[ViBiker]

I am torn ...
On the one hand, a motor only "rig" allows lowering the seat, (lower center of gravity reduces tipping danger), and proper footrests.

On the other, a freewheel allows pedal assist, for exercise and climbing hills.

The Alameda is only briefly available, every couple weeks.
If I could grab a 2nd trike it would be much simpler!
Just try both ...

But, I did order components for both builds.
I found a 27T freewheel, allowing ~12mph @24V.
Also ordered 28 & 32 sprockets adaptable to 5/8" adapters.
Still waiting for delivery, so I can "think" a little longer.

[ViBiker]

It didn't sell out immediately?
Ouch! ... They bumped the price up to $199.

The Schwinn looks like a better deal ... now. - $269 w/$0.97 shipping.

Originally Posted by 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

[ViBiker]

Bargain price on Schwinn Meridian Adult 26-Inch 3-Wheel Bike.
Walmart and Amazon both offering them at $229, with free shipping.

It has a 22T solid rear sprocket. Ideal for mounting an eZip brush, geared motor!
While doing so would disengage the rear drum brake and pedals, it would be held back and slowed down by the geared motor ... stopped with front brake. Available reversing controller for emergency braking and reverse. Additionally the 9T to 22T sprocket ratio would limit 24V speed to a stable 13mph, Ideal for use as a mobility-cargo scooter.

A 36V upgrade would push it right near the "legal" 20mph. Not for the inexperienced - trikes are liable to tip on cures, especially at higher speeds!

Amazon.com


Walmart.com


Price Tracking

[ChrisRider]

Sounds good, only thing is with the lead acid battery and the large steel trike frame, the performance may not be too good. Also watch out for those secondary axle freewheels, as we have had bad experiences with those in the past

[ViBiker]

Originally Posted by ChrisRider

Sounds good, only thing is with the lead acid battery and the large steel trike frame, the performance may not be too good.

Aluminum, not steel, trike frame.

Originally Posted by ChrisRider

Also watch out for those secondary axle freewheels, as we have had bad experiences with those in the past

As explained, "secondary axle freewheels" bypassed, for mobility device application. Drive motor connected directly to the 24T sprocket, which is solidly attached to the rear axle ... no freewheel in drive train!. The large rear sprocket supplies + 25% torque and deceleration, via the gear reduction motor.

[newleaf150]

Originally Posted by ViBiker

Aluminum, not steel, trike frame.

As explained, "secondary axle freewheels" bypassed, for mobility device application. Drive motor connected directly to the 24T sprocket, which is solidly attached to the rear axle ... no freewheel in drive train!. The large rear sprocket supplies + 25% torque and deceleration, via the gear reduction motor.

How much more difficult would it be to mod it to be pedal-assist rather than straight-up electric? I like the idea of pedal-assist a lot because it can help the cyclist improve their fitness level as they run errands and so forth.

Cool info, either way!

[ViBiker]

Schwinn Meridian could go as assist.
#1 Add freewheel and 5/8" adapter to rear axle.

#2 Replace motor drive sprocket with small freewheel, mount on tensioned arm and let it run against either of the two drive chains.
Easy, either way.

In a "mobility" function I promoted motor only, as a fine way to lower seat and center of gravity. Also, elderly types would appreciate the stable platform ... and possibly ... mid-mounted anti-tip training wheels.

[ViBiker]

Rather than a tricycle with electric assist, I am building the Schwinn Trike as an electric trike ... with pedal assist.

Yes, there is a difference!
"Electric assist" means that primary and continuous pedaling would be the norm, with occasional, or minimal, motor assist being applied.
"Pedal assist" indicates that the primary and constant force would be the motor, with occasional, or minimal assist being added.

As a mobility device with "pedal assist", the gear reduction motor should be solidly attached to the drive axle, which would provide substantial deceleration when throttle released.
As "electric assist" the gear reduction motor should be attached to the drive train through a freewheel. This would prevent the motor from restricting forward motion when not powered,

Since my primary reason for building an eTrike is as a mobility device I intend on building as an electric trike with pedal assist capability. As such it would have motor only capability but also ... pedal assist for hills, greater speed, exercise etc, additionally .... powered reverse as a simple option.

[ViBiker]

While my lack of aluminum welding experience is a detriment, my Schwinn "eTrike" build is proving simpler, and better, than I could have hoped!

While my preliminary plans involved sacrificing certain functions - capabilities, a few simple, yet ingenious, mods allow gear reduction motor acceleration-deceleration, while maintaining full brake and pedal function!

Method? Simpler is better!

Pics and plans coming soon.

Prototype will be road ready for Spring.

Bonuses -
Massive battery pack - homebuild from recycled cells
Hybridization! - Cheap, simple add-on module allowing 250+ mile range!

[ViBiker]

$200.55 Schwinn Meredian Trike - Delivered
Blue only.
Probably gone today!



DEAL ONLY LASTED A FEW HOURS.