Main fundraiser photo

Capstone Project

Donation protected
THIS PROJECT IS CONCLUDED AND DONATIONS ARE NO LONGER NECESSARY  

Hey there,

I’m a senior at Appalachian State University and am currently on track to graduate this semester in May. In order to do this, I must first pass all current classes I am enrolled in, which includes the capstone class. This class requires free thinking and motivation for the end project. Everything is under control of the student with some guidance from the professor. As a Sustainable Technology major, I wanted to do something with transportation, which led me to E-bikes.

Unfortunately, as everything is left to the student, the funds for this project are also directed to us. This is where you all come in. Any bit towards this helps me and I am overly appreciative to anyone who donates. 

I would now like to discuss the why of this fundraiser.

I have a great idea of what I want to do with this project, as well as the 25-page minimum report centered around it.

For starters, It’s no surprise that with population growth, the need for transportation continues to rise. This is causing daily traffic and accidents that can easily be avoided, as well as in increase in pollution. In fact, EPA estimates 1 gallon of gas is equal to 19.59 pounds of CO2. Doesn’t sound like much does it? Well, a report from the EIA states that approximately 143 billion gallons were burned in the year 2019. This means about 2,800 billion pounds of CO2 was emitted from transportation in that one year.

I could continue to explain further in depth what this means, but I’ll save that for the report. The project is to introduce a better understanding of E-bike technology and how it could help decrease these numbers. By no means is the E-bike going to cancel these numbers out, but putting it simply, an e-bike is substantially less taxing to create and maintain than an automobile.

Yes, there are emissions released in production, however, they are well under that of a any type of vehicle. Also, after production, an e-bike can be powered by “clean energy”. This includes things like wind, hydro, solar, others, or a combination. Either way, much more beneficial than a car.

Now that the why is out of the way, here’s what the funds will be allocated to.

Purchase of parts to construct an e-bike.

-          Battery and charger

-          Motor

-          Throttle

-          Console

-          Controller

-          Wires

-          Bike frame (mountain bike)

-          Maintenance

-          Data logger

-          Etc.

(This is meant to be a learning experience, and rather than purchasing a pre-made e-bike, I’d rather build one myself.)

I will then collect data on how much power it takes to run the system, distance it can travel before battery shut-off, speed, time it takes to travel from point A to point B (is it a shorter time riding the bike than driving?), and some other points that will be highlighted in the report.

Naturally, I will give updates as much as I can with pictures and summaries of where I am with the project.

Thank you to anyone who helps in advance.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finished Product

The e-bike is a cruiser frame powered by a 48V 12.5Ah battery and a 1000W motor connected to a 1500W controller. In total, the bike cost just over $850 to build, but is valued well above that. This is due to the fact it has a top speed of 33mph and a top range over 30 miles. It has 3 speed settings consisting of Eco, Standard, and Power. Below is some information on each.


(assuming level ground or mild hills and throttle only <-no pedaling)
Eco mode conserves the amount of energy used allowing for further distance and longer riding times. Its top speed for this mode is 15mph and can travel over 30 miles on one charge. 

Standard mode allows for steady cruising at speeds of 23mph and a travel distance of roughly 27 miles on one charge.

Power mode allows speeds upwards of 33mph, but requires use of more energy. This extra use limits distance to around 25 miles on one charge.

The distance would easily increase with pedaling factored in; however, I opted out of installing pedal assist. This means pedaling past speeds of 17mph provides little to no benefit.


The battery takes roughly 4-7 hours to recharge from a complete drain. 

Weight is approximately 53lbs

E-Bike Specifications
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bike Frame Brand:                                                                    Kent (Bayside 26” Cruiser)

Color:                                                                                               Satin Cocoa

Frame Material:                                                                         Steel

Bike Weight:                                                                                17 lbs.

Brakes:                                                                                            Rim Pull Brakes

Derailleur:                                                                                     Shimano Rear Derailleur

Gearing:                                                                                          7-speed

Controller:                                                                                     EBIKELING 48V 1500W
                                                                                                              Brushless DC Motor Controller 

Controller Weight:                                                                   1.4 lbs.

Display:                                                                                            EBIKELING 48V SW900 LCD
 
Display Weight:                                                                          0.55 lbs.

Modes:                                                                                             Eco, Standard, Power

Motor:                                                                                              SANDINRAYLI 48V 1000W

Motor Wheel Material:                                                          Aluminum-Alloy + Iron

Motor Wheel Weight:                                                            22 lbs.

Tires:                                                                                                 Kenda 26” x 1.95”

Battery:                                                                                           Joyisi Li-ion 48V 12.5Ah

Battery Weight:                                                                         12.1 lbs.

Battery Cell:                                                                                 Domestic 2500 Battery Cell

PAS:                                                                                                   On-Demand Throttle

Range:                                                                                              25-30+ miles

Top Speed:                                                                                     30mph

Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H):          55” x 8.5” x 28”

Assembled Product Weight:                                              53 lbs.

Max weight Capacity (Rider + Luggage + Bike):    300 lbs.





-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 ***A bike with similar specs  would easily cost over $1,000 and be upwards of $2,000***

Organizer

Tyler Kyle
Organizer
Boone, NC

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee