Create DIY 12v Electric Bicycle Motor

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Johnny Martin
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    12v Bicycle Motor
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction of a DIY 12v electric bicycle, focusing on the selection of an appropriate motor and related components. Participants explore various motor types, their suitability for extended use, and considerations for speed control.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that a starter motor is not suitable for extended use, suggesting the need for an alternative motor.
  • Another participant proposes that a used starter motor could be acceptable for experimentation, while recommending a conversion kit for reliable long-term use.
  • A participant mentions budget constraints and expresses interest in experimenting with a starter motor despite its limitations, questioning its longevity based on observed usage in videos.
  • Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of permanent magnet or shunt wound motors, particularly regarding their performance when stalled until the bike is in motion.
  • One participant suggests that a series wound motor might be a better option but is uncertain about where to find one affordably.
  • A participant notes the importance of speed control and the potential need for a robust controller that can handle the demands of the application.
  • Another participant mentions the availability of series wound motor controllers on eBay as a possible resource.
  • It is suggested that contacting contributors from YouTube who have experience with similar projects could provide valuable insights.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best motor choice, with multiple competing views on the suitability of starter motors versus other types. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal approach for building the electric bicycle.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the durability and performance of various motor types, particularly regarding their suitability for continuous use and the requirements for speed control systems.

Johnny Martin
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I am making my own 12v electric bicycle but have read that a starter motor is not acceptable because it is not designed for extended use. What motor could I use?
 
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What are your objectives? If you just want to experiment I'd try a used starter motor. If you want a reliable long term solution for commuting to school/work I would seek out others that have already done a few or buy a conversion kit.
 
Hi Cwatters,
Just experimenting at the moment and at the least possible cost. I realize that there are kits out there but budget is the key word! I don't mind paying for a new motor but I have seen bikes on you tube running with starter motors but how long would they last?
 
No idea but I can see a problem with any permanant magnet or shunt wound motor.. the motor is effectively stalled until the bike is moving. It might be that a series wound motor is better but no idea where to get one cheap.

You also need to think about speed control and that will depend on the type of motor. In this application I expect the speed controller might also need to take a lot of abuse.
 
Johnny Martin said:
I am making my own 12v electric bicycle but have read that a starter motor is not acceptable because it is not designed for extended use. What motor could I use?

A starter motor would not be very suitable. If you have one then give it a go but it is not designed to run for more than a couple of hours in all its lifetime - it has COPPER brushes, for a start. It will take a lot of current, too, and drain your battery v. quickly. There are other automotive motors that would do the job - a windscreen wiper motor, for instance. But, as stated earlier, there will be a problem with any cheap motor and you would need to look into a suitable controller, which is possible to make but would need to be robust and sophisticated, I think.

Why not contact the you tube contributors for ideas? They have 'been there' before and solved some of the problems..
 

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