• Pedal and/or use the electric assist motor powered by rechargeable batteries
• Direct chain drive - no slippage
• 16 miles per hour top speed
• 6 to 8 mile range between charges

NOW ON SALE - Order  your own PedElec Plans and receive by Priority Mail or instantly via email

The PedElec is a human-electric hybrid bicycle that is designed for the demanding electric vehicle enthusiast. Based on a multispeed road or hybrid bicycle frame, the PedElec is light enough to allow easy pedaling, but also contains a strong enough motor and enough battery power to help in hill climbing, generate greater cruising speeds or provide completely electric transportation.

The PedElec was designed to circumvent many of the shortcomings of the "first generation" electric bicycles. Many original electric assist or hybrid electric bicycles did not have enough battery power or strong enough motors to truly deliver what was promised. The PedElec uses 12 ampere hour batteries and a 1/4 horsepower permanent magnet motor that can easily provide 1.5 horsepower when needed. Perhaps even more important is the fact that the PedElec utilizes chain drive instead of direct drive. With chain drive there will be no slippage whatsoever and no loss of power when accelerating or using the PedElec in sandy or wet conditions. Direct drive systems are prone to slipping because the motor's axle is simply pressed against the rubber of the rear wheel. The PedElec uses an intuitive handlebar throttle with cutoff switch. This is far more effective and safer that attemping to use a thumbweel control. For those who prefer an electric bicycle with the ability to pedal, the PedElec is the way to go. TO SEE OUR COMPLETELY ELECTRIC SLIPSTREAM BICYCLE (NO PEDALS) CLICK HERE.

The PedElec requires a motor, a motor controller, a throttle, a battery and a few support parts. The supplier list, which is included with the PedElec plans, lists the suppliers for all parts used in PedElec construction and their part numbers for easy ordering. The PedElec can be built for about $380, not including the cost of the bicycle. The EROS and Zap systems cost between $400 and $500 and do not have the high performance characteristics of the PedElec. Road and hybrid frames work best with the PedElec design, but it is possible to use a heavier, mountain bicycle frame if needed.

The PedElec has surprisingly impressive performance characterisitics. With a top speed of 16 to 17 mph using solely electric power, the PedElec can easily achieve speeds of around 25 mph with some pedaling from the rider. The PedElec has a lot of low end torque also, which allows for quick acceleration.

The onboard battery power allows the PedElec to travel approximately 6 to 8 miles between charges on relatively flat ground with mild rider pedal input. Hilly terrain, strong headwinds, rapid starts and less pedaling from the rider are all factors in determining how much distance the PedElec will provide between charges. One of the advantages of building your own PedElec, is that you may scale it to whatever your needs are. You may use slightly larger or smaller batteries and/or change the gear ratio to achieve the exact distance and performance characteristics you require.

Our plans enable builders of all skill levels to construct a PedElec Electric Bicycle using a bicycle they already have. Constructing the PedElec is straightforward and all major components are available through mail order from component suppliers. These components can be shipped to almost anywhere in the world. All other materials can be picked up from your local hardware store. If you aren't sure whether you can obtain all the needed components in your area, feel free to email me. Construction requires about 10 hours. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at Support@econvergence.net