Updated drive system.
OwnerFrank Lotito
Owner's Other EVs2006 Sun AX-1
Sun AX-1 updated with mid-drive
LocationNoble, Oklahoma United States map
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Vehicle2006 Sun SX-1
Short wheel base recumbent.
MotorUnite Motor P.N. - 106158 (TNC P.N.) Permanent Magnet DC
800W Motor/36 Volts (Style: MY8922) from www.tncscooters.com. This motor has thin (about 1/4" thick) Neodymium Magnets, which give it a high power output for it's small size!
Drivetrain36V, 800W scooter motor, with an 12T drive sprocket driving an 72T sprocket on a single speed freewheel (special hub comes from www.staton-inc.com), using #35 chain.
ControllerKelly KDS48050E, 50A
Can be programmed. Armature current set for max(50A).
Batteries8 GBS 40AH, 2nd gen, 3.20 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
24V, 40AH
System Voltage24 Volts
Charger EMC 24-6
120 V switch mode 6A regulated charger - charges in about 7 hrs.
InstrumentationNONE right now, planning on voltmeter and ampmeter (LED type - can be seen day & night)
Top Speed23 MPH (37 KPH)
This is on flat level ground, without an OKLAHOMA headwind!!!
AccelerationAcceleration is moderate.
Range35 Miles (56 Kilometers)
On flat ground with some hills, and no OK headwind
Watt Hours/Mile28 Wh/Mile
Seating Capacity1 adult
Curb Weight70 Pounds (31 Kilograms)
Weight of bike and batt. Batt pack(24#) is removable to make it easier to carry the bike up to the second floor.
TiresFRONT - 16 X 1.75' on A 16 x 1.5 rim.
REAR - 20 X 1.80 Maxxis 110# "M" thread mounted on an Alex DX32, 36 hole rim, using 14G spokes.
Conversion TimeOver several weeks, don't know actual hours.
Conversion CostAbout $350.00 (new motor, batts, sprockets and chain).
Additional FeaturesThis is the same recumbent, but was upgraded from 24V to 48V using the same controller. Added new controller on 12/1/10 since I blew out the Crystalyte controller a few months ago. It could'nt handle the 0.1 ohm resistance of the new motor - old motor was 0.7 ohm.
NOTE- in Oklahoma, an electric bicycle is allowed 1,000W and a top speed of 30MPH!

3/12 - Went to Li-ion phosphate batts and back to 24Volts. Same motor, but with 12T sprocket instead of 8T. New motor, but same type.
Very good transportation when it is cold out as I do not like breathing very cold air into my lungs when I am pedaling hard, or if I don't want to work up a sweat, and Don't want to use the car (gets great gas mileage sitting in the parking area! and about 42MPG highway when I do). This bike is mostly electric with pedal assist.

I am glad I updated this bike as it is now a much better performer, with a much increased range. I still have AGM batts (pack is 62#), but if you consider that a comparable Lifepo4 batt will weigh about 28# (34# lighter), this is only 11% of the entire weight (310#) of the bike with me on it (I am 200#), so your range will not be that much more using lithiums.

3/12 - Li-ion batts will last me 5 to 6 years, as compared to 1 1/2 years for SLA. SLA - $300, li-ion - $550.
I do about 6,000 miles/year on the bike and about 3,000 to 3,500 miles in the car!! Sommer is comming, so I am pedalling more with less electric.

code by jerry