Duration 14:8

Building an Electric Bike

by Tom Stanton

6 548 269 watched

129.8 K

Published 21 Apr 2020

Building an electric bike isn't easy, especially when using unconventional electronics, such as a drone motor. After 3 years of development, I have a bike that I'm finally happy with... but who knows what I'll change next... VESC6: https://trampaboards.com/vesc--c-1434.html VESC LCD Display: /watch/AZqa7IKlBj7la 2nd channel: /channel/UCZYvU-ZWbgl1rJv0trRk_fA Enjoy my videos? These are made possible due to help from my Patrons. Please consider supporting my efforts: https://www.patreon.com/tomstanton ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Other Equipment: Main camera - http://amzn.to/2vlvlC6 Main lens - http://amzn.to/2gMrhru Main tripod - http://amzn.to/2tqRjBt Secondary Tripod - http://amzn.to/2t1NkMh Microphone - http://amzn.to/2uuv9n0 Audio recorder - http://amzn.to/2v3mjcG Banggood affiliate: https://www.banggood.com/?p=LT0710618750201406EK Twitter: https://twitter.com/TomStantonYT 3D Printer filament sponsored by 3D Printz UK: https://3dprintz.co.uk/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Category

Comments - 3458

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@SuryanIsaac4 years ago That transition at made me very happy 901
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@graysonsmith70314 years ago "This is my homemade electric bike. It isn't powered by a battery, instead a turbine fed by a pressurized tank creates the electricity needed to turn the motor. The fuel efficiency is pretty good as I only have to get off and pump the tank full with a bicycle pump every 30 feet." ... 2063
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@solensovida3 years ago Mate, you are probably not reading comments a year after the video is realised ... but for real, what you are doing is inspiring. You provide a lot of honest knowledge to the public, and on top of it share the fruits of your journey. You upload the results, the final CAD files, the methods and the means. Hats off to you, sir. May your channel be as plentiful as your great work. ... 129
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@omardude392 years ago This was absolutely fascinating!!!!
I LOVE all of the thought and consideration that went into your various iterations of the project. 27
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@drone514 years ago Everyone: *burns motor*, buys new motor. Tom: *burns motor*, rewinds motor... 1940
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@socialus56894 years ago "I Know most of you are engineers"
Sir, i'm a useless 20 year old. 4092
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@mikef-gi2dg2 years ago Interesting watching you work thru all the unforeseen issues as you went along. Don't know anything about companies who build electric bikes for sale, but if TOM decided to go into the business, they might find they will eventually have some stiff competition in the future. ... 12
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@Seelingfahne3 years ago I love Vedder’s speed controller project, it was a big inspiration for my university capstone project. Thanks for sharing your whole process, failures and successes alike :) 4
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@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS4 years ago that edit was absolutely amazing 415
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@prithvirajkanne4 years ago He is the man with a lot of passion and money. 3097
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@wolf10662 years ago This is one of the most useful DIY electric vehicle videos I've ever seen. The explanation of gear ratios and kV rating was very helpful. 1
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@Flyhi_Photography3 years ago Your intellligence facinates me immensly. I can't stop watching your videos. 2
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@bobbyjoe40124 years ago "Come over"
"I can't I'm busy babe"
"No one's home..."
381
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@kacperfilipek84614 years ago Have you considered adding a gearbox, so that you could possibly have decent acceleration as well as maximum speed? 823
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@JohnB-uf7ft3 years ago I could see how this would create a huge amount of gratification. Great job. 1
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@DanielinLaTuna3 years ago Fascinating discussion and demonstration. By the way, Harley Davidson uses the two belt system, with the motor driving the tranny, and the second belt driving the rear wheel. I wonder if it's to make up for an underpowered motor. ... 16
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@isaiahhiggins4 years ago wow, that was smooth 109
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@Iexpedite14 years ago At Tom said, “a lot has changed since then. Suddenly and seamlessly, I am seeing a fat wheel bicycle sliding sideways. The rider isn’t Tom. Took me a second to realize that YouTube had transitioned me to an ad for a bicycle. ... 311
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@jeffreyturck2743 years ago Very well done, i like that you included the failures, well i believe failures are the only way you can learn the best ways that work. I am impressed and certainly think you have all the right stuff to succeed in any project you choose. A lot of what i see you working with can be "reverse engineered" into other fields, i wish we were neighbors i need your expertise to combine with my wind turbine projects to make power like nobody else can. ... 2
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@olivertrevellyan97893 years ago i think the next best idea for the new version would be to have a functional gearbox type arrangement, therefor you can have lots of torque down low but still a fast max speed. Whether is through a servo that can mesh a gear to the belt, I would love to see how you would do it. ... 6
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@tau934 years ago The editing in this video is incredible, particularly the transitions. You also did a great job of packing a ton of clear, concise narrative along with explanations and data into just 14 minutes. 76
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@miklonish4 years ago Amazing engineering work Tom! Love the dedication to the project and your constant strive for optimizing performance! Just don't forget about safety, your batteries are aimed directly at your valuables! 68
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@jmcbike2 years ago I built a display similar to yours, which keeps track of amps and volts (watts) vs time, so the battery charge can be tracked. It also allows converting the controller from a speed control throttle to a watts controlled throttle, as you mentioned you did. I like that, it is more motorcycle like and you can then set preset power assist wattage amounts- speed might change but watts can stay at the preset level. My motor is a Bafang BBSHD with the internal controller. ... 2
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@PieterSchulteFiefie_lol4 years ago Tom, you're really gifted. You'll do well in life! Keep it up pall! 19
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@DuncanAitken4 years ago : haha, perfect timing with the jet aircraft going overhead. 34
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@b.c.22814 years ago I actually like the sound of your belted setup vs. the hub motor. Gives it a bit of character. 13
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@nickgalena14 years ago you have learned a lot by doing „mistakes“ - While my long time in sports car industrie I really liked to have engineers like you around me - which burn for what they do. Talented and inspiring !
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@snowcrazed14 years ago Sensational, thanks for sharing - clearly a lot of time spent improving, and we all get to benefit from your past issues! 7
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@RabbitsInBlack4 years ago Sounds like an engineer, always trying to reinvent the wheel. 307
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@OnerousEthic2 years ago Wow! Your problem solving skills are impressive and diverse! Well done! 2
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@woodworks21232 years ago I love how you casually speak about, I just redesigned this and built one of these as if it's simple. Your a very talented guy Tom.
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@KingArttu4 years ago Now this is some hardcore prototyping. 80
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@stevenparkin64864 years ago Tom. Thanks for this highly useful video. It progressed quickly but not too fast. You explained key points without unnecessary detail. It was perfect! - Steve, Utah USA 5
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@delargent20803 years ago dude this is amazing. i wish i had the tools and material to make something like that 7
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@3.0colorado213 years ago I’m attempting to build a mountain bike wheelchair for my buddy... it’s a lot of math. I like the idea of an electronic motor to assist with the uphill and rough terrains. This was very informative and cheaper for me to watch your trial and errors lol. Thanks ...
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@weaponizer44444 years ago I would love to see you making proper electric motocross bike in collaboration with colinfurze, you in charge of making battery and electronics and he making the frame. 1251
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@ultrainstinctshaggy27454 years ago " MO POWA BABY!!" - James Pumphrey 94
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@peanut719683 years ago Not boring! Good spec coverage and some really great engineering skills and tips! Cheers . . . 🧐🤓 1
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@RoadRunnerMeep3 years ago Seen this before, loved watching it from the start again. Amazing the work that you've done and with a 3d printer 7
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@kenyamagami66694 years ago Hi guys I finally got my degree, in mechanical engineering and I've been watching this channel since I started college. I just want to Thankyou for always inspiring and fueling my passion on engineering and without you guys the engineering YouTuber. I would've given up quite a long time ago. ... 14
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@asrithk.v60744 years ago i did not seen this much passionate and dedicated person in my entire life..he never gives up..! 11
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@migmagingenieria2 years ago Superb job man!!!! A real pleasure to watch your vids! 1
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@araiza4443 years ago Yes, I am an engineer, but only watch this kind of content when relaxing. Do plenty of engineering any other time... Thanks or your effort though!! 35
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@Metalrasputian4 years ago "And this began my quest for [mo powah babeh]" 180
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@SuomiFinlandPerkelee4 years ago I think you are spot on with this video, as well as your assumptions on your audience. I’ve gasping at name brand electric bike prices and what you get for the money. Of course there is trial and error + hundreds of hours work involved in doing this DIY, but when it’s a hobby, all that matters is the enjoyment (and cost of parts). The idea that I can convert my existing bike to electric is tempting in so many ways, and your videos have shown that while it is a lot of work, it’s not black magic. ... 8
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@offgrid20103 weeks ago I just starting seeing vid's w multiple motor's. Usually 775's and it seemed like there could be some problems there. Your application answered that!
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@karimrishani82983 years ago well done. A good understanding of electric engineering and hands on skills simultaneously
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@tilmobeans51274 years ago This dude could have just bought a nice electric motorcycle but looks like he had fun doing this 602
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@randall86864 years ago Probably one of the most interesting YouTube channels out there 59
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@RogerMenzi3 years ago Thanks for this research, your work and your videos 1
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@SKITZALOT3 years ago Thank you for what you are doing, and what you have found. I'm helpless, your know-how is impressive. I really only need to maintain 20M.P.H. on the side walk when I ride.
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@madmushroom86394 years ago What a great transition at :D
Awesome video as always! 28
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@Pilot_Marc4 years ago Hey Tom, absolutly great video! That could be a start up for selling pre-installed parts ;-). Hopefully more to come, Greetings, Marc 9
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@savashzaynal65023 years ago As an engineer this was very cool and inspiring, definitely worth subscribing. Keep up the good work young man and become a great inspiration for today's younger generation. 15
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@jwrhynejr96083 years ago Thanks for the EDUCATION on DIY e bike building. Got some ideas from your explainations!
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@DavidSprogis4 years ago Thank you for sharing all the details, including failures - so instructive! 9
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@renzolieverloo12554 years ago Hi Tom, Really nice video recab of your learning curve during the build of your own ideal electric bike. I can imagine your feeling of gratification when you had reached your desired result after 3 years of work. It's not about having an electric bike, then you just buy one, its about knowing how everything works and creating your own optimal design. Pushing your own knowledge to get the most out of every mechanical and electrical detail for optimal results. People who even take time to create a video about there years of work and contribute by sharing their knowledge deserve at least a thumb up. Again, impressive piece of engineering Tom, thanks for sharing. Not one second of my time was wasted watching this video. ... 5
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@Cristian41333 years ago Great project, i hope someday develope something like that.
Thank's for share it !!
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@MarkHahn3 years ago That is awesome! You have a bright future, Tom. Love your Videos
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@jhsevs4 years ago This video has given me a ton of inspiration and ideas. One of which being using the crank as the speed controller, either by using an encoder directly, or passing the crank through a back sprung differential with a potentiometer mounted to the differential bell. The latter would allow for you to use another pot on the handlebars to set the max amount of electric assist, and your additional pedal pressure while cycling normally would propel you forward electrically. This way you would still have to cycle for the sake of working out, but you would get additional range and some help up the steepest hills. This could motivate some to get on the bicycle seat more often. ... 14
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@spelare14 years ago "I know most of you are engineers" im 14 but probably will be so come back in like 7 years 216
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@rikilshah4 years ago This guy is setting new goals for DIY projects! 3
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@josephboehlke63684 years ago
What system is this you're using?
I'm interested in getting my hands on it. 39
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@MrNaufan4 years ago : Let's call that Stanton's Equation 48
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@Electronics-Tech-1977last month Oh God what a technical mind and work you do. Great job indeed. There is no comparison event to understand your projects. I am feeling empty of my upper portion.😂😂
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@troyna774 years ago In my opinion your the tony stark of electric bikes. GOOD JOB! thanks for the brief tuts and inclusive data on mount designs and formulas. 7
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@ujjuwr27854 years ago This is amazing. You're really passionate and I wish you find sponsor to start up your own e-bike company. 10
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@NickyP5004 years ago A word of warning, I've heard of people in the uk getting pulled over by the police. If your ebike is over 250w you can get done for no insurance, no road tax, no Mot, driving a vehicle with no registration and depending on if you have a motorcycle licence etc.
Otherwise this is frikkin awesome. ... 12
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@geegonebadoin9 months ago It sounds like R2D2 screaming. This is amazing 1
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@alienspecies68723 years ago This man researched the whole E-bike building by R&D it many times. 9
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@mrsmith46624 years ago Really good! I admire your tenacious, constantly changing/improving/refining your design - true development engineering. I don't know why you don't go on Dragons Den, patent all this, or work collaboratively with Dyson! ... 10
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@PhantomPanic4 years ago The bench looks like it has a melted bicycle tire for the armrest. 138
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@williammanning31742 years ago Son, you're right up there with Colin Furze....except for...ya know...all the maniacal laughter!!
Well done, lad.
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@logotrikes3 years ago While all us wannabes are thinking about stuff, couch surfing and watching YT, you're out there doing it, overcoming all obstacles as they arise. Hats off to you young man!! I'm just a dodgy old pensioner wannabe, but I enjoy watching well put together videos.... ...
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@avinashmuraleedhar3 months ago you didnt just share the built...but you shared about problems encountered and upgrades with reasoning for them...remarkable and thakyou
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@ItzRetz4 years ago "I know most of you are engineers"
Doubtful. I'd say the large majority of your viewers aren't engineers, but are maybe aspiring to be engineers or just find your videos interesting. 512
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@da33ie3 years ago Awsome vid! Cant wait to see some more projects!
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@johntheurer22653 years ago For the filter on the motor there are hobby filters for RC cars. That material would work great 1
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@kentakuruishere98584 years ago Sounds like a happy R2-D2 rolling downhill 11
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@cghoward704 years ago “What’s powering your bike?” “Two cans of beans. It’s gas powered.” 16
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@beatsentertainment23473 years ago Education pays off... that's what I see in this video. Great job and knowledge
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@hotmimi6662 years ago Yo I've seen your first build...it was inspiring....came across this video and WOW awesome! I got to see all up till now. Keep it up!
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@GavinRemme4 years ago Damn, you’ve put in a lot of revisions! 5
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@LeglessWonder4 years ago that transition was smoother than Luther Vandross 20
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@DaveWasHere1123 years ago “super quiet” sounds like a frickin car passed by lol 1
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@RealAadilFarooqui3 years ago Thanks for all this Data and Tips, might help someday with a similar project in Future
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@lilyrooney4 years ago I wish I was as good as you at not only documenting my projects, but being able to summarize them in such a nice presentation. good work man, genuinely envious of your editing and build skills lmao 3
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@Joelmelanie4 years ago waaaaaaaaaat, 1M view in 4 days Tom!!!! ok simple, it is a cool video mate! watched it 2 times😉 5
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@keithking19853 years ago it's very rarely my "DAD" will be glued to any video i show him on You-Tube... i recently bought an E-bike! and it was absolutely the best money iv ever spent in my life."EVER" I'd recommend one to anyone. but my god... 'TOM MY MAN" THAT WAS AWESOME & LORD COULD IT MOVE.. : ) when i think of my 30kg bike with its 20inch wheels running out of battery, & im still 5 miles away from home.. it make's me want one like that. IV SAW LOAD'S OF 'MAKE YOUR OWN EBIKE VIDEOS BUT... THIS WIN'S : ) HANDS DOWN.... PURE CLASS! : ) ...
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@silviuloghin9923last year 👏👏👏 Felicitări pentru ceea ce faci cu atâta plăcere și dăruire la vârsta ta 1
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@MrWilfAdventures4 years ago Always great to see innovation and enthusiasm on your videos, but in this case it's a shame that legality of elexctric bikes isn't discussed at all so encouraging people to build bikes which are illegal to use in the UK - anything above a 250W motor with an assistance cut-off at 15mph would make the bike a motorcycle and need a licence and insurance as such. ... 24
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@tuomas_h4 years ago Fun fact: "liitokala" means "flying fish" in Finnish. 87
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@alihaseeb99392 years ago Thank you for this video..It was very useful and nice illustration about the whole things
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@pleopsidium69604 years ago gotta love rapid engineering in photoshop 40
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@thebrojectlist68812 years ago You make some awesome engineering video's, keep up the good work!! :p I have a question about the motor kV - gear ratio. Were did you find that this ratio has to be a factor of 10? I am currently converting a minibike from petrol to electric, and i calculated this ratio for my build and it's around 16.9. I guess this will be really slugish then. Does this apply to all sizes of motors? Or is it just for the smaller ones? ... 3