20mph+ from EZIP 24 volt OEM pack! - Page 4

DrkAngel · #61 (**permalink**) 09-06-2010, 10:55 PM

Still available and highly recommended!
Charges faster and helps prevent, damaging over-charging!
24VDC 2A 3-STAGE BATTERY CHARGER | AllElectronics.com

$29.95

frank22088 · #62 (**permalink**) 09-29-2010, 10:11 PM

I am a total newbie to all of this and I really need more detailed instructions. I get most of it, but some things I don't quite understand. Where do I place the washer? How thick should the washer be? A video would be so easy to follow and people could pause, rewind, or skip anything they want. I have modded a Wii and fixed my friends PS3 just by following videos.

P.S. I have a 2010 EZIP Trailz. It was assembled in China on 6/01/10 and I've had it since 9/20/10

frank22088 · #63 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 08:02 PM

I tried this mod with very very little knowledge about cycles and motors. It was easy enough for me to do it although it took me about 3 hours altogether. Hit a tope speed of 18 mph before the mod. After the mod, I hit a top speed of 24 mph, without pedal assisting, going down hill. It is louder than the old freewheel but it is so much easier to pedal. Overall, this bike feels awesome with the mod. Thanks DrkAngel for the guidance.

DrkAngel · #64 (**permalink**) 05-01-2011, 12:31 PM

I've put more than 2000 miles on my "Trailz" w/16T mod. Seems great!
With my 25.9v Li-ion battery it will cruise @ 22+ mph, with some effort I can maintain 25 mph. I've exceeded 32 mph on a slight downgrade (thanks to 11-28T freewheel upgrade), but motor wasn't helping. Typically, tho, I tend to meander along at 20 mph, pedaling constantly, so as to not, attract attention, ebikes haven't attained legality in NY, ... yet.

My rear hub died! Felt a nasty wobble and watched a couple ball-bearings bounce past me. Fortunately I got a free "spare" wheel when my spokes broke, so I was only down for a day. Yes, I will be getting a 12ga capable hub and re-lace my wheel, this Winter.

DrkAngel · #65 (**permalink**) 06-28-2011, 07:46 AM

Going from 20T to 16T ...
20/16 = 1.25 = 125% speed = 25% speed increase
16/20 = .8 = 80% torque = 20% torque decrease

Many complain that they can't afford to lose the torque, for hills!

So I did the numbers to draw a direct comparison.
The results, shocked, even me!

Important to note:
Due to the, Currie motor, "torque profile" - torque steadily decreases till a top speed is reached ...
At faster than about 10mph, the 16T actually, applies more torque, to the road, than the lower geared 20T!

While at 0 mph the 16T has 80% torque of 20T, at:
2.5 mph the 16T has 85%
5 mph the 16T has 90%
7.5 mph the 16T has 95%
10 mph the 16T has 100%

In other words ...
The oem 20T freewheel would not benefit you, except accelerating to 10mph! ... or ... unless you take hills at less than 10mph!

Above 10 mph, the 16T greatly excels at torque production,
105% @ 11 mph,
110% @ 12 mph,
120% @ 13 mph,
135% @ 14 mph,
155% @ 15 mph,
200% @ 16 mph,
300% @ 17 mph!
Much beyond that, the 20T produces nothing, so comparison is not factorable.

Personally, I accelerate past 10 mph, in about 2 seconds, partial throttle w/pedal assist ...

Stoney · #66 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clunge

Many thanks to DA for the pioneer work on the 20-16T conversion.

I did it 2 weeks ago.
Motor assist up to 21mph (Up from 16mph).
Average speed now 17.5mph (Up from 14mph)
Speed up my (moderate) hills has improved, which is a relief.

Best of all, the motor gives assist at normal cycling speeds, rather than easing off just as I get going.
I now arrive fresher, and am actually using more juice from the battery. Previously, I was using about half the AH in a 10AH SLA pack when on an 18 mile round trip. Now I use half the AH from 2x10AH packs wired in parallel.

I view this as a good thing. The bike is doing more useful work for me.

Before I did the conversion, I fitted an ammeter as I wondered how the controller regulated power vs speed.
Reposted from New Members forum:

On a standard 24v 20tooth Izip (at full throttle):

MPH.......AMPS.....Watts(calculated)...16toothMPH(calculated)
<10.......25..........625.......................<12.5
11.........22..........550.........................13.75
12.........18..........450.........................15
13.........14..........350.........................16.25
14.........10..........250.........................17.5
15..........5...........125.........................18.75
16..........2.3.........57.5(probably wasted)20
17+........2.3.........57.5(wasted)............21.25

I have also measured temperature of the motor. Maximum was 46c (115f)

My only problem so far has been the loss of bottom gear due to placing an extra washer on the cassette side of the axel

Oh yes, and I was overtaken by a lycra clad roadster yesterday. I was doing 18 and he was doing 20.

But I comfort myself with the thought that his heartrate was probably >140 and mine was <120.

it seems like the 16t would be a great modification. Especially if you have more % torque over 10miles an hour. But this persons data if I am taking it correctly he is using 100% more ah's to go the same distance and only getting an increase of 20% performance! If you are still running the stock currie Sla set up. It would be severely limiting. One question and I hope it isn't a stupid question. If the two are run side by side and at the same exact speed up to 16mph for the 18 mile trip would the difference in consumption be negligible or ____. This should definitely be taken into consideration and addressed.

DrkAngel · #67 (**permalink**) 07-02-2011, 07:54 AM

"Calculated", not actual!
Also, lists usage at full throttle.(accelerating), not usage at partial throttle, (cruising speed)!
Same speed - acceleration:
OEM 20T should be slightly more efficient - below 10 mph,
16T more efficient - above 10mph.

markf57 · #68 (**permalink**) 08-24-2011, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrkAngel

2. Insert a 3/8" standard washer as a spacer, clearance is very close, 1/16" might be enough, 1/8" thicker than necessary.
Install freewheel, check for clearance, before tightening. Center nut, or washer, must rise slightly above freewheel.

Sorry to be so thick, but where exactly does the washer go?

And would this work on other models like the ecoride or the skyline?

Thanks,

Mark

DrkAngel · #69 (**permalink**) 08-25-2011, 05:22 AM

The washer, on the "Trailz", goes between the freewheel and the motor mounting bracket.
This mod should work on any EZip-IZip that uses the external gear motor.
Some "modders" report that the higher end, "Zippers", use an easily removed freewheel and require no washer.

markf57 · #70 (**permalink**) 08-25-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrkAngel

The washer, on the "Trailz", goes between the freewheel and the motor mounting bracket.
This mod should work on any EZip-IZip that uses the external gear motor.
Some "modders" report that the higher end, "Zippers", use an easily removed freewheel and require no washer.

Got it!

Thanks, Mark

DrkAngel · #71 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 04:55 AM

Possibly the simplest-most beneficial EZip-IZip mod, would be the addition of a quick release "plug", on the power to the motor. For "standardization", I cut the wire at 2 1/4" from the motor.

If you do any rear wheel work -
Fix flat
Replace tube
Replace tire
16T mod
7 speed upgrade
- do this mod first!

If you have done any work, on the rear wheel, you know how much work it is, the T-Plug mod allows a 1 minute wheel removal!

New Red Nylon T-plug Male/Female 5 Pairs(10 pcs)- $3.99 + $2 shipping

garyhgaryh · #72 (**permalink**) 09-12-2011, 12:39 AM

I simply remove the motor cover, but putting in a quick disconnect is a good idea.

btw, system said I logged I about a year ago. Time flies.

Gary

sfmman2000 · #73 (**permalink**) 09-30-2011, 06:12 PM

Would performing the 16T freewheel mod void the Currie warranty?

DrkAngel · #74 (**permalink**) 10-01-2011, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfmman2000

Would performing the 16T freewheel mod void the Currie warranty?

EZip (Currie) Warranty is an "honor system" operation.
1st register your bike..
Any problem?
Call the given support number.
Explain the problem ... they will ship you, the apparent, problem component, charging a shipping fee.
I have never heard of them requiring a return, to verify problem, or cause.

If you return bike to local store, I doubt anyone would notice 16T replacement.
If required, motor bracket bending might arouse questions tho.

alanbb · #75 (**permalink**) 10-06-2011, 08:41 AM

DrkAngel,
I just wanted to publically say thanks for all your work and efforts on improving the ezip/izip. Based upon your ideas and posts I purchased and modified my ezip and have been riding to work for about 2 months. I bought and installed the 16 tooth sprocket when I first assembled the bike. I added the rear peddle sprocket about two weeks later. I have accumulated 800 miles so far with zero problems despite riding several days with ambient temperatures over 100. My route covers 8mi over fairly hilly terrain and I am able to manage 18-19 mph average with constant peddling. I have been very impressed with the quality of the Currie product overall and your ideas have enhanced that impression considerably. I agree with your own comments about the bike being more of an electric assist than an actual electric powered bike but with the modification that you have suggested it becomes a real pleasure to operate.
Thanks for your posts, hours of research, and wiliness to share your hard work.
Alan

AHSCHITO · #76 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 11:40 PM

1st of all I believe credit ought to be given where credit is due. DrkAngel thank you for all your help with the quick connect and the 16 tooth sprocket.

I just came up on 535 miles and still going strong with the 16 tooth upgrade (which i did almost immediately). I actually came across an 11 tooth motor sprocket which (I had to machine it slightly) has given me 24mph!!!

I go about 5 miles to work. Although its basically flat there is a slight downhill slope there and back a slight uphill slope home with an 8 hr charge in between. My usual speed was 19-20 there and 18-19 back. Today was the first day with my new sprocket!

First of all with both the 11 tooth motor and 16 tooth this is not a torque champ by any means. However my top speed to work this morning was 22-24mph depending how much I helped. I usually pedal just enough to help, however, its rare that I'll break a sweat or get anywhere near winded on my ~20-25 minute trip to work.

Luckily I upgraded my freewheel to an 11 tooth high gear too keep up (on the pedal side). Today without pedaling I was at about 21-22 which was really nice. But for the little effort required to hit 23-24 I pedaled all the way. Felt like I was on my motorcycle. I do not recommend this upgrade if u have to negotiate any steep slopes... NO TORQUE but if your ride is flat this is a great upgrade!

I would also like to add that both my front and rear tires cannot be inflated past 45psi (if Im lucky). They both have holes in them and Im using slime while I procrastinate in changing the tubes... Im also using the original oem 24v sla's. They are almost 7 months old. I figure on a fresh battery and 65psi tires i should get more speed out of it maybe 25 or 26?

11 Tooth Dual D-bore Sprocket For 1/2 in. x 1/8 in. Bicycle Chain

Next upgrade is probably going to be the 36v and controller upgrade. Its a 2010 so my stock controller will probably fry.

DrkAngel · #77 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 07:21 PM

I looked at several similar sprockets, but having only sub-par machinery - a dremel tool - I opted to go the ACS Southpaw freewheel route.

Much rear wheel work requires the freewheel be removed-replaced, broken spoke etc., so I would recommend that any EZip owner should, at least, have an ACS Southpaw 16T available

AHSCHITO · #78 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 08:59 PM

I am not looking forward to the day a spoke brakes on me I will be so pissed. But anyhow, I actually took the sprocket to a machine shop which was happy to make the cut for me. Seeing that its only a circle with a small notch its a very ez job and any charge over 5-10 bucks would be insane, they might not even charge. (Just bring both sprockets). Either way the 15mph stock speed sucks the 16 tooth was an ez upgrade and with the addition to an 11 tooth on the motor the speed is much appriciated... Im curious if the motor can take the heat at 24v. Its going to be in the 90s this week kinda this week so I will give feed back if the motor over heats with the load.

DrkAngel · #79 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHSCHITO

1st of all I believe credit ought to be given where credit is due. DrkAngel thank you for all your help with the quick connect and the 16 tooth sprocket.

I just came up on 535 miles and still going strong with the 16 tooth upgrade (which i did almost immediately). I actually came across an 11 tooth motor sprocket which (I had to machine it slightly) has given me 24mph!!! ...

20T / 16T = 1.25 = 125%
11T / 9T = 1.22 = 122%
1.25 x 1.22 = 1.52 = 152% motor assist speed

Which matches the speed, but not the torque, of a non-regeared 36V upgrade.

Ideal, for the biker looking for some assist, at, or attaining, the higher speeds!