When it comes to motors for DIY electric bikes, a lot of considerations need to be made. There are so many choices out there, but we’ll be discussing a 750W brushless motor, a 6000W direct drive motor, and a 7000W direct-drive motor in this article. To make the decision a bit easier, we’ve listed some of our favorite options below. The motors mentioned are X1-Pro, SACHS RS, and Direct Drive.
750W brushless tailored motor
A 750W brushless motor is an excellent choice for your DIY electric bike. It delivers enough torque for a quick ride, but not too much that you won’t be able to pedal normally. The motor also feels natural and effortless to use, especially in Eco mode, which provides minimal assistance. The motor’s smart mode is one of the easiest to use, allowing it to adapt its support to your individual needs. The integrated sensors detect your pedalling effort and respond to it by altering the amount of assistance you receive. The more effort you put into pedalling, the more motor assistance you’ll receive.
750W motors are capable of cruising at over 30mph at max power. A 550W battery can be recharged in approximately five hours. The magnet for monitoring speed has a tamper-resistant screw for extra security. The 750W motor is only compatible with disc brakes. A DIY electric bike should also be compatible with a disc brake for safety. Depending on the size of the battery, it could be used for a mountain bike or touring bike.
When selecting a motor for your DIY electric bike, it’s important to choose the one from a brand that provides value for money. A branded product is made with care and precision, and if it breaks or malfunctions, the manufacturer will fix it or refund your money. If you’re not comfortable with a certain motor, you can go with another brand if you don’t like the look of its look.
6000W direct-drive motor
A 6000W direct-drive motor for your DIY electric bike is a powerful motor that will give you the power to cruise up to 25mph. The motor is geared to allow you to go faster and handle hills. Its speed increases with the battery voltage and is a great solution for a racing bike. It also supports a Sinusoidal and Trapezoidal type controller. These two types of motors have very different speed ranges, so the right one will depend on the use of the DIY electric bike.
A direct-drive motor consists of two main components: the hub and the stator. The hub of the bike stays stationary while the wheel rim rotates around a fixed shaft. The motor generates an electromagnetic field that propels the bicycle forward. This electromagnetic field reacts to the rotation of the magnets installed around the rim. The wheel rim rotates when the motor is powered, and the wheel hub spins when the motor is off.
The disadvantages of a direct-drive motor are that it requires more magnetic material to generate torque at low speeds. Luckily, this weight decrease is minimal, at about two miles per charge. It’s also quieter than a geared motor. Newer geared motors use helical-cut gears that are virtually inaudible. Other benefits of a direct-drive motor include a modest increase in range and reduced wear on the brakes from regenerative braking.
X1-Pro
X1 PRO kit has 3 speeds: easy, moderate, and fast. The motor accepts batteries ranging in voltage from 36V to 72V. This makes the motor great for short trips and can reach 5,000W in ‘ludicrous’ mode on private land. However, this motor is not suitable for everyday use and is not suitable for eMTB projects that require one experienced rider.
The X1 Pro is a high-end conversion motor for ebikes. It has a torque sensor that delivers smooth pedal assist. The motor is also compatible with other bottom bracket sizes, including 100mm threaded, Pressfit BB92, and regular 68-73mm. In addition, it comes in a 120mm cadence-based pedal assist version. For maximum versatility, we recommend X1 Pro Gen2 if you’re planning on making an electric bike yourself.
The X1 PRO is designed to fit 95% of existing frame styles. Its low-profile design makes it easy to install and can be fitted to different positions. The X1 PRO is compatible with common bottom brackets and comes with a set of mounting hardware. A torque sensor and throttle options are included in the X1 PRO motor kit. In addition to the motor, the kit includes a battery and a fitting kit. EM3EV batteries are recommended by CYC for this kit’s quality.
The YFZ450 motor is another good option for diy electric bikes. It can carry heavy loads better than any other motor. You need to maintain traction and balance on the bike, but the motor will provide the necessary power. It can be mounted in a variety of orientations, allowing for higher ground clearance. The Box motors are easy to install and come with instructions and a warranty of one year.
SACHS RS
The SACHS RS motor is a highly powerful DIY motor. It modulates power more based on cadence than on the force of pedaling. Its smooth transition makes it perfect for flat terrain without pedaling, though its smooth response can be a little problematic in tight turns. Another downfall of this motor is that it lacks a progressive support mode. While it does offer a higher range than its competition, it is less powerful than its TQ-drive counterpart.
The SACHS RS motor delivers a high output of 110 Nm. It has a low Q factor, making it compatible with many different chainring sizes ranging from 30 to 50t. The motor also feeds off a 48 V onboard power supply. The motor weighs 3.5 kg, and it has three frame attachment points. The SACHS RS is also compatible with all chainring sizes from 30 to 50t.
The SACHS RS motor is close to being in production. It comes in several different configurations, including a 650V, 350W, and 700W. These options should cover most commuting needs. A new version of the motor, the SACHS RS motor, is expected to be released in 2019.
TQ HPR 120 S
The TQ HPR 120S motor is one of the most powerful E-Bike motors on the market today. This motor is compact and lightweight, yet offers a constant torque of 120 Nm and 80% efficiency across a wide performance range. The HPR 120S is also a relatively compact motor, with a 14.4 cm diameter and a torque of 120 Nm. Despite its high power output, the HPR 120S remains lightweight, allowing for easy integration into DIY electric bikes.
The TQ HPR 120S motor is one of the most powerful motors on the market, delivering up to 120 Nm of torque, making it faster than most other bikes. Its high torque and unruly nature makes it challenging for beginners, but savvy designers can control the torque and power output. Like traction control or the ESC in a car, the TQ HPR 120S is easy to ride, yet delivers a tremendous amount of fun.
This motor is 3.9 kg, which is a relatively low weight for a DIY electric bike. Its 120 Nm of torque puts a substantial load on the frame, drivetrain, and other components. The motor will also drain the battery faster, meaning more maintenance is required. Lastly, the motor requires a specially designed drivetrain. If you decide to upgrade the motor, check to make sure the controller is compatible with the voltage increase. Most controllers can tolerate a slight overvoltage.
Rubbee
The Rubbee motor for DIY electric bikes is easy to install. It comes with an on/off switch and a battery-level indicator. The blue LED blinks to indicate the battery’s charge. The faster the LED blinks, the less battery power is left in the battery. The Rubbee motor kit weighs around 16 pounds, including the drive system and wires. It charges in approximately 3 hours.
Rubbee features a built-in 14.4-volt battery pack. It charges completely within two hours. The motor can augment pedaling power, reaching a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph). The average range is about 25 km, and the motor delivers 800 watts of peak power. It weighs 6.5 kg, making it perfect for beginners. It’s easy to install and remove from the bicycle.
The watts and newton meters of torque of an e-bike motor are the same as horsepower for a car. Wattage is the amount of continuous power a motor can supply without overheating. A 250-watt motor is good for flat land, while a 750-watt motor is better for steep hills. The wattage and torque of an electric bike motor is important in choosing an e-bike that is right for you.
