How do I select the right motor and gear ratio for a mid-drive e-Bike?

AI Thread Summary
Selecting the right motor and gear ratio for a mid-drive e-bike involves understanding the required torque and RPM based on specific calculations. The user aims to build a compact, powerful system similar to the Brose S Mag, adhering to a legal power limit of 250W and a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Calculations indicate a need for a high RPM motor with planetary gear reduction to achieve necessary torque values, particularly 83.6 Nm for grade resistance. There is uncertainty about how to determine peak power and torque from motor specifications, as well as concerns about whether reducing RPM to 60 will still allow for the desired speed. Overall, a suitable motor and gearing strategy is essential for achieving the performance goals of the e-bike build.
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Need help finding the correct motor and gear configuration for a 250W mid-drive.
Hey all!

I am working on my first ebike build and posted a question about friction drives earlier. Now, I have decided to go with a Mid-drive. I made calculations and found out the torque and rpm required for the build. But I am having difficulty find the right motor and gear ratio. I am trying to build something like the Brose S Mag, the size of the drive is so small but the power it delivers is insane. It delivers a torque of 90Nm. They said they use a planetary gear box. As per my understanding, they have used a high rpm motor and geared it to achieve the required torque and RPM. The place I live has a legal power limit of 250W and speed limit of 25Kmh for ebikes.

These are the specs of my bike:
GVW= 105kg
Wheel radius = 330mm
Max Speed = 25kmhI calculated the air resistance using the formula:

RA = rhoCdAV^2/2 where rho is density of air, Cd is the drag coefficient(0.88), A is area of contact in m^2(0.4) and v is velocity in m/s(6.94)
RA = 10.38NI calculated rolling resistance using the formula:

RR = GVW*Crr where GVW is total vehicle weight(105Kgs) and Crr is rolling resistance of tire on asphalt road(0.004)
RR = 4.12NI calculated grade resistance using the formula:

RG = GVW*sin theta where sin theta = 0.196 for 20% gradeablity
RR = 202.09N

The acceleration force required for 25kmh in 5 secs is 145.74N

The torque required when considering grade resistance is 83.6Nm
The torque required on flat roads is 37.15Nm
The RPM required for 25kmh with a wheel dia of 26" is 240 after including a fudge factor of 20%

I should now select a motor that can achieve the above figures and the rated power has to be below 250W and size of motor should be really small. I think using a high rpm motor with planetary gear reduction can help me achieve these numbers. I am planning to use a 36V 10A controller so the peak power can be till 306W assuming a 85% efficiency of the motor.
Idk what motor should I choose and what gear ratio I should use. Will RC motors work as they provide very high rpms and are small too?

A user on the other forum told me that I would have to design a gearbox such the peak power of the motor is delivered at 60RPM since the bicycle drivetrains are built for the average human rpm which is around 60. But when I look for motors online, manufactures aren't giving the peak power inform. How do I find the rpm and torque at the peak power? I should build a gear to reduce it to 60 RPM? What should be the ideal torque or RPM values before reduction? If I reduce the RPM to 60 will still be able to achieve 25Kmh?
Should I design it such that it exceeds the 83.6Nm torque at the highest gear?

Please do let me know if my calculations are right.

Thanks
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Why a gear? A BLDC motor plus its digital controller work over a large range of RPM including zero. Electric motorcycles and scooters use them. They come in many sizes, and they are relatively affordable.

Edit: incorrect paragraph removed.
 
anorlunda said:
Why a gear? A BLDC motor plus its digital controller work over a large range of RPM including zero. Electric motorcycles and scooters use them. They come in many sizes, and they are relatively affordable.

Edit: incorrect paragraph removed.

Gear because the small BLDC motors don't provide enough torque.
 
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