Electric conversion

XHABBO

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Hi, Looks awesome. I am seeking advice about what size motor i need to get and where to buy it from. Got a Kart I am converting It is full size so will weigh about 200 KGs with drive and passenger...
 

pinkpanda3310

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QS138 is the popular choice that most people have but they are mostly in single seater karts. I think the motor 'can' handle a two seater, depending on how you drive. From memory some people have pushed the motor up to 25kw output. But if you're driving it hard like that it will likely overheat. A better choice might be the QS180, it can handle maybe slightly more power but is a larger motor so can dissipate the heat better.

For the controller, I think fardriver is more common though there are a few other popular brands. NOTE which ever one you get make sure it has compatible wiring with your motor. If you order a motor and controller bundle you shouldn't need to worry about this. You can order direct from QS Motors or aliexpress (I've done both). Since you're pushing a lot of weight be sure to get a controller that can handle lots of amps, maybe 1000 or more.

Just when you think have spent a fortune already, you'll need to buy a suitable battery. This will likely cost more than the rest of the kart. Don't scrimp and cheap out on the battery. Having a high power motor and controller can't be high power with a crappy battery. 72v minimum or higher (make sure the controller is rated for higher voltage as well). Armorge is a popular brand. Batteries will be listed with rated current and peak current. You want something that easily peaks out above your controller, why? because the peak current listed is when the battery is fully charged. When the battery starts to drain (below half) they usually have lower power output.

So a quick summary
QS138 for fun with the kids
QS180 to drive it like you stole it
Get the best of the best battery
Your bank account will hate you
You won't care about the bank because you're smiling 😁
 

pinkpanda3310

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I was a bit surprised the kart still worked fine. The controller is fully potted, which i didn't know until this incident. The battery manufacturer recommended i open the lid and check for any water ingress. There was like 2 drips that I could see. I REALLY don't want to open the motor though. I'm hoping it is sealed as good as the battery and any drips got evaporated on the ride home.
 
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pinkpanda3310

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Aah, yes. That is a good point. Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out when I get back to the workshop
 

pinkpanda3310

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When i converted this kart i had to upgrade the chain and sprocket from #35 to 428 to match the gear on the electric motor. I bought an aluminium sprocket and mounted it using 2 of the original type sprockets... so it was a little bit of effort to get it right. Anyway, fast forward to now, 1 year later, and the aluminium sprocket is looking a bit worn so I went to replace it
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pinkpanda3310

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I contacted a supplier in China to see if I could get a new axle, drive hub and keyway bar. The quote i got back was AU$400. I told them thanks but no thanks, I can buy a complete kart locally for 700. Which is what I did...
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Would you believe the axles are different lengths...🤦‍♂️ 😖😫 Not by much but slightly shorter so i couldn't use it. After racking my brain I decided to repair the old axle
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pinkpanda3310

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I'm not very good at welding and never tried anything like this before. There's plenty of room for improvement but I'm reasonably happy with the result 😇

I don't know if the shaft was already bent or became bent from the welding but I need to straighten it now.

I didn't get any pics but I also extended the drive hub so it engaged more of the keyway for added strength. I used a wheel rim from the new kart... cut the rim part off so I was left with a hub that I then welded to the drive hub. I hope my explanation is understandable.
 
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