Welcome to Oscorptechnology
E-Conversions
One of the things that I am very serious about is E-conversions. One day I would like to carry out a full motorcycle E-conversion. However for now, I have made 2 practice conversions.
E scooter
I purchased an E-scooter for £40 that was functional but had some issues, I wanted more range and knew that lithium has better power density that the current Lead acid technology.
I was looking to select lithium batteries; but I was given (thank you Peter!) 14 cells form an old, battery powered, Henry Hoover!
With some extensive research, a bit of maths and carefully component selection, I purchased BMS (Battery Management System) and DC-DC capable of the current demand of the of the scooter and made the conversion. I now have a range of about 8 miles. I also fitted a remote immobiliser from some old electronics which works quite well.
E-Bike
I became aware of people converting bikes to e-bikes and begun to research it, generally there are three options, front drive, mid drive or rear drive. All with their pros and cons. After some careful consideration I decided that rear drive was the best match for me and begun looking at available systems, in the end I decided to go for a Voilamart kit with a 26 inch wheel, although this make is at the cheaper end of the market, it also had some really good reviews.
I also selected a battery, it had to be the correct voltage and importantly fit within my slightly smaller frame. I also opted for some torque arms, these weren’t essential, especially at my lower power, however I knew, that if I got it wrong I could write off the whole frame, taking the whole bike with it, so for the sake of £20 I selected some torque arms, they needed a bit of manipulation with a Dremel, but I managed to squeeze them on.
As the supplied rear cassette was the threaded version, I had to stick with the 7 speed and move away from the pre existing 9 speed, this didn’t bother me, however I realised that the shift pitch was different and the gears didn’t match up, so after a few weeks I bought an SRAM compatible 7 shifter that matched the pitch of the cassette, this now works.
As of 03/08/2020 I am now at over 800 miles in, and I must say I am absolutely in love with it, its been almost 100% reliable! I had one issue where a connection to the wheel came a bit loose and I had intermittent power, I just plugged it back in and off I went!
The range is 15 – 19 miles but I must say I think after the 100 or so charge cycles I am beginning to notice a little bit of voltage sag near the end of charge, thus making it a premature empty battery (low voltage) detection and it cuts out at about 15 miles, where I know I there is a bit more in it. Realistically I can get 12 miles out of it no worries.
