eBike - Push bike conversion front hub, simple

Link to law for the UK regarding electric push bikes: www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules
This was surprisingly straight forward, a screw driver, socket and a couple of allen keys were all that was needed. It maxes out around 15mph but with kids on the back I haven't been more than 10mph.
Front hub is easier and for me the weight shift isn't an issue as I'll be towing the trailer. The thumb throttle is great to help launch from standing or for short hills. For prolonged electric assist a peddle encoder would be better but I'm going to try this for a bit.
I realised a little late the CE mark is more likely China Export than European Conformity :/
Some affiliate links if you are interested:
OOoo shiny new Christmas present 1/4 socket driver:
UK amzn.to/38Xo27i
It doesn't go outside.. or anywhere dirty
The battery I bought:
UK amzn.to/2Vgrh5w
Hub motor:
UK amzn.to/2NHKEmR
Affiliate links:
Camera used: DJI Osmo Action US: amzn.to/3RrZB75
UK: amzn.to/3dTtCiN

[@djrichylaurence8991]

Its quite easy to overclock these things so much fun can be had. Wouldnt mount the battery like that though. Its heavy and water bottle mounts arent designed to take the weight. I went for a triangular battery in frame jobby.

[@geraldbull9272]

Well explained no hype and down to earth,

[@gernkmccory3836]

Great, thanks mate.

[@CraigManning]

No worries!

[@johnbiringer8123]

What if you have disc brakes? Can you put a disc on the front hub kit?

[@paradime100]

Sorry should have said Craig !!

[@WallyOtt]

It seems to be the same front hub motor I bought. Is it 48V 500W? If so, could you post the exact model of the controler that came with it?

[@CraigManning]

Hello, It came as a bundle with my motor when I bought it, no part model number on the order and a generic case, but it's very similar to this ones on Amazon I think. I should be able to have a look on the unit tomorrow as i think there's a sticker on top.

[@CraigManning]

Hi, there' no part number obvious. I popped open the case to see if there was anything on the pcb but nothing leap out as being a part number. There may have been a connector which looked like an ftdi interface? In which case the same board could be programmed for a range of voltages and power?

[@junezhang2128]

00:51? What kind of adapter is that?

[@CraigManning]

Hi, sorry I'm not sure, it came with the kit. An image search with ("ring terminal" junction box) shows similar things but mostly heavier duty. This place (www.electricscooterparts.com/junction-boxes.html) has things which look similar, but I've no idea of the ratings etc.

[@Beggingbrigade]

Where did you put the control unit on the bike ?

[@CraigManning]

Hi Ross, It's in a frame bag... I didn't show it?! It can kind of be seen at 4:31. The bag is held on with velco, probably (hopefully) shower proof - it's been ok so far, the only draw back was I had to remove the holder for the D lock.

[@kenelder9615]

I have had a front wheel drive ebike and my advice is to get rear wheel drive, then you can remove the front wheel and place the bike in my Honda CRV, and also the front fork u shaped tabs spread out over time and allowed the wheel shaft to rotate, a disaster. I had to fix by welding reinforcing plates to the fork.

[@CraigManning]

Thanks Ken! I haven't seen the tabs failing yet... but I haven't looked because I didn't know it was a thing, I'll be paying attention now :)

[@niteblaster1]

ebay.co.uk/itm/Adjustable-Angle-Torque-Arm-for-e-bike-5mm-Thick-Stainless-Steel-14x10mm-/143911979426?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

[@6ettinold]

Torque arms are an absolute must to stop the motor grinding out the lugs in the forks. These are less than a tenner on eBay and Amazon

[@jeffreyclark1373]

I wanted a front hub for my ebike build but now you got me reconsidering Thanks for the info And thank you for the video

[@lejrnt]

Hey man, great video! Just a few Qs: How often does your front wheel lose traction? (Keep spinning in the same spot) Does it lose traction on solid road or pavement as well? What about hills? It will help me decide which one - rear or front - I'd want to buy. Thanks!

[@CraigManning]

Hi Tal, It looses grip on wet grass and mud on a hard acceleration, on pavement it's ok unless I cheese it from standing - BUT I have a trailer and two kids on the back end. Front is slightly easier to fit but the weight distribution reduces grip, rear gets better grip but, for me, would flick mud into the kids trailer :D

[@lejrnt]

@@CraigManning lol man, you made me laugh. Thanks for the answer! Greetings from Israel/Germany

[@paradime100]

Hi Chris, does it concern you that both the 500 Watt and 1000 Watt motor versions are both well in excess of the UK 250 Watt regulation, of can you get some kind of dispensation ?

[@CraigManning]

Hi Peter, I think, and aimed to be, on the correct side of the law. Importantly for me when selecting was the set up was CE marked, UK/EU law were the same at the time... so I think that means it good? I got some info from posts like this: www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/too-much-power-for-250w-motor.35196/ The wattage spec is for power 'to move the bike' rather than the rating of the motor and controller. It would make sense, testing a free spinning shaft with no weight wouldn't be a useful indicator of power used, and tiny stalled motor could draw a more than 500W not moving. So, for the bike calc I found this: sportech.online.fr/sptc_idx.php?pge=spen_esy.html Which gave an estimate of ~150W needed to move me and the kiddy trailer up to 15mph (about when it cuts out), so the output is good even if i'm out by a bit. The reality is we never go that fast as it would be too bumpy for the kids in the trailer :)

[@SpennieLence]

It doesn't really matter to be honest, you can clearly see there are lots of people who are riding kits that are clearly over the 250w legal limit. The Uber riders etc all ride around here in London not caring so why should Chris. Police don't stop no one, they're too busy arresting people for calling other people names. Great vid Chris btw 👍🏻

[@motoringmemories6825]

Has the wheel come off the frame?

[@CraigManning]

Hi, no mine looks fine but Ken Elder and 6ettinoid both suggest torque arms to reinforce.

[@paulmervyn1613]

@@CraigManning Hi Craig, have you had any issues yet with the front dropouts or have you fitted the torque arms?

[@CraigManning]

@@paulmervyn1613 Hi Paul, bit over a year on and, no I haven't get around to fitting them. I can't see any signs of stress BUT it's pretty much only used with the kids on the back, so take off is always slow and it never hits top speed. It's also exclusively roads, bike lanes and proper paths... so it has a relatively gentle life!

[@paulmervyn1613]

@@CraigManning Hi Craig, well that gets to the heart of my question. I'm wanting to run a 36v 500w 26" front hub, like yourself just on the flat with no serious abuse. The horror stories are all over the net about dropouts coming apart and all sorts, but I would guess this is with more powerful motors and being given a bit of abuse. I may fit some anyway as they're a cheap upgrade. Great video by the way.

[@babychris2782]

hey no torque arm

[@lassydogpie5390]

Steel forks = no need for tork arms

[@HenryZold]

What a piss poor job!!