Minimal power systems are essential if you want to be able to pedal these machines when the electricity runs out. forums for power
Figure out how fast you move with the weight and grade you need and then calculate the power you need.
Speed calculation:
18 front / 34 rear sprockets = 1 to .53 ratio .............
60 rpm’s at the crank x (.53) = 31.76wheel rpm's..............
62.8” circumference x 31.76 rpm's = 1994.82 ipm ..............
Divided by 12 = 166.235 fpm ..........
166.235 x 60 minutes = 9974.117 fph ............
Divided by 5280 = 1.889 mph.........
Power:
power calculation
http://commutercycling.blogspot.com
motoredbikes.com/forumdisplay.php?f=112
This is not one of those wimpy flexable trikes that are too close to the ground. It is a heavyduty electric vehicle:
http://wildnaturesolutions.com/rockettrike.html
Power assist is a mater of using a motor barely large enough for the hills even when combined with your muscle power. These must be tied into your drive chain to use the gears, with out them the motor will not be strong enough, and may not be strong enough for heavy cargo anyhow.
Pedal assist vehicles have more than enough power but they also carry twice the batteries so don’t expect to get very far with out the power. These trikes may weigh 2-3 hundred lbs with a power system of 100lbs because a 48 volt motor is needed to drive a combined weight of 4-5lbs.
If your going to live with out a car, you need a cargo box and Plexiglas windshields over the front most people will not be able to pedal so much weight, I have done it for many years with out a motor, and it HURTS!
Unlike an electric car you can save your batteries power by pedaling on the down slopes and keep from killing your self with caffeine and sugar (both hart attack stimulant if you don’t exercise) by pedal assisting the motor on the up hill grades.
Don’t start with a wimpy trike, even my EZ3 trike may not be big enough for a big enough power system. On delta trikes a hub motor on a front steering wheel set at 60 degrees will cause more wheel flop than is good. A trike truck should be built with enough room for the motor to not stick out the rear in plane view.
Lithium Ion batteries need a Battery management system and low voltage cut off. The size limit of motors are 49cc or 1000watts for the state of Washington. As long as your not some kind of hot-roding fool and keep the pedal assist drive train, you may be ok. 20 mph is the speed limit for non-mopeds. But they ‘should’ be registered as mopeds, even if they will need brake and turn lights.
climbing hills with as little power as possible: http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13418
Ecco-Speed power assist systems are over priced and underpowered good for bicycles only!
However the right size motor should work for any vehicle.
This is the best head light for motorized vehicles I have seen.... http://martin-led.com/ And tail lights: http://superbrightleds.com/specs/pt_mm.htm
WARNING!!!! Make sure your going to have enough power before you buy any thing, I have seen them have to be pushed up the hill because they don't have enough power. Or run out of electricity!!!! You need a discharge meter.