. You can still get a workout or not.

Road test tomorrow. My next day off.

Will try and do videos.

 

[CB590]

So road test was interesting. Battery wasn't fully charged. Went 13 miles full level 9 throttle. Battery was at like 47% when I got home and let it settle back in. (Said like 17% with motor in use at that point).

Top speed was higher at 32.1 miles per hour on flat (than 22mph with old LED control panel) when I first went out at 96% battery, and for a good portion 20-25mph was cake.

As it wound down power wise it still did like 20-22mph without issue till I got home.

I did have the led head light on the whole ride for safety sake so I'm sure that had some draw to it. (Like 0.8amps @ 48v level)

Opted to order a 48v-12v converter for the headlight, proper scooter horn, and a set of 12v LED tail/marker lights. I also ordered a motorcycle style switch as well for these.

I'm figuring out the more things to be visible even during the day is worth the $40 or so of addons.

Stay tuned for pics. Parts due in tomorrow and Friday.