Vélomobile and E-assist

text and photos Jean-Bernard Jouannel

After hundreds of thousands of kilometers with classic bikes, trikes and velomobiles – like many cyclists and despite successful examples, I was not tempted by electric assist for various reasons. Feeling like you're ‘cheating’ part of the eŠort of the journey being foreign to the average cyclist. Fear of losing –tness. Loss of the feeling of freedom and autonomy due to concerns for battery recharging. Fear of failure on a long journey, with the added di²culty of bringing the velomobile back. Fear of possible di²culties in managing assistance in addition to physical exertion.

However after a stint in the hospital, my reality was harsh. I was faced with the risk of not being able to cycle. Without even knowing if I could ever use it, I asked my friend Denis to mount an e-assist on the WAW. I had a limited horizon and no time to waste! Finally, despite my condition, I discovered a new world, new sensations, new possibilities through wonderful treatment (physical and psychological). I was once more able to go back on the roads, reas - sured that despite my very weakened heart I could regain my spirits by visiting friends and riding with my face to the wind. I was reassured that the e–ort needed to ride is still present, all be it conveniently ´exible. After my previous 35,000 km in a non-assist velomobile, I have now discovered that after more than 61,000 km in an e-assist velo, my fears about reliability and autonomy were more rooted in ignorance than reality. e velomobile with electric assistance is really a win-win, an undeniable synergy: assistance erases the weak point of the velomobile (its weight), and the aerodynamic body reduces battery consumption and increases range. Denis was in charge of the mounting the directdrive motor in the rear wheel of my WAW (motor supplied by Guillaume de Déclic Eco). Characteristics: – Chinese engine with freewheel coiling 8-8 – Controller 48 volts 22 amps – Regeneration, cruise control, throttle – Cycle analyst big screen version 2.23 – 26-inch radiated wheel mount – Battery 48 volts 20 Ah Li-Mn with charger 3 amps.

With this combination, I have traveled 27,528 km, passed the Pas de Peyrol pass (1589 m of altitude) and the WAW continues its life with its new owner. e only problem I have encountered so far (after 16,000 km) have been worn anti-torque washers.

I was so satis‡ed with this equipment that I switched to a WAW 2016 with suspension and a newer edition of the equipment (provided by Declic Eco). Characteristics: – Motor rh205 cassette - injection satorade radiated in 26" – sine wave controller 48v20a – As V3 + Potentiometer – Torque arm – Regulator 12v.

Already I’ve put 2500 km on the clock – with exactly the same satisfaction! e advantage of the direct drive wheel motor is that the power is transmitted directly to the wheel, which spares the chain and helps avoid a chain break. It also spares the whole machine (hull, wheels and transmission). My experience is that the chain lasts three times as long compared with muscle power (30,000 km/10,000 km). e wheel motor also allows natural and forced regeneration. It acts as an electric speed brake on the rear wheel, very

secure on a tricycle. e result is that the brakes are spared as well. e absence of gables and parts provide foolproof reliability. ere are also disadvantages of a direct drive motor. e direct wheel drive motor somehow reduces the speed of the velomobile, especially in steep descents: not more than 70 km/h in 12%. So, it is not recommended for those looking for excitement. Also, the speed you’re riding is not always consistent with optimal e¨ciency.

Carbon Quest with crank motor Joel Vincent (CyclesJV-Fenioux) got the motor mounted. e motor is managed with a cycle analyst with large screen (version 2.23). I have traveled 17,226 km already, including 2500 km with a trailer. Acceleration of the pedal frequency in the motor makes the drive more e¨cient, and does not slow down the vélomobile in any way, thus preserving the sensation of speed. e cycle analyst management is very practical and very e–ective.

e disadvantage is that the system is a big load on the chain, that will not last more than 10,000 km. It also puts more pressure on the entire transmission line, body, wheels and cassette. e fastener also somewhat limits the range of adjustment of the motor position to the frame, a disadvantage for smaller riders (1.65 m for me) that make the pedals just out of reach. I had to drill the seat to bring it as far forwards as possible and then add foam or a Ventisit of 3 cm to be able to reach the pedals. e pedals are also higher, so there is less room for your feet in the nose of the Quest when pedaling. With fast rotating bearings and gables, maintenance should be considered at approximately every 10,000 km. I su–ered a ´ap break at 9400 km and a freewheel pedal detachment at 9700 km. I had to send the engine back into maintenance:

Quest XS Carbon with crank motor – Bafang BBS02B 48V Mounted by Joel Vincent (CyclesJV) who made a support to catch up with the engine lag. e Bafang was chosen because the Declic Eco engine does not ‡t in the Quest XS. e bene‡ts are the same as any crank motor. e motor bene‡ts from acceleration of the pedal frequency and is therefore very e¨cient. It does not slow down the vélomobile in any way and also keeps the sensation of speed. In addition, it ‡ts easily into a small vélomobile. e disadvantages are the same as any crank motor; it is very demanding of the chain and transmission that will need replacing before 10,000 km, plus with fast rotating of bearings, regular maintenance should be considered every 10,000 km.

Conclusion All of these engines are powered by LiMn 48-volt 20Ah batteries. ey allow me to travel about 120 km at an average of 35 km/h. Other systems exist such as the reduced wheel engine or chain motors. No solution is perfect and each has its pros and cons. It is up to everyone to choose their systems according to their expecta - tions. For my part, even if I regret losing a little freedom of the vélomobile with muscle power alone, I have de‡nitely been won over by the rear wheel motor.