From Peddle to Electric.....an attempt anyway!!

[Davems65]

I have a peddle cart (see pic) that I plan on adding\converting to an electric cart. I don't need great speed so I was considering a 24V motor.

Now, I already have an electric EZ-GO that I converted from Lead Acid batteries to Lithium (Nissan Leaf) so I have a limited understanding of some of this "stuff."

I know that on my cart, I have the power source (battery), controller, its potentiometer txt, and of course, motor. BUT.....for a cart I'm not sure if it's "plug 'n play" easy or not.

When I look at components I see a throttle, controller, and motor. These components have plug 'n play clips on them.....but no real explanation of how they interconnect and "work".

I realize I need to do some frame mod and rear axle replacement as well.

Well, I know I'm not posting enough....but when I have a little more time I will. And I thank all who contribute to answering my questions.

 

[Bansil]

Welcome,



Project

 

[madprofessor]

Creating enough space needs to be your first consideration. You already know the size of your components, that'll get you started.............
(1): The seat's too far back for powered rear wheels. The exceptional torque of an electric motor will have you looking at the sky on takeoff all the time if you don't move the seat forward. As it is now the motor would have to mount behind the seat. One alternative to moving it forward would be a wheelie bar (2 wheels with a wide spread for stability).
(2): Batteries are too heavy (even lithium) to mount behind the rear axle. They're going to end up between your legs. Dispose of the handbrake and the pedals, and mount the weight on both the plastic spine and the steel frame under it.
(3): If it was my job to do, I'd simplify everything by cutting off the frame in front of the seat and stretch the kart out a couple of feet, reinforce the whole length of it, relocate the seat, mount the batteries and motor behind it, let 'er rip.

 

[Davems65]

Thanks for your comments. I think your spot on.

The seat is adjustable and the pic was when the seat was all the way back. I figured I would extend the frame behind the seat for the motor....and then place a new axle\sprocket "back there" along with new air tires. I haven't decided on what to do with the front tires at this point.

The cart is planned to be used in my back yard.....long flat stretches....about 100 yards...and with enough power to keep a ten year old happy without getting him and his upcoming brothers in too much trouble.

 

[Functional Artist]

Yes, many of the motor kits, that are available are "plug-n-play"

Here is an example (it's 48V though)
1000 W 48V electric scooter motor kit w BASE+control box key lock & Throttle | eBay
You get the motor, controller, throttle & key switch all for ~$125.00

Here is a "bench test" video, of the electrical propulsion system, that I'm installing on a kart

 

[madprofessor]

Here's another package deal that has a footpedal (if you have a steering wheel) instead of a handlebar twist grip. Also a 48vdc, but a bigger 1,800 watt motor and controller. This package comes with a wiring harness, don't know anything about that myself, but F.A. could probably tell you if it's more of a plug 'n play setup. He could also probably tell you how to reduce power and/or top speed for your kids. It's the setup I'll likely use myself if Bobby tells me this afternoon to go ahead with the build.
Wait a minute..............you said "upcoming brothers". You expecting twins?
1800W 48V Brushless Motor Controller Throttle Pedal Wire Harness Electric gokart 882511121951 | eBay

 

[Davems65]

So, where is a source that I could buy some additional frame pipe? I would rather just bolt on the needed pipe to the existing frame instead of welding it. I CAN'T weld (believe me....no talent for that). I have a nephew that welds.....but he's Mr. Procrastinator when it comes to getting it done.

So.....any sources for this?

Thanks

 

[Bansil]

Where you at?

Lowes,home depot
Local hardware stores
Welding shops
Machine shops
Online metal supply like McMaster Carr or online metals.com

Tons of places...me? I just buy it through my suppliers at work, ryerson Tull or alro ( machinist)

I know that's like cheating

 

[madprofessor]

For your application to that frame without welding I'd go with some really strong pipe, ie; 1" common water pipe, galvanized or black iron, from a common big box hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe's. Costs a little more, but you need their options.
You can sister up against (lay alongside) the widest part of the frame where the rails extend back on both sides of the seat. Drill through existing rails and the new sisters, bolt it up. I recommend sistering along the full straight length of those rails, looks like about a foot. Have the 2 sisters extend to the farthest back you want it to be in length overall. There's your sisters' lengths, the sister part plus the extension. That is the point where you need the big box options. The sisters can be cut from a single length of pipe that's threaded on both ends. The threads go to the back end of the extensions, the cutoff ends get sistered.
Here's where you buy ells, tees, maybe unions, and various length nipples. Screwpipe it all together. Maybe tee in some more to mount the motor etc. What you can't screwpipe, slide in a piece of 3/4" water pipe and put a couple of bolts through it. When it's finished to your liking, if there's any inserted pipe that might rattle, shoot the frame full of expanding foam. Ain't structural, just quiet.
Please post pics if you go forward with this.

 

[Bansil]

With so much talk of sisters, I was thinking WV thread....