[ViBiker]

Of course, still in the offing is an etrike conversion. Schwinn Meredian with eZip motor added. Nice cargo space and hanging big SLA batteries below the rear axle will greatly increase stability.


"Schwinn Meridian Adult Tricycle", Front hub motor would work, but I prefer the re-gearing ability of the EZip gear motor.
Rear sprocket:
16T=20mph
18T=18mph
20T=16mph
22T=14mph
etc.
I've had many requests as mobility devices for nearby Senior housing project.

Ballast!
The main complaint on these bikes is the risk of tipping.
60lb of SLA (24V 35Ah) should help the Schwinn stay upright!.
And ... I get the SLA for, nearly, free.

Also, without the "need" for pedaling, a big comfy seat can be dropped down, further lowering the center of gravity, thus, enhancing stability.
Foot platforms w/outrigger skid pads, or "training wheels", could be added, for additional turning safety, in "Mobility Device" application.
Beats paying $2000-$3000, or more, for other "mobility devices".
Plus the bonus of higher speed, and a cargo basket, for runs to the grocery store, etc.
360° View

As a Mobility Device, crank, pedals etc. could be removed. This would allow the simple addition of floorpan, for setting feet on. The big advantage is that the EZip geared motor could be directly connected to the rear axle, and would act as an effective braking system, when throttle released! Making a regen controller feasible?

Also, I have been recycling 35ah SLA batteries, from the same seniors, using the BatteryMinder rejuvenation process, fairly good success rate of restoring battery capacity-capability.
BatterMinder DeSulphation

[ViBiker]

Found 24 & 36v controllers w/reverse function!
tncscooters.com & electricscooterparts.com

Should work nicely for mobility device, if freewheeling hub bypassed.
- Connect directly to axle sprocket.

[Jahwarrior]

I just don't get why someone would put a motor on a bicycle.
it boggles the mind

[qmsdc15]

Originally Posted by Jahwarrior

I just don't get why someone would put a motor on a bicycle.
it boggles the mind

That's not a bicycle.

[ViBiker]

Originally Posted by Jahwarrior

I just don't get why someone would put a motor on a bicycle.
it boggles the mind

Well, an eTricycle, ... as a mobility device,
You gain:
Range,
Speed,
Cargo capacity,
over a typical $2500-$3500 "mobility scooter" ... at ~25% the cost!

You can't understand the logic in that?
Damn! ... Looks like grade school math-reasoning, to me ...

[ViBiker]

Picked up a cheap eTrike candidate
Kent "Alameda 26" Adult Tricycle." - $149 delivered to nearest Walmart.
Click on Picture

If advertisement redirect causes link to fail
Copy and paste into browser
walmart.com/ip/Alameda-26-Adult-Tricycle/17206769?adid=bzv_fb_revshr_001

A cheap copy of the Schwinn Meredian? (About 1/2 the price.)
Aluminum frame.
Rear axle is a 5/8" shaft with freewheel and "drum" style brake, (friction band).
Plenty of room for additional 5/8" ID sprocket or freewheel.
Rear wheels have the equivalent of a limited slip differential, unsure of method, but there is no "dragging" around corners and each wheel always receives torque.

Down sides:
Fear of tipping - especially with seat raised into proper pedaling position, there is a feeling of tipping over, at every turn.
Important to slow down and lean body around turns!
Makes me seriously consider slowing down the motorized version ... running at 12V, instead of 24V?

Chain is "tensioned" with a solidly mounted idler sprocket, poor-cheap method.
Might work well to replace with freewheel mounted on motor! ... ?

Will have to mull over some alternatives ... before modification ensues!

Oem handle bars are as wide as a Texas Steer's.
As wide as the rear wheels.
Maybe a track indicator?

[starhawk]

A tricycle with a composition like an upright is an oddity in my eyes. When you have three wheels why don't take advantage of it? Building it as an upright seems like a waste of opportunitys

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by starhawk

A tricycle with a composition like an upright is an oddity in my eyes. When you have three wheels why don't take advantage of it? Building it as an upright seems like a waste of opportunitys

In this case, it's a mobility device. The issue I have is that it's still being referred to as though it's a bicycle, when it clearly is not. When you start adding 60 pound battery packs, you might as well remove the pedals, which is what the OP stated. That's not a bike, or even a trike, at that point.

[ViBiker]

26" Alameda Trike

Rear Axle -
Looks to be room for another freewheel!


Chain Idler - Idler sprocket, hanging on end of bolt.


Differential? - left wheel is operated through some type of friction device!
Right wheel is solid, to axle.
Left wheel is capable of light to moderate acceleration-braking.

[ViBiker]

Yep! Plenty of room for another freewheel!
Requires a 5/8" ID sprocket adapter.
Ordered a couple, should arrive in a few days.