Kettwiesel e-assist question

[GrandadPig]

I just received an e-assistant kit to motorise my Kett. The kit includes two brake lever/cut off switches. Does anyone know if these are essential? Will be using a cadence sensor so do not see the point of the cut off brake levers, stop peddling and I guess the motor cuts off. Can I simply not fit the levers?

Any advice welcome

Thank you

[[XAP]Bob]

It’s an automated cut off, which will stop power delivery faster than noticing that the cranks have stopped rotating…

I didn’t put them on my adaptation many years ago and it was fine. But that’s why they’re included, and I don’t know if the legislation requires them…

[Stradageek]

The motor cuts very quickly when you stop pedalling but I fitted them anyway as it's a pretty simple job and my wife feels happier that she will never find herself trying to brake against any inadvertent motor drive.

It's not a legal requirement as far as I know

[[XAP]Bob]

Unless they are particularly feeble, flexible plastic, levers - or they don't fit/work (wrong pull, or you've got hydraulics, for instance) then it's likely worth fitting them - you can always switch them back out if you really don't like them.

[Galactic]

I put an e-bike kit (Yosepower) on my standard cycle and tried it without the brake cut-offs for a few days before deciding whether to order the necessary bits for my hydraulic brakes. My motor (cadence sensor) cuts out just under 2 seconds after I stop pedaling.

I decided to go ahead and get the kit while crossing a road on a pedestrian/cycle crossing. I had to turn the pedals to get over the camber and across the road before impatient cars started hassling me, which meant my motor sprang into life just as I was braking to slow my speed enough to take the 90 degree turn onto the cycle path on the pavement on the other side. It was fine, my brakes could hold the motor back, and it cut out by itself a second or two later, but it was enough to make it feel wrong, and I assume it's neither good for the motor nor the brakes if both are used at the same time.

With the brake kit the motor cuts out immediately, and I set up my brakes so a slight squeeze is enough to stop the motor without the brake blocks biting the rims so I can quickly cut the motor without needing to actually brake, eg when coming up to a give way junction.

So, in short, less than 2 seconds for the motor to turn off doesn't sound much, but it can feel like a lot when you're negotiating junctions and the like.

[GrandadPig]

That’s great guys, thank you. If the levers fit I think I will use them. Hopefully first test ride today. Just brake levers and front wheel to fit. Bit awkward finding places for the various components. I imaging fitting the kit to a diamond frame would be a doddle.

Thanks again for all your helpful replies.

[hercule]

I’ll be interested hear how you get on with it, and some pics would be interesting. I tried a front wheel motor on mine (from the company that has now become Swytch) but it’s now back to standard… too much power in the front wheel meant climbing steep hills meant wheelspin, the only workable option was to turn off the power which rather defeated the object! On more modest hills it was helpful though.

[GrandadPig]

Maiden voyage today. The wheel slip issue may be a problem. I mounted the battery on the main tube to add a little weight but we will see. Photos and feedback later.

[Stradageek]

To avoid wheelslip we found the following works:

Ascend no faster than you would cycle, ie use low power

Avoid loose and wet areas of the road

Put more power into your pedalling

Change direction smoothly, no sharp steering

Fit 40mm tyres run at no more than 50psi

Battery mounted above the BB ie as far forward as possible (wooden 'riser') block required

My wife manages even 17% gradients on wet roads if these rules are followed.

Hope this helps

[[XAP]Bob]

Yep - you've become a three wheel drive machine.

I reckon that battery will go another few inches forward without any issue. Or get a rack fitted over the front wheel to get it *really* far forward... but I think that might be taking it too far...