Some ebikes can't be fixed - That's what they want you to think

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[@svencouture2598]

60 year old ebiker here I bought my Ariel Rider X-class almost 3 years ago and haven’t looked back since.The stock controller died after 4k miles so I went with a 2K NB Power motorkit! What started with a 40a controller had grown to a 80a controller and my 2K motor has been replaced with a 3000 nominal 4500 peak unit…I know I’m NOT the only one out there doing this…Ebikes are the future and I love em🤔⚡️🚴❤️

[@simms196]

I have a dead Grizzly needs controllers - thinking of doing the same thing.

[@johnw65]

Excellent! Glad to see someone with your clout pushing for universal display/controllers for mid/hub motors and I'm guessing, multiple voltage applications? With customization instructions for different parameters, The demand would be huge!

[@jon-sully]

This is why the Bafang BBS line is the champion. SO many replacement parts. So many open source options. Plug and swap anything you want and it'll keep working.

[@jon-sully]

and FWIW, the BBS motors' software has an open source variant that can be installed too; it's GREAT. So all the programming is open source at this point too.

[@toddremington1519]

I agree bbsxx is the closest to open source. Although the new m62x series is too proprietary at this point

[@olsonspeed]

Great idea, the local recumbent bike club attempted a similar project, the problem became who's "Vision" would be realized. Components should be interchangeable the same as bicycles, options for upgrades and tailoring for specific needs of riders.

[@sammybrown4680]

The ebike world is growing faster than anyone can keep up with. At this rate it's a flame that's going to self extinguish. It's all becoming a race with no finish line or winners.

[@JohnLivesay-wc4ci]

What about parts for aniioki

[@CyborgAlienBariaur]

bikes should be open sourced and easy to fix/upgrade/etc

[@RedSinter]

I think it's a great idea. And glad to see you're improving. I'm not a designer, but I can offer ideas. So, let me think on it. And I'll get back to you on this.

[@goingoutotheparty1]

The VESC works well with the Bafang G60 geared hub but lacks the capacitor s fir a direct drive hub. There are cheaper copies out there if you look. I always add a fuse and can fit a blade fuse in the battery holder so protects from short circuit. We need different size charging connectors for different voltage batteries

[@alphonsotate2982]

There are generic parts available but you have to be an bike DYI capable person

[@CyborgAlienBariaur]

Awesome ideas!!!

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

I'm thinking build a bike company.. That would be the successful company to do any frame and size or style.. Giving options of power and battery options. Suspension upgrades available and options . Build a bike ! 500 watt to 3,000 watt dual hub.. Mid drive bikes..Build a bike with upgrades for future after you get the base model. Plug and play from base to max! Of course you need 8 plus workers to complete each order 😂😂😂 Just need to state that above this power you are only allowed to use on private land at your own risk .

[@ionageman]

The trouble is the electric motorcycles are being mixed into electric bicycles .

[@CyborgAlienBariaur]

I believe it should be easier to build your own battery or at least fix them/replace cells

[@CyborgAlienBariaur]

Good to see your doing better and getting more content out lately, may your all have a blessed day!

[@nc3826]

We need "right to repair" laws that give the consumer different repairability criteria based on objective third party evaluations. Which is already being done, in some European countries. New non-standardized parts should be allowed, but the consumers should be informed. So they can evaluate if it's worth trade off versus standardized alternatives. There's no need to enforce 'standards' as long as everybody is informed about the alternatives.

[@donaldtank]

I have a Hase trigo delta recumbent trike I think I might need a electric motor kit to go on what kit you think would work I have a lot time on hands I have a blister on the bottom of my foot now and I am on disability so I don't get paid a lot

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Build a bike.. Give frame and suspension options.. Size and frame types with motor and battery size options. Then chose levels of the power and suspension ... Then display options and upgradeable add on things. Go directly to 3,000 watt bike set up and see what frame and suspension types are in the build a bike line. Rox shocks or low end .. Air suspension or oil dampening.. 48-72 volt ..15-30 ah .. Battery blender for optional rack battery or front basket application .. Dual hub or single.. Front hub or mid drive. Build a bike would be a cool company .. Upgrade a bike plug and play options. Give max battery capacity available for each frame to start..48-72 volt plus ah available .. Motor choices from 500-3500 watt available depending on battery choice.. Max controller amp.. Settings in display to accommodate for each battery and motor choices. Tire and rim sizes .. Build a bike would let you really go from $2,500 bikes to $6,000 for full top end upgrades with several frame and suspension choices. Lights and grips..handlebar types .. All good extra features to chose from .. What type of bike do we like? What power and battery do you like? We can do from this to this with that foundation. And back it up for 2 years.. Brakes, battery, Suspension and display options. 😁

[@frankbudzwait6276]

Fully agree to your thoughts. I had one of the earlier Bosch Classic ebikes, after a few thousand km, one plastic gear inside the motor broke and Bosch told me to buy a new motor instead of delivering the part that I could have changed myself. Luckily I found a kind person that offered to build a replacement out aluminium which worked well for a couple of years. It is unfair and not sustsinable that ebikes often cannot be repaired because of proprietary parts that cannot be bought.

[@steveklick]

Everything your saying about bikes I've basically said about cars except that there should just be one basic model as an option that is cheap and affordable and just standard all the way around so that the way it worked was not complicated and ran basically on all mechanical parts so that everything could be easily switched out and or refurbished and there would be a constant supply of standard parts and pieces that could be used for all these cars. Insurance would be low and costs to run would be low.

[@chewonthisabit]

Agreed, however ICE cars are different in that there are the emissions regulations which need to be considered. But yeah... The idea is pretty sexy.

[@patrickrgrier3195]

Giant with Yamaha motors, use CanBus, meaning only the qualified have the power to diagnose, Yamaha motor is NOT the same as a Yamaha ebikes motor. In Canaduh the battery cost has gone from $700.00 to $1,300.00 since 2018. (perhaps some shipping BS gouge). Giant does not repair, only replace, motor cost, $1,300.00 self serving sales duds recommend, buy a whole new bike. There should be a push to standardize motor mounts and battery physical shapes, to alight with hypocritical nature huggers.

[@Busdathead]

Love the idea of trying to get some heads together so we can make upgrading and repair easier .

[@fassphoto]

Absolutely! Getting together with open mind is the way to go.

[@cawb4751]

I don't really see what the problem is with a bike with a 48v 1000w System is? Your car can probably go 90mph do you go 90mph everywhere you go? OK then

[@waltemulryan5040]

You mentioned a fire sale battery. Rather than Lithium Ion batteries changing to Lithium Phosphate the battery can be punched without causing a fire. Lithium ion batteries can be discharged at a higher rate. There are youtube videos in lithium safety

[@RussellHank-t3t]

If we're going to do something like this, we might as well get it right. People are constantly talking about how little it costs to operate an electric bike. What they always refer to is electricity that you buy on a daily basis. We have to learn to do for ourselves in every way possible. I propose that we design our bikes on a 96-volt platform. The BMS should be separate from the battery. The battery is actually a pair of 48-volt packs that are swappable and can be used in a home solar power system when not currently on the bike. During this time the BMS is connected. There's no need to carry the BMS as part of the bike unless you want to charge away from home. The added benefit of building a system like this is that you also have power for your fridge, lights, and computer in the event of an outage or you can just keep those essentials on clean solar power at all times. By clean, I'm referring to the dirtiness of the waveforms in a pure sine wave power supply vs. the waveform of grid power. A solar power system is better for your electronics than is the grid. It's a perfect cycle of charging a set of batteries that are serving a purpose until you are in need of a ready set to serve another purpose (riding). This is a stipulation for my involvement. I design the battery pack connection system if this idea takes off. There would be those who wouldn't need more than 48 volts but 96 allows for smaller wires so less weight and cost in that area.

[@erreib]

What do you think of the grin phaserunner controller? I think it checks a lot of these boxes in terms of configureability but I don't know much about its compatibility. I think they provide a model with a special wire harness for compatibility with motors outside the grin ecosystem. Personally I think one of the hardest pieces of hardware to open source would be the BMS. I see even fewer open source options there then options for motor controllers. And IMO bad BMS units are the primary cause of batteries going up in flames rather then lacking a layer of fishpaper.

[@Area13ebikes]

Although I didn't mention them specifically I certain thought of it. I'm using 2 phaserunner type controllers on my velomobile build and they're very good at being fairly universal.

[@nc3826]

​@@Area13ebikes Grin Technologies has an open forum called "Endless-Sphere".... Why not just go to the form and contribute? It has been supporting the open source e-bike design philosophy for over a decade.... In addition I suggest talking to Justin at Grin technologies about how best to utilize their products? And how to develop new products. They have a lot of the expertise that you're looking for and they partner with other manufacturers and eBike builders. While their main market main focus is the DIY market.

[@ReviewsandTech]

Hi, sites like Xda developers, or even a Discord group would be nice for such a challenge, or possibly a new platform as well. Nice skateboard too, and thanks for sharing your great ideas sir.

[@davidmarcoux6349]

It would be nice if they would standardized plug connections to start with and after that let capitalism play itself out. Only the best will survive. There is way to many manufacturers and different styles of ebikes right now.

[@rickgalewski530]

Bravo! Well said. I would love to see this happen.

[@ebikeengineer]

Awesome idea. I think for an ebike we could do even a better job than the guys that made the open source one wheel (and that came out pretty darn good). Need an old software engineer?

[@john-martin]

Glad to see you, you're looking great!

[@MrLWFred]

I seriously have got some ketchup to do. I'm so far behind on your videos but I find your content more valuable then other channels. After all you do manufacture and distribute some very nice bikes. I have a bike that I been reaching out to the manufacture to find out if they have replacement parts or even upgrades for the model that I bought and I am seriously getting annoyed by how they just give me the run around and never really answering my questions in emails. Ive sent roughly 8 emails and finally got 2 questions answered. 1. is my motor has 480 rpm @ 48 volts. 2. is my maximum continuous discharge rate for my motor is 20 amp. I seriously dont want to ask them for any information and they havent answered like 10 other questions i had like if there is any upgrade components and/or any replacement parts for my model. I've learned its a real good idea by buy from a company that has after-sales support. anyways love the channel so far and i've said a boat load so i better go. *thumbs up*

[@CyborgAlienBariaur]

standardization should've been priority from day 1!!!

[@zoobiewa]

Then you didn't watch the video. He said that the industry understandably cannot yet have standardization. Electric motors for personal carriers are still in an innovative phase that will continue for decades; it will reshape our cities. You can't have standardization when in the middle of such innovation. For example, standardization in things such as even connectors would limit certain things such as voltage amperage limits on your wire gauge planning. Standardization isn't ready yet. Settle down 😉

[@KarlSwenson-d6b]

Trek and Giant ebikes have shops to service ebikes.

[@thebeaglebeat3615]

Hope your health is improving, dont know what happened to you.

[@ericb.4358]

EXCELLENT IDEA. Then I could upgrade/improve my E-MTB as technology advances. Luckily my dealer (E-CELLS) is in Pahrump, Nevada, only 60 miles north of my home in Henderson, Nevada. If I need highly technical help I can go there or in most cases go to my local TREK e-bike dealer's mechanics half mile from my house. So far so good. I think only my batteries are proprietary in shape and contacts. But maybe not because they are SAMSUNG batteries. All else is standard and readily available parts from BAFANG motors (2 wheel drive) to hydraulic brakes, to shock absorbers.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

A company called build a bike would be great. Choose frame style.. Choose power level and Voltage.. Fill in the suspension options and tire sizes. Rim or wheel styles, and suspension levels .. Build a bike company will send out your components and you put it all on and can later upgrade what components you want..

[@theresejames8826]

The problem is it maybe cheaper and easier to buy a new e bike. A new battery is $500. How many more parts will you purchase before you buy a new e bike. Especially the $1000 or less priced e bikes.

[@Zathrian451]

i ride Divvy Ebikes (bikes from Lyft - contracted through the city) and there always broken. that is the main reason i won't buy an Ebike. *There is only one company selling & servicing Aventon Ebikes in Chicago, Erik's bike shop. they set it up for you, and will service it for the life of the bike.*

[@chaxzhoon5601]

Your ebike reviews are always top notch. I wanted to know if you plan on reviewing the Velotric Fold 1 ebike. It seems to be getting mostly good reviews and I just wanted to know your opinion. Thank you.

[@soilnotdirt]

Locally, in Grass Valley/Nevada City, there are a lot of technically creative people. Maybe seed a gathering of interested people by contacting some of the organizations which host or employ these folks - the Curious Forge, AJA, Grass Valley Group and other local software companies, BONC, maybe even NCCAN to include the bike parts recycling aspect, etc. Through these organizations publicize a planned meeting, present your ideas to those in attendance and see what shakes out.

[@bobbybecker80]

It will be interesting to follow, but to me it's infeasible. Even with DIY, it would be very difficult.

[@zeljkozerjavic7008]

More wrapping harder to cool, fire proof what next explosion. BATTERY MUST BE IN SOLID AL CASING SO NO BENDING, EASY COOL, IF DROPS ON CONCRETE , REPLACE IT OR TAKE RISK. PUT SHOCK LIMITER. HEAT SHRINK SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED AS HOUSING FOR BATTERIES.

[@keithforbes8482]

Do you agree with me that the Grin Technologies CA3 dashboard may be a good place to start this open source/ user repairable project?

[@thebeaglebeat3615]

Hard solve, but if we all plant the seed with manufacturers, hopefully they migrate over time

[@papap.8006]

Can you get a 22.2 stem that is adjustable for a ebike?

[@Area13ebikes]

Probably, but there are also shim/adapters to bump the bar size up to 25.4

[@papap.8006]

@@Area13ebikes Ok that’s what I need. What are they called I have an adjustable stem I just need it to fit around that 25.4 instead of the 22.2. So if I buy a pack of them one of them should fit? I really appreciate your help.

[@sunsetpalms1923]

If my motor's gears get stripped, can I just buy a new motor for it?

[@ianman20011]

Endless sphere already does a lot of the things you're talking about

[@oraclebiker9402]

Great idea Kyle. As a rider on the east coast, i don't know how to assist you with the open source idea. Good luck!

[@thebeaglebeat3615]

100 percent agree with you, on point, hence i have the bbshd1000

[@lostguy2023]

Great idea. You have my support, for whatever that's worth.

[@EBikeBuilder_]

Grin Tech Cycle Analyst could be a good recommended display. Its more than a display- It’s customizable, and can transform your throttle signal before it goes to your controller. Looks old school but Grin seems to embrace that. Its easiest to use with grin controller that have the wp8 connector. But apparently it is possible to use the cycle analyst with third party displays. There is an “unofficial cycle analyst user manual” that details some of the more advanced setups like that. Unfortunately Grin doesn’t seem to have the bandwidth to provide more information or support third party controllers. It would be great if that “unofficial user manual” was open source and had more contributors and information. Because the CA is really good 👍

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Poor John Denver and his DIY plane 😭

[@billlandon2160]

What do you think of the Copenhagen Wheel all-in-one?

[@stephencarr7173]

All good points here, but I have an issue I haven't seen addressed. Virtually all ebikes are programmed so when you start to pedal, the motor turns on and continues power up to a set speed, or you stop pedaling. For those of us who enjoy bicycling and want to exercise and pedal, this doesn't work. The speed (mph) is adjustable, but not the assist level. Seems to me that this would be a simple programming feature that could be added to be able to adjust the motor input from say, 20% to 100% so you could use it at your level. Most advertised ebikes tout their power and speed, but if I wanted a motorcycle, I would have bought one of those. I want an assisted power pedaling, not something to sit on top of and ride without the bicycle experience.

[@SteffiReitsch]

e- bikes are primarily for transportation, not exercise. Get yourself a manual bike.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

Look for models that use a torque sensor. The motor output is a ratio of your effort, up to the maximum of the system. For cadence sensor models, look for ones that use a power management versus speed-targeting style of PAS. Each PAS level sends a specific amount of current/power to the motor rather than set a target speed and use an arbitrary power curve to achieve it. They’ll be marketed as “current-based”. Lectric calls theirs P.W.R., but it’s just current-based. I’m see more models that use a torque sensor but also let you switch the display to treat it as a cadence sensor. That way you get the control and exercise you achieve with a torque sensor but switch into cadence sensor mode for when you want the bike to take on more of the work. It’d be great if they also mentioned what PAS style they use in cadence sensor mode, or let you control what style it uses.

[@bartnewsom46]

This is a great idea😊

[@beltman60]

I think it's a great idea but I think greed is the major factor into why this will never come to be

[@Rickristian]

Ford should make ebikes. They could easily turnout ten thousand ebikes per year and takeover the entire market. 750 Watts, 90nm torque mid drive motor, carbon belt drive, 6061 alum frame, rear automatic shift gear hub. Hydraulic brakes, UL safety certified battery plus spare. $2000 per bike.