Saturday, November 3, 2012

Pedal Electric Hybrids



It’s about time that someone by passed the muscle powered drive chain. But I don't see how you can bypass the batteries and still climb hill with cargo. So what are the advantages of pedal electric? Charge the battery a little while you ride? It makes more sense to put all your money into the latest battery technology.

I am able to generate only about 40watts with my bad knee, and a heavy fly wheel. Most athletes would not be able to maintain better than 100 watts continuously.

The best way to avoid using a fly wheel would be to use a rotor crank:



Use a high voltage motor to generate power at a reasonable pedaling speed, and then use a hub motor that uses very little electricity to move.

Like this solar car motor:




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