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GAIA Host Collective
Have you considered an electric assist system? I've been doing some research trying to find a system and Crystalyte brushless hubs seem to come out on top wherever I look. I'd want to ditch the PbA batteries though, and go with NiMH or LiFePO4 (LiFePO4 should just about last forever 1000+ cycles to 80%). The "Roadrunner" is the best for power assist, the "Phoenix" would be enough to turn your trike into an EV with the 4840 controller (48V40amp = 1920Watt or ~2.5HP). I don't have any experience with these systems yet, but I know someone on TOD does, if they'd like to weigh in.
RE: electric Assist
Good question, Substrate!
Eventually,I'll probably add electric assist. My trikes are front-wheel-drive lean steer models, so an in-hub assist could work.
Meanwhile, I may look into an NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)such as the GEMCar as an alternative. The reason for going with a full NEV is that I could get a small truck design that would serve very well for my typical trips and load0hauling needs. I put on 10 to 20 miles a day in 5 mile increments.
But using my wife's already-paid-for Hybrid works OK for many things now.
If I hook up with the right folks, it would be fun to set up a local cooperative shop with various options available: sort of a shared fleet of sustainable transportation alternatives for individuals and local businesses.
I imagine a few cargo bikes and trikes, pedicabs, and a couple of small NEVs as a practical shared fleet....? Ideas?
My old van gas guzzeler is parked most of
the time, now that I have an EV. It is three
-wheeled, classed as a motorcycle, here in
Oregon. It was originally designed as a 4
door passenger car, but with the back seat
removed I can haul about 8 cubic feet of
stulff. I am not sure of the weight limit;
they specified 500 pounds, but I wonder.
It is a ZAP model Xebra ( google it) It is
rated at 40 miles per charge. It cruses at
30 mph, with a rated top speed of 40 MPH. In
Oregon, its Electric Wheels, Inc, in Salem.
It fits right in with our solar space heating
, solar water heater, and a partial capacity
solar electric system. All of these are
described in books I have written on "How To". Look
under Ralph W. Ritchie
Finally I understand the feeling of staring
at someone's axel, if that's the right word.
Small cars take more guts to drive. I cry
every time I pass a gas station- for the
customers, that is.
Ralph