Electric bike V3

[@tilago]

I read a few comments confused about the power and pricing, and since I know a bit about this kinda stuff I thought id try to leave some info. Yeah, 700 euro is a lot to spend on parts for an e-bike. But compared to a kit you can find online for a similar power/torque/speed spec’d bike, you’d be looking at closer to 1000 euro. A completed bike with this much power? More more 1800 euro if not more. I built my electric bike using a 3kw hub motor, a 12.5 ah battery, and a 40 amp 52v controller. That alone almost cost me $1200 US. When you consider the brakes I bought, with the bike frame, and the lights, and everything else, I’m in something like $1400. My bike has seen 40mph in ideal conditions, and done 650m altitude climbs without a sweat, but I suspect the bike in the video is capable of the same with some minor tweaks to the gear ratios. For what this bike is, with the care that’s been put into the design and reliability, it’s incredibly cheap.

[@TomStantonEngineering]

Excellent explanation! It is very easy to focus on the price and forget that performance comes at a cost. You justified the cost very well. Thanks!!

[@xavirei97]

Raycool scooter 1900w cost 1200 euro and more speed 60 70 km/h

[@Немања-х1щ]

Tiago can you help me Tiago, I am looking for an electro motor with a regulation like for mounatain driving, how i habe to calculate that whole thing when I want to say I want do drive cobstant 20km/h towards the mountain. is 500watt enough? an which battery to this? many thanks

[@bamikroket]

How much does it cost to get it certified though? I don't know about other countries, but over here if it goes over 25 km/h it's a moped and needs to be "road legal".

[@virtualfpv3568]

Awesome design!! I love how in the end the power from the motor is transferred to the wheel via zip ties.

[@mabbs2757]

Gr8 job for staying with it Tom

[@ghicione]

Great build! I am sure it has been said before but here is once again from me. You got this all free space behind the seat tube and the tyre. That is a great place to mount the motor so that somehow is in line with the frame. That only the pulley is sticking out on one side and the cooling fan on the other.

[@aloharay]

It has been really interesting to watch your project develop from version 1, into V2, and now V3 (and all the iterations in between you described). Keep developing!!

[@glennboland4673]

Have u considered selling the hard wear, mounts pulleys and belt as a kit. As I would love to build this. But I have no 3d printer.

[@Patek007]

Glenn Boland what he did right there took him hooouuurrrsss

[@M3iscool]

So?

[@Patek007]

So that means he would not want to make loads of these mounts I have done it myself and it is really hard and time consuming stuff he made that mount for exactly sk3 motors so it would probably not fit on different motors

[@M3iscool]

Oh, okay, yeah. That's true. I guess he'd have to find someone to help him manufacture them. I dunno.

[@SaitoGray]

You can order 3D printed thing on Internet. It's a bit expensive, but it's cheaper than a 3D printer.

[@mystscot9814]

Much respect to you Tom for deciding to build your own e bike from scratch rather than buying the more expensive branded e bikes.

[@Coltrabagar]

Yes, the quietness is one of the first things I noticed. Good job. Props.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, man! That bike is awesome!

[@LuisMCastroL]

Hi Tom, can you share a list of parts that you used? Maybe a diagram? Thanks, I want to build one so bad. Excellent video!

[@Rockstarbird21]

Even i

[@monsieurbacteria2314]

Hey guys, I'm currently in the process of making my own 3kw bike and I figured out these are probably the best parts rn: kunray 3kw 72v motor kit (includes the controller and a throttle as well as the motor) 275$ 72v 20ah battery (this is just a pre-made battery pack that works with the controller) around 275$ as well my best bet is amazon for these

[@monsieurbacteria2314]

all you really have to do is make a mount for the battery and motor, as well as changing the sprocket on motor to fit bike chain.

[@THEfromkentucky]

Dude seriously, get a wider handlebar and maybe a shorter stem. I promise it will dramatically improve the stability of the bike. You'll feel much more comfortable on it.

[@locke_ytb]

Thank you, you even helped me out. Even though I have no bike.

[@championdnb]

Your effort, the details you share and the videos in general are so on point. If you need any music for your videos (probably Drum & Bass) let me know :) Big fan over here!

[@XJohuX]

Champion i would like music in his videos :)

[@alexyegon2381]

no music please, that's why we are here

[@richardbridgstock4636]

Hi Tom, Such a smart kiddie! Maybe a simple(ish) mod to relieve the squeeze on the motors by the small belt would be to incorporate a short shaft protruding from the back of each short belt pulley. A straight bar with a bearing for each shaft would hold the motors spaced correctly and relieve the tension.

[@locke_ytb]

Tom, I will definitely come back to this video (maybe your latest version of your eBike) when I get my own bike.

[@darkkevind]

Love it! Great work Tom, much better than your other iterations. Glad Frank hooked you up with a Vesc6 ;)

[@vusvis]

I discovered your channel just today and I must say it's awesome! You're doing very nice projects, they make me even a bit jealous...

[@t.sb_0570]

i have a 2011 sparta ion rxs + ebike and it works really well but your electric bike v3 was like my child dream, i can remember me putting my dad's powerdrill on my bicycle's rear tire to make it go fast but i think the fastest i ever went was like 15 km/h

[@jlucasound]

@ 20:30 I do remember the rear brake clearance issue. You cleaned that up right well!

[@plankins4702]

i cant believe this, a week before i saw your other videos and wanted to build a bike, now this! Thanks!

[@ElectricVehicleSpace]

Hi Tom, how did you wired the vesc to the throttle? Thanks.

[@ziggymike1]

Splendid work, both your bike and your videos. Pleasure to watch.

[@MCsCreations]

I liked a lot the way you made the batteries. Much easier to charge than a full pack.

[@tonysshadow]

As soon as you put hammer down ....I was immediately reminded of the sound from the old 1960 movie The Time Machine (George Pal version).

[@Asger2700]

I would love to see you try different setups either with batteries or the vesc settings, to try out different power (Watt) outputs. It would be awesome to see some stats/graphs regarding the speed/acceleration as a function of the power output :) Great job on the build and the quality of your videos recently!

[@wtmerit6129]

Great job Tom. 3D printing, latest technology motors and batteries, etc.. Great info. Trying to build a light weight small as possible sit down foldable scooter for daily alternate local transportation. Thanks for sharing. Good for saving the enviorment and helping this new industry get out there. Hope you get knighted someday. Will donate and am subscribed.

[@sundancesquid]

You done a nice job of that Tom, top marks fella.

[@cieszynn]

Like what you did there, for the version 4 I recommend you take a look at ebike parts (controller cost 10$)

[@Jabberwoky]

A much safer and neater iteration of an electric bike than the last version. Can't say well done as still illegal but some excellent engineering problem solving. As a motorcyclist I would always advocate using gloves, Tarmac at 30 mph will remove flesh and they keep your hands warm!

[@samslo1808]

I really like what you have created... I hope you are able to get it packaged for consumer... You might have a small fortune in the making

[@jonathanbrunache3848]

I think if the gear ratio was 11t motor sprocket and 80t rear sprocket I think it would be capable of doing 60mph do you think it’s possible?

[@TomHaslett]

I just recognised that corner at 4.26. You are not far from me! You cycled past my friends house, that was an odd moment! Looking to build an ebike myself and toyed with one of the ebay (Voilamart?) ewheels or doing what you have done with RC gear. I'm leaning more towards the ewheel after hearing about some of the issues you have had. Your one sure looks like fun though! I'm liking your 4s in series arrangement. It makes them easier to charge and use the packs for other projects :-) I might steal that.

[@alexsansative7119]

Very cool looks your bike Tom! Keep doing it!

[@Hoggdoc1946]

This new design seems to be much more rugged. I will be interested in seeing how it hold up over time.

[@sabership]

Nice! Can you make an Epicyclic Geared IVT for Electric bike V4? That would be one hell of a bike to see!

[@itsmaxlim]

Thank you fro great video. Is it possible to have some kind of clutch to avoid motor resistance while riding it as regular bike? What do you think about it ?

[@TomStantonEngineering]

It is probably possible, but adds complexity and removes the regenerative braking capabilities. To be honest, I only ever ride this bike with the motor running anyway, otherwise I'd use another bike. Applying a small amount of power to the motor whilst pedalling makes it ride like a regular bike

[@GareebScientist]

Wish this cycle was a geared one. Then you could connect the drive train to the front gear, and enjoy a bike like feel

[@matthewferos]

While pedalling can you hold down the regen braking a little and then charge while you pedal

[@DKTAz00]

I built one some years ago, outrunner with a nylon cover just mashed on the rear wheel. Did 50mph that, with a 12s. I have a video with an 8s on my "channel"

[@JettHansley]

DKTAz00 mph and kph are 2 different things

[@DKTAz00]

Not sure what you mean. I'm natively kph, so 80 kph :p it was a head turner. Untill the esc burst into flames going uphill and nearly grilled my behind.

[@JettHansley]

DKTAz00 u said 50mph on ur comment but it says 50 kph on ur vid

[@DKTAz00]

Right Right, thats the very first run with just 8s cells, lower voltage.

[@CrzyZeke]

This is an awesome project, just became a patreon supporter. I am wondering why you don't have an octoprint setup yet?

[@unison247]

If you run out of battery, could you, in a pinch, turn the bike upside down and charge the battery by spinning the pedals and lightly activating the regenerative brakes?

[@tehnikprimitif3833]

I really like, very difficult to change the bike in such a way ,, fast and stable

[@kennethbellmyer9241]

Duel motor mid drive ...bro bro! ,I want that kit!!! Woo hoo!

[@thepandaman]

I'm sure that's a private road you're testing it on ;) Really hope the laws in the UK get updated soon to help accommodate something like this! The current restrictions are rubbish :(

[@ashpunting]

gosh your bike is crazy fast sounds like a jet i wish my e bike flew like that. one love bro. crazy

[@theowlsgo]

Hey Tom, if you get a chance would you consider posting screenshots of your VESC settings in BLDC tools? I am running a similar setup on the bench and having some trouble with my motor.

[@callumhallworth9740]

Sorry if this is a dumb idea but could you add some sort of dynamo? Maybe on a servo so you can turn it on and off?

[@PeppercornVR]

One thing you need to be careful about when riding an electric bike is that birds won't be expecting you to come up on them so fast with so little noise. It's fun to see them fly along with you a few feet away from your face, but I've almost hit a few too.

[@ridewithserhat]

for a next video testing to regenerative braking could, you connect to wattmeter between battery and motor to measure the regenerative power?

[@tilago]

Serhat Karnap id also like to see this

[@A-tech]

maby see how much it gets going down a hill and how much it uses going back up

[@frederickschulze8014]

@@A-tech yeah maybe if he charges more on the way down he'll have unlimited power

[@prizedcoffeecup]

The short footage of them letting you try an electric longboard is oddly satisfying anyways...I find the gear reduction on that motor way more satisfying than I should.

[@owlsy1971]

Hi tom spoke to ted about the vesc 6 he wasn't sure said ask you.so question is can I wire my throttle direct to the vesc 6 and my. Hall wires from my motor I like the idea of it being sine wave let me know thanks obviously need to know as £300 for a controller is a lot of dosh

[@TheVelomobileChannel]

If you mount that to a recumbent bike or velomobile you get much more speed or range because of improved aerodynamics.

[@andrew1717xx]

Saukki **Raises Left eyebrow** :) But, you lose the beautifully camouflaged illegal bike, that hides in plain sight. ;)

[@TimpBizkit]

How much drag does the motor and belt have just riding it like a bike? Assuming the regen is turned off.

[@eddyjawed4871]

You're just simply awesome man. Love to meet you in real life and learn something

[@AustinChopra]

make sure to charge the batteries to 4.1v per cell to prevent damage to the battery and make them last longer

[@CaseyFinSF]

You live in beautiful countryside! *When do you start working on the Tom Stanton Hover Bike?*

[@ZyronMelancon]

I'm curious, what would happen if you were to reduce the size of the driven pulley? Would you get a higher top speed?

[@TomStantonEngineering]

Yes it would increase the top speed but reduce the acceleration

[@AboxofMonsters]

What is the advantage of this motor over a hub center motor ? Seems like it’s easier with a hub to build or is it experimental ? What about having a back pack with flexible solar panels to juice the batteries ?? I have a flex roll out that rolls up in my hand and makes 18 volts at 5 pm 6 watt. Is that worth incorporating ?

[@andrew1717xx]

While, you probably don't need additional batteries, do you think you'd be able to easily mount and plug in additional batteries for added range?

[@dtbjason]

Yes, with those kind of packs, there is plenty of room and they dont weigh much, with the modern batteries its just a matter of price, much of the cost is in the batteries

[@valderja]

Nice work and very enjoyable video to watch. I love projects like this. Are you still flying heli's? I've got bitten by the bug again!

[@TomStantonEngineering]

I've still got my Trex 700E sitting on my shelf haha! but haven't flown it in years. Thanks!

[@johny_doe]

Why belt is not slipping from wheel pulley?

[@10acebikesjodybennettii19]

Tom why wouldn't you lengthen the belt mount the motor above the rear triangle with the pulley hanging out in the side to propel the bike you would have to change the direction the motor spins but would clean up the look on the rear and take weight off the single side??!

[@SapioiT]

More, please!

[@Esona]

Curious, Tom, how do you go about your research for what motor to buy? I've been entertaining the idea of building a remote controlled snow plow (Canadian, eh?), but I'm not sure the type of motors to be looking at/for. I'd appreciate your input on things to look for :)

[@andrew1717xx]

Esona You know I'd either help you work on that. (If you live in the Maratimes), or I'd build one myself.

[@nathankennedy8704]

Iron Mangos, those would be brushed motors, which aren’t nearly as efficient, correct?

[@TomStantonEngineering]

I chose a motor based on lots of different things. Surprisingly speed is not an initial factor for me (this will probably change with larger vehicles), because gear ratios can always be adjusted. Usually the motor isn't the most expensive part, so I will tend to see what battery and speed controller will fit my budget. Then I'll work out a battery depending on what the maximum voltage and amp rating the speed controller can handle (60V and 80A in this case). Then I'll work out whats the largest gear ratio I can fit on such a setup (about 1:15 in this case). The 'hobby grade' motor used on this bike has a kv rating, which means the RPM it can reach per volt. So this motor is 160kv, therefore with my 50v battery, it can spin at a maximum 8000RPM. then using the diameter of the wheel etc I estimated about 36mph, which is plenty of speed. This might be completely different for larger motors as I have no knowledge of that field. So it's a bit of a juggle of components to get the right setup. Thanks

[@7alken]

Hi, very COOL (ehhh :-)) project! Nice you are back with the rear brakes and even KERS :-) ...And that you think about heat more too - how hot is the VESC? Wouldn't be good to have some heatsink on it too? Isnt some serious voltage drop on the cables also?

[@xddbotnet1370]

Shouldn't the fins of the cooling fan be curved in the opposite direction?

[@TomStantonEngineering]

+xdd botnet it depends what you require the fan to do. Watch a video called "blower impeller design experiments" and you'll see that this design seems to be the best if limited by rpm and not power. Thanks

[@raindogred]

Brilliant engineering and great challenge..been a lot of fun watching ur progress. When you take those runs and go flat strap, I get worried :) I don't see the point in going faster..if you want that - get a cheaper petrol scooter..second hand could get something that run around for 2 weeks on a full tank, for cheaper than you have outlaid for your project, and go a lot quicker, and be a lot safer. For the environment..I don't know if charging batteries from the grid/coal every night, is it any better than buying a few litres of petrol every 2nd week..solar is different matter? What you should focus on is going farther, at a safer speed

[@coolkeel]

awesome ebike built! everything looks so clean and perfect! its only missing a cycle analyst to get some data

[@TomStantonEngineering]

I've ordered a bluetooth module for the VESC which can display all sorts of data onto my phone! Thanks!

[@RinksRides]

A sm bank of supercaps will improve regen charging and instant torque on throttle hits. then just need current limiting to/from the battery to protect the life of the battery from over current situations.

[@W4WEnglish]

Amazing job, welldone! Have you thought about adding "guards" to the rim pulley, so the belt doesn't slip off? Do you think this configuration could work on the front wheel?

[@adamjohnson6779]

where did u get the moter from please and what is it called please tom

[@eddyjawed4871]

Is this motor pulley system as efficient as a brushless motor hub?

[@dreamkiss4u]

do you have the plans for it to build one?

[@Gorops]

Is there somewhere a DIY step by step? I'd love to do that by myself in my country.

[@Coltrabagar]

Say, with that regenerative braking, would a bank of supercaps play nice with this system?

[@TomStantonEngineering]

I'm not too sure if I'm honest. I hear a lot of people talk about putting supercaps on a regen system, but I'm pretty sure it would require a battery management system to slowly discharge back into the battery

[@Coltrabagar]

My thinking is not to use them to recharge the battery but rather just to quickly store and then use the energy from the regen immediately upon next demand from the motor. Supercaps can just charge and discharge really quickly. No need to actually recharge the battery if you can just use the power right away. It would reduce the demand on the battery and perhaps use that regen power more efficiently. I think all you have to do is place them in line between the battery and the speed controller. That's the way they are used with Car Audio systems for providing fast power to the amplifiers. Something to look into, anyway. You've come up with a great design. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@phanindraravi207]

The bike is really awesome!👍

[@ernestvenn8291]

will you be marketing the parts for your e bike.

[@faissalhady3641]

Hi Tom. Did you think of using your electric motor in braking the bike by changing it to generator that can recharge a bit your batteries.

[@Buffetology]

Hi Tom. I also have a Vesc. Can you do a video on how you added the second regenerative throttle to the Vesc?Thanks for all the great content.

[@dtbjason]

Are the plans going to be uploaded to thingiverse like the V1? I just got the green light to start this project from the big sponsors (parents) The motor sensor is so trick! :) To me the kits' selling points are how it could mount to so many bikes, very clean minimal appearance, very practical in an urban commute. My wife uses a super-China e-moped, long range (40mi) not horrible speed but small wheels (rough) and HEAVY! What you have here is exactly the kind of power/weight ratio a 125lb guy like me is looking for, just enough to be able to get myself hurt on - perfect fun ;)

[@letsbringbacktranceenergy699]

how about using the turnigy rotomax 150 cc equiv ? Could i use like the chassis of a moped ? What kind of esc would i need ?

[@ChadKovac]

What is "FOC mode"?

[@FinnishSnowmobiler]

Chad Kovac Field orientated control for the VESC. It makes the motor more torquey and silent.

[@slightlyokvideos]

It essentially sends a sine wave to each electromagnet in the motor instead of a square wave, this causes the electromagnets to always be on which can cause the motor to run hotter and not as fast, however it reduces the vibrations from switching to the on/off state as quickly as a square wave would, limiting sound.

[@EdBordin]

Zeptonite A sine drive signal shouldn't make it run any hotter than a square wave if the RMS power is the same...

[@slightlyokvideos]

That is correct, however, in FOC mode each electromagnet that isn't being used to attract the rotor is still technically turned on but just in the lower part of a sin wave (so it still receiving a small amount of power). This causes the motor to become warmer than the traditional BLDC mode because in BLDC mode, each electromagnet is off until it is needed to attract the rotor (hence a square wave only having an on or off state)

[@sumner407]

Good job on the build. Enjoyed the video and narration. Glad to see we have some smart young people coming up the ranks.

[@stripey2005]

Is there a more cost effective VESC alternative. even if I sacrifice some power.

[@micheldecker95]

Ellis focbox from enertion

[@dominikdziadziuszko8771]

nice job man you inspire me to do those kinds of projects!

[@TomStantonEngineering]

Excellent! Glad to hear! Thanks

[@tilago]

How is the regen wired? Does it run through a capacitor or a cutoff? What happens if you fill the capacity of the 15 ah battery?

[@TomStantonEngineering]

It's just wired straight from the esc to the batteries. I only charge the batteries to 4.1v per cell, which allows a total of 2000mah of head room to still be within the 4.2v max limit. From a few quick tests I've carried out, it's almost impossible to regen 2000mah from the start of a ride, unless you live on the top of a 5 mile hill and regen to the bottom haha

[@spud4242]

having a look at the motor on the hobby king website. it $207 AUD not a bad price. what did you mean by you knocked the shaft through? and how did you do it? its not clear from the pictures on the web site.

[@TomStantonEngineering]

As stock, the shaft sticks out the end where the silver hardware is mounted in the hobbyking photo (opposite end to the wires). So I heated up the end where the shaft sticks out and knocked the shaft through with a hammer so it stuck out the other end. Does that make sense?

[@spud4242]

yes it does, thank you for the reply. i assume the motor wasnt damaged by this? any long term effects that you have noticed?

[@raphaelp.2025]

Hi, What is the top speedy? I love this project!!!

[@kurddata5228]

No 3d templates?

[@hawns3212]

Im planning on building one of these, got any tips?

[@pierremonico5002]

Very nice work! Do you think it is possible to mount the brake on the inside of the frame? Kind of inside the "triangle". Could save space and allow for mounting the motor on top of the wheel, where the brake now sits.

[@Tollyman69]

Could you give more description of the batteries you used? We're they a kit, cost? I've looked through most the comments and couldn't see much of anything. Why did you switch away from standard LIPO "hobby" batteries?

[@fizzyelectricity]

I wonder how much a lightweight aerodynamic body would improve performance and range ? I'd love to know the difference it made, that would make an interesting video !

[@TheoCouasnon]

So with the vesc 6 di you still need the arduino ? If so can you give us the code please ?

[@npq048]

Does the motor cause a lot of drag when you pedal?

[@Derekisastro]

Really keen to work this project but my question is ... are there calculations that 'easily' determine the ratio of the gears to the Kv of the motor? I am looking to convert a folding bike, so I only have 20-inch wheels ... and I want to see if I can use a motor I already have on hand (I don't recall the Kv off-hand), so what I need to be able to calculate is a rough starting point for the gear ratio based upon the Kv of the motor I have (once I check it out) and the wheel diameter I am using. I am not sure the 12 to 184 teeth ratio is what I'll need. So is there a formula you can use to get a starting point?

[@swaruproy9038]

How much price for this bike. can i buy it?

[@IIMTAII]

What is the total cost of this version ?

[@DavidAlsh]

Hey, love your videos. Can you give me some insight into the process you go through to select an electric motor? Perhaps a few examples of how you'd size it for the application: eg, electric bike, electric model plane, electric go-kart, electric car conversion.

[@TomStantonEngineering]

Hey David, I chose a motor based on lots of different things. Surprisingly speed is not an initial factor for me (this will probably change with a go-kart or car), because gear ratios can always be adjusted. Usually the motor isn't the most expensive part, so I will tend to see what battery and speed controller will fit my budget. Then I'll work out a battery depending on what the maximum voltage and amp rating the speed controller can handle (60V and 80A in this case). Then I'll work out whats the largest gear ratio I can fit on such a setup (about 1:15 in this case). The 'hobby grade' motor used on this bike has a kv rating, which means the RPM it can reach per volt. So this motor is 160kv, therefore with my 50v battery, it can spin at a maximum 8000RPM. then using the diameter of the wheel etc I estimated about 36mph, which is plenty of speed. This might be completely different for electric cars as I have no knowledge of their motor specs. So it's a bit of a juggle of components to get the right setup. Thanks

[@chapzer6686]

So how much are we looking at for me to build one of these?

[@jesusrivero286]

Hello Friend. how many inches is the pulley you used on your bike. Did you do it yourself? You fastened it to the wheel with tirrap. Would a 12V motor scooter patin serve? Greetings from Valencia Venezuela

[@joselopez6984]

What’s the electric motor? is that I’m from Spain

[@puneet0303]

What is the additional weight on the bike due to this setup (esc/bldc/switche/sensors)