Build Your Own Electric Bicycle (TAB Green Guru Guides)

345 Pages·2010·9.29 MB·English

by  Matthew Slinn

Build Your Own Electric Bicycle
TAB Green Guru Guides
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Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman Build Your Own Electric Bicycle by
Matthew Slinn Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel
Build Your Own Electric Bicycle
Matthew Slinn
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ISBN: 978-0-07160622-6
MHID: 0-07-160622X
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This book is dedicated to my girlfriend Heather, who I love.
About the Author
Matthew Slinn is an experienced research scientist and process engineer and has
worked on several alternative energy transport applications. During his EngD at
the University of Birmingham (U.K.), he worked on the biodiesel process and
was sponsored by and worked at Green Biodiesel and BHR Biofuels. During this
time he bought his first electric bicycle and quickly recognized the great
possibilities for this new form of transport. The new skills he developed while
fixing and upgrading this bike won him new jobs in the field of fuel cells and
batteries. He worked on the prototype microcab fuel-cell vehicle and at Oxis
Energy developing their lithium sulfur batteries. This book is the product of
many years of accumulated knowledge.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
1 Introduction
1.1 What Are Electric Bicycles?
1.2 Why Electric Bicycles?
1.2.1 Freedom and Convenience
1.2.2 Safer Than Regular Bicycles
1.2.3 The Benefits of an Electric Bicycle
1.2.4 Cost Savings
1.2.5 Time Savings
1.2.6 Saving the Environment
1.2.7 The Future of Transport
1.3 Safety with Electric Bicycles
1.3.1 Electrical Safety
1.3.2 Battery Chemical Safety
1.3.3 Road Safety
1.4 Legality of Electric Bicycles
2 Your First Electric Bicycle
2.1 Commercial Electric Bicycles
2.1.1 Buying an Electric Bicycle: The Motor
2.1.2 Buying an Electric Bicycle: The Battery
2.1.3 Buying an Electric Bicycle: The Bicycle
2.1.4 Resources for Buying an Electric Bicycle
3 Build Your Own Electric Bicycle
3.1 Why Build Your Own Electric Bicycle?
3.1.1 Quality and Unique Design
3.1.2 Increased Performance
3.1.3 Reduced Cost
3.2 What Do You Want from Your Electric Bicycle?
3.2.1 Having Realistic Goals and Expectations
3.3 Types of Electric Bicycles You Can Build
3.3.1 The Long-Range Commuter Electric Bicycle
3.3.2 The Folding Commuter Electric Bicycle
3.3.3 High-Power Electric Bicycle
3.3.4 High Power and Long Range
3.3.5 Motored Bicycles
3.4 How to Build Your Own Electric Bicycle from a Hub Motor Kit
3.4.1 Build Your Own Electric Bicycle: Kit Resources
3.4.2 Electric Bicycle Builders Gallery
3.4.3 What Determines Power and Speed?
3.4.4 What Determines Capacity and Range?
3.4.5 Weight Distribution in Electric Bicycles
3.4.6 Brakes on Electric Bicycles
3.4.7 Step-by-Step Guide to Soldering
3.4.8 Mounting and Securing Things to the Electric Bicycle
3.4.9 Choosing a Bicycle Frame
3.4.10 Positioning Your Components on the Frame
3.4.11 Battery Storage and Positioning
3.4.12 Making a Main Triangle Battery Bag
3.4.13 Making a Theft-Proof Battery Holder
3.4.14 Making a Rear-Rack Battery Holder
3.4.15 Tips on Wheel-Building Hub Motors
3.4.16 How to Do Electrical Connections and Wiring