Hub-motors paired with high voltage: Winner solution for electric balance bikes?

You are in the market for an electric balance bike? There are plenty of brands and choices in Australia. They somewhat look all similar with little differences at the first glance. Prices between brands can vary extremely. But are they still all the same, or just similar, or indeed different? And if they are different, what is it exactly and is this worth spending more?

Like with many technical products, it makes sense to dive into the technical specification and to try to understand some more detail around details. After all, details can have a big impact in the longer term and will eventually make a tangible difference in the ‘rough’ daily use of these little fun machines.

In this month’s blog, we will explain a bit more detail around the TAKANI electric balance bike motors and its battery and controller voltage.

Read on, its techy, but worth it 😉

 

A Closer Look at Hub Motor Mechanics

All TAKANI electric balance bikes use hub drive motors. Why?

The hub motor design, combined it with a planetary gear system, is around for many years. The hub motor is positioned within the centre of the bike’s rim, the ‘Hub’.  Hub motors find application in numerous drive systems, not just electric balance bikes. But using it for kids’ enjoyment is certainly a newer thought.  From an engineering perspective, a hub motor offers multiple benefits.

The hub motor design is a compact, with an efficient power delivery system that is perfectly suited to the small form factor of children's bikes. An internal planetary gear system, with its central sun gear, orbiting planet gears, and the enclosing ring gear, offers a high degree of efficiency and torque conversion within a compact space.

This is particularly important for electric dirt bikes, where space, weight and performance is important along with efficiency.

 

Efficiency and Performance

Looking at technical superiority, the efficiency and simplicity of hub motors are key advantages. By delivering power directly to the wheel, hub motors minimize the losses typically associated with traditional chain and sprocket systems. This direct power transformation means that electric balance bikes can achieve longer riding times and longer ranges at a single charge, a critical factor for these small electric vehicles.

Moreover, the integrated design of hub motors allows for better handling of the bike. With the weight of the motor centralized in the wheel and evenly around the axle, these bikes have a low centre of gravity leading to neutral and even weight distribution. A hub motor makes it easier for children to handle and control the bike at both lower and higher speeds.

 

Durability and Reliability

The design of modern hub motors makes it easier to seal. This contributes significantly to their durability. The hub motor's components are easier to protect from dust, water, and the environment, making a quality hub motor resisting the rigors of children’s everyday use a lot better. Even in less-than-ideal conditions they are copping a bit of ‘abuse’ without failure. This durability translates into lower maintenance costs and longer intervals between repairs, making TAKANI electric balance bikes with hub motors a more reliable and cost-effective option for families in the longer term.

 

Safety and Accessibility

Safety is always a concern for any children's product, and electric balance bikes with hub motors address common safety issues inherent in traditional bikes. The absence of external chains and front and rear sprockets reduces the risk of injury from moving parts, while the quiet operation of the motor ensures that children are more aware of their surroundings, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Hub motors (if controlled by state-of-the-art sinus wave controllers and hall sensor throttles) have a gentler startup with the higher torque kicking in at around 500rmp. This makes bikes with hub motors more controllable for beginners as well as advances riders.

Additionally, the ease of use of electric balance bikes can make traditional cycling accessible to more children, including those who may struggle with balance or coordination required for traditional biking. The adjustable power levels assist allow children to gradually build their confidence and skills at their own pace….and with heaps of fun! So why not jumping on your push bike afterwards?

 

Environmental and Educational Benefits

The shift towards electric balance bikes also reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and the importance of sustainable transportation solutions. By opting for electric dirt motorcycles over gas-powered alternatives, families can reduce their carbon footprint and instil environmental thoughts in their children from a young age.

Furthermore, electric balance bikes offer educational benefits and a steeper learning curve when handling a throttle. They provide a platform for teaching children about the basics of electric vehicles, including energy efficiency, charging, maintenance, battery technology, and the principles of electric motors. This early exposure to newer sustainable technologies is a splendid knowledge foundation and can inspire a young generation of innovators and environmental advocates.

 

The Challenge of Cost and Perception

Despite their many advantages, electric balance bikes with hub motors face challenges related to cost and public perception. The advanced technology and materials required for these bikes can make them a bit more expensive to manufacture than traditional chain drives, potentially limiting their accessibility to young families with several children that are budget conscious.

Moreover, there is a need to overcome perceptions that electric balance bikes are less safe or less beneficial for physical development than traditional push bikes. Yes, they are not pedalling, but they are still sweating, outside and enjoying themselves. Any minute away from screens is a win nowadays. Many parents will agree.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Children's Mobility

The future of children's mobility looks bright, with electric balance bikes leading the way towards more sustainable, efficient, and accessible forms of fun. As battery technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even longer ranges and shorter charging times, making electric dirt motorcycles even more practical for everyday use.

Additionally, the integration of smart technology into electric balance bikes, such as GPS tracking, performance monitoring, and other gamified experiences, could further enhance the appeal and functionality of these bikes, making them an even more enticing option for both children and their parents. Rest assured, TAKANI is looking into these features.

In conclusion, electric balance bikes equipped with hub motors represent a significant step forward in children's mobility. Their technical superiority over chain drives, combined with their safety, environmental, and educational benefits, positions them as the bike of choice. As technology continues to evolve, we can look forward to even more clever solutions in this field, making it an exciting time for children's mobility.

 

What Voltage is the best voltage for kid’s electric balance bikes? 24V, 36V, 48V, 52V or 60V?

In the evolving landscape of children's mobility, electric balance bikes are setting new benchmarks for innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship. Central to this transformation is the integration of hub motors, which have ushered in a new era of efficiency and practicality in kids' bikes. We have explained the advantages of hub motors above.

Expanding on the myriad advantages of these systems, it's essential to explore one more additional technical aspect that significantly enhances the performance and longevity of these bikes: the application of higher DC voltage.

 

The Technical Edge of Higher DC Voltage in Hub Motors

One advancement in the design of electric balance bikes is the clever utilisation of Direct Current and Voltage. TAKANI is shifting from traditional 24VDC to juicier 48VDC or 52VDC configurations because we believe it offers real world benefits in terms of motor efficiency, cooling, and durability.

This blog section elaborates the technical rationale behind TAKANI using 48V, 52V and 60V battery systems and its implications for the next generation of electric balance bikes.

 

Enhanced Efficiency and Cooling

The efficiency of electric hub motors, including those used in children's balance bikes, is closely tied to their thermal management and energy conversion processes. A brushless DC hub motor, when powered by a higher voltage such as 48VDC, operates more efficiently for several reasons:

 

Lower Current for the Same Power Output: The Ohms Law still rules!

Power (P) in an electric circuit is calculated as the product of voltage (V) and current (I). In principle, for a motor running at a consistent load and power consumption (e.g., 500W), an increase in voltage reduces the height of the current it draws. Higher voltage and lower currents mean a reduction in heat generated by the resistance in the motor's windings and wires. Heat is loss. Less heat always better! It is thereby enhancing its efficiency by reducing its internal temperature.

This principle applies to all electric motors and electric vehicles. A motor running at 500W power consumption, running on 52VDC system will draw less current and generate less heat compared to the same motor running on 24VDC.

 

Improved Thermal Management: The reduced heat generation at higher voltages contributes to better thermal management within the motor. Cooler operating temperatures extend the lifespan of critical motor components, not just of the electrical components, but also of the mechanical components such as bearings, gears, and insulation materials. There is reduced thermal stress and degradation over time.

 

Increased Durability and Reliability: The combination of lower operating temperatures and reduced electrical stress contributes to increased durability and reliability of the motor. This means that electric balance bikes equipped with these higher-voltage battery and controller systems will require less maintenance and offer more consistent performance over their lifecycle.

 

Technical Advantages of 48V and 52V Systems

Adopting 48V systems (or higher) for an electric balance bike presents a few engineering advantages beyond improved efficiency and durability:

 

Better Performance and Range:

A higher voltage systems can utilize battery capacity more effectively. Per single charge, a higher voltage system offers better acceleration performance (= fun) and longer range (= fun for longer), if battery and controller components are designed to work at higher voltages. This contributes to children enjoying their ride for longer per single charge while offering the same acceleration and speed (or even better). Higher voltage makes TAKANI bikes more convenient for parents and children with increased fun factor at the same time.

 

Enhanced Safety Features:

When designing higher voltage systems, there is more room for the engineer to build advanced safety features into the bike. For example, the increased voltage allows motor controllers to work more precisely because the lower current draw causes less voltage drop/disruption within the battery. Accordingly, motor RPM and torque, low voltage protection, cell temperature and battery discharge shut offs are more consistent and/or easier to control with a precision level.  Also integrated diagnostics parameters that monitor the operation or health of the motor and battery can be programmed more precisely. This, if utilised correctly, leads to a safer and more consistent riding experience and accordingly parents will have more confidence in the bike's operational safety.

 

Broader Implications and Future Directions

The shift towards higher DC voltage in electric balance bikes' hub motors marks a step forward in the evolution of children's mobility. This technical detail is worth a look as it aligns with broader trends in electric transportation, emphasizing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. As the technology matures, TAKANI anticipates further innovations in our products that will continue to further enhance appeal and performance of TAKANI electric balance bikes.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, powering with a rear hub motor of TAKANI’s kids' electric balance bikes paired with higher DC voltage presents tangible advantages for parents and kids alike. It offers a blend of improved performance, efficiency, enhanced cooling leading increased durability, less service and a sleek look.

These advantages not only elevate the performance and reliability of TAKANI bikes but also underlines our commitment to difference, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

As we look to the future, these technical differences will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the TAKANI brand and the next generation of eco-friendly, safe, and enjoyable off road-rides for our young customers.