FAQ

What is an ebike?

An ebike is a bike that has an additional electric motor to assist the rider. It can be considered a parallel hybrid, as the bike has two independent drive systems, the riders legs, and the electric motor.

What is a friction drive?

It is a method of transferring power, via rolling contact of the motor on the tire.

What is so special about the Commuter Booster?

  • light weight
  • high performance
  • no additional drag when not in use
    • easy to install
    • can be installed on your existing bike
    • no modifications required to your bike
    • can be easily transferred to different bikes in minutes

Friction? Does that mean it is going to wear my tire out?

The motor transfers its power via rolling across the surface of the tire, just like your tire rolls on the surface of the road. For a properly adjusted drive when power levels are kept modest, then the tire is likely to wear out 2-3 times as quickly as normal. A poorly adjusted drive, or one set up at very high power levels will wear the tire out more rapidly.

How much does the Commuter Booster weigh?

The drive itself is approximately 1kg, depending on the specific motor used. Including batteries it would typically add between 3-4kg to your bike.

How fast does it go?

This depends on the way you configure the drive. But in my preferred setup it will cruise at ~ 40kph.

How far does it go?

This is very dependent on how you use the assist, and the battery capacity you use. But in my preferred set-up it will happily elevate my cruising speed to 40kph, and I can get around 30kms. If I want to just use it as an occasional assist, for big hills, or to keep up with traffic a bit more, this range can be extended a lot.

How much power?

It can be restricted to meet the legal 200,250,750w limits typical around the world. Or this can be bumped up to ~1000w if so desired. Unrestricted it can pump out ~2000w but the rider needs to be a bit more careful not to over do it. : )

Does it fit on all bikes?

No. It will only suit bikes that have enough space in between the seat tube, seat stays and wheel.

Will it fit my bike?

Try the installation template and find out.

My motor is very hot. What should I do?

    • Go easy on the throttle
    • Don’t use the assist below 10 kph.
    • Consider reducing the maximum power of the drive

My ESC is getting too hot?

If you are running the ESC at partial throttle a lot of the time, possibly due to current limitting, then try lowering the ESC PWM to 8kHz. This will reduce the switching loses in the ESC, but may increase motor heat.

My bike is too fast now. What should I do?

    • Go easy on the throttle.
    • Consider reducing the maximum power of the drive.
    • Buy a motor with a lower kV.
    • Try a lower battery voltage

Can I make it go faster?

    • Try a higher battery voltage.
    • Try a slightly higher kV motor.

My tire seems to be wear out quickly.

    • Check that your drive is installed correctly. Especially the pickup angle step.
    • Consider reducing the maximum power of the drive.

The template doesn’t fit my frame. What now?

    • Oh oh. You may have to consider using a smaller 50mm diameter motor, and be limited to ~500w. Or look at a seat post mounted friction drive like the eBoost.