Options

Here is the list of options. The estimated prices shown are rough and in CDN$. You can probably do better than the quoted costs especially for the solar panel roof as these continue to decrease in cost/watt generated. 

Solar Panel Roof

This option serves as a solar panel to charge the batteries as well as a roof to shed the rain (snow in Canada). If you choose this option, be aware that the panel can charge the battery/ies (typically overnight), but cannot directly power the vehicle in realtime to any extent. At time of writing, it will only help with low wattage accessories such as brake lights… and only if the sun shines! And if you get rained upon, at least you have a roof. The panel needs to be wired into the battery bank using a charge controller. How????????? See the youtube #123 for this. The usual size for a 300W panel is 1.7m x 1m or 67in x 40in. Weight is about 19kg or 40lb.

We prefer a double-sided panel that can be directly mounted to a wood frame in front and the roll bar in back.  The dimensions should be about 44"/113cm wide and 90"/227cm long to be effective as a roof too. 

The detailed design is here and features a manual tilt mechanism to allow for better angle adjustment when the sun is not directly over head.

Flexible panels can be used as well, but require a sub-roof. They are lighter and flex easily with the roof they are mounted on.. 

Also need charging controller.

Cost: ~$500

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)       

Please note that this option is work in progress and, at time of writing, has not been built or tested yet. The first version will be ready about 3Q24.

The CVT provides  a number of advantages over the base bicycle-style chain/derailleur mechanism:

1. Smoother, semi-automatic gear changes. With this mechanism,  there are no incremental step gear changes like a multi-speed bicycle. Instead of 2 shifters for 2 derailleur mechanisms  (front sprocket set and rear sprocket set), the operator moves the "ratio changer" single lever in order to change the drive/driven axle ratio in as small or large an increment as desired.  This is why the name "continuously variable". With CVT there is no need to think about your next gear change when, for example, you come to a stop. You just squeeze a lever much like a motorcycle clutch. As you begin pedalling you are in "low gear", and as you overcome rolling resistance you release the lever gradually to smoothly "shift" into more comfortable pedalling cadences.  As you come to a hill you would begin squeezing the lever the appropriate amount to retain your speed as you increased your cadence. At any time you can apply motor assistance via the right hand throttle twist grip.

2. The noisy, greasy, dirty chain is eliminated and replaced by a simpler, low maintenance set of 2 V-belts. 

3. The noisy chain sprockets are replaced by pulleys.

4. The 2 derailleur mechanisms and the 2 handlebar-mounted shifters and cables are eliminated. 

The result is a smoother, simpler, cleaner, quieter, less maintenance, more elegant solution to the need for changing pedal "gear" ratios.

Disadvantages:

1. Requires the purchase of non-bicycle parts:

   •  2 normal V-belt pulleys:  ~3"OD x 1/2"ID,   ~9"OD x 1/2"ID

   • one ~5"OD "stack" V-pulley (CVT pulley) with 3/8"ID shaft from a belt-driven riding mower, 

   • 2 V-belts of suitable length

   • 2 V-belt tensioners

2. Construction, mounting of mechanism specified here.

3. Maintenance via builder or a lawn mower mechanic familiar with belt-driven, CVT transmissions.

4. Adaptation of a brake lever to "ratio changer" lever as specified here.

Cost: ~$250

Lights

The light set includes running lights, head lights  and stop light. The stop light work when the brake (lever or pedal) is applied. The running lights and headlights have dashboard switches. The head lights are mounted on top of the front fork (stem) tubes in order to swivel as you turn. The install is in this youtube #124

Step-down transformer (48V to 12V) needed if don't have solar panel.

Cost: ~$25-50

Fenders

Four fenders help keep you cleaner and drier. They are plastic so no maintenance.

Test attachment points.

Cost: ~$25-50

side curtains and windshield??

Battery Rack + Connector

This is a holder for multiple packs stacked within the cowl as well as a battery-to- controller connector revision.  The design is here. (need space between packs, series connector with 2 inputs, 1 output connector to controller)

TEST?

Cost ~$5-10