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Mar 18, 2025

Global Early Exploration of Electric Bicycle Motors (1953–1989)

Global Early Exploration of Electric Bicycle Motors (1953–1989)
Global Early Exploration of Electric Bicycle Motors (1953–1989)

The EcoE 5000W electric bike

Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.
Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.
60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.
Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets.

Key Events & Technical Evolution

  1. 1953, California, USA
    • Event: Agricultural mechanic Haroldswick converted a tractor starter motor into a bicycle hub motor (350W, 12km/h, 18km range).
    • Technology: Lead-acid battery (2x6V), brushed commutator, 68% efficiency.
    • Impact: Pioneered motor-bike integration, inspiring DIY culture.
  2. 1967, Chicago, USA
    • Event: GE developed the first commercial hub motor (GE-M12, 24V/500W) for U.S. Postal Service delivery bikes.
    • Technology: Copper windings + carbon brushes, centrifugal cooling, 500-hour lifespan.
    • Impact: Highlighted brush wear issues, driving demand for brushless tech.
  3. 1974, Osaka, Japan
    • Event: Panasonic launched the EB-1, the world’s first mass-produced e-bike (24V/100W hub motor, 40km lead-acid range).
    • Technology: Lightweight frame (18kg), automatic speed limiter (15km/h).
    • Impact: Japan became the first country to commercialize e-bikes.
  4. 1975, Munich, Germany
    • Event: BionX created the first integrated motor-battery system (36V/150W, NiCd battery).
    • Technology: Hub motor in rear hub, 2.5kg weight, 72% efficiency.
    • Impact: Advanced European e-bike standardization.
  5. 1983, Shanghai, China
    • Event: Shanghai Forever released the DX-130 (150W column motor, 24V lead-acid, 50km range).
    • Technology: Step-through frame, 3-speed manual shift, 20km/h top speed.
    • Impact: China’s first commercial e-bike, annual sales exceeding 50,000 units.
  6. 1985, Washington, D.C., USA
    • Event: CPSC issued the first global motor standard (16 CFR Part 1512), limiting power to 750W with mandatory overheat protection.
    • Technology: ≤400rpm speed, IPX4 water resistance.
    • Impact: Ended unregulated modifications, driving industry standardization.

Global Technology Comparison Table (1953–1989)

YearRegionEventMotor TypePowerBatteryEfficiencyKey Technology
1953USAHaroldswick’s conversionHub-mounted DC350WLead-acid (12V)68%Brushed commutator
1967USAGE postal motorHub-mounted DC500WLead-acid (24V)74%Centrifugal cooling
1974JapanPanasonic EB-1 launchHub-mounted DC100WLead-acid (24V)72%Automatic speed limiter
1975GermanyBionX integrated systemHub-mounted DC150WNiCd (36V)72%Motor-battery integration
1983ChinaForever DX-130 releaseColumn DC150WLead-acid (24V)75%3-speed manual transmission
1985USACPSC mandatory standardCompliant hub motor≤750WLead-acid/NiCd82%Overheat protection + IPX4

Historical Context & Technical Limitations

Global Impact: U.S. DIY culture, Japanese mass production, and European system integration laid the technical foundation for the 1990s brushless motor revolution.

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​What to Know Before Riding an Electric Mountain Bike: Safety & Legal Tips
Mar 18, 2025 | 0 comments

​What to Know Before Riding an Electric Mountain Bike: Safety & Legal Tips

Hop on an electric mountain bike (eMTB) and charge towards the freedom of the wilderness, with the wind whistling past your ears—it’s an exhilarating feeling. However, we can’t ignore the issues of safety and regulations. The rules for using eMTBs vary across different states and regions. How can we ensure that we enjoy the thrill of cycling legally and safely? As the American writer Herman Melville once said, “Freedom is not the absence of constraints, but the act of moving within boundaries.” Let’s take a look together! In our cycling experiences, safety always comes first. Even the lightest and most advanced eMTBs cannot overlook basic protective measures. Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads—though seemingly insignificant—can be life-saving in critical moments. I remember one time when our friend Jack was riding in Colorado. A patch of soft, muddy ground caused him to lose control and the bike flipped over. He was wearing a full-face helmet, and although he took a hard fall, he only suffered some minor scrapes. Without the helmet, the consequences could have been much worse. Moreover, pre-ride checks are equally important: As a popular cycling adage goes, “The best ride is the one where you return safely and still want to do it again.” Know the Rules—Is Your eMTB Legal? Regulations for eMTBs vary by region. In the United States, rules can differ not only from state to state but also across national parks and mountain trails. We once encountered an awkward situation while riding in a national forest in California: the ranger stopped us because we didn’t realize that high-powered e-bikes were prohibited in that area. Generally, most states in the U.S. classify eMTBs into three categories according to the electric bicycle classification law: If your eMTB exceeds 750W in power, such as the high-performance EcoE 5000W […]

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​Best Lightweight Electric Mountain Bikes for Easy Transport and Handling
Mar 18, 2025 | 0 comments

​Best Lightweight Electric Mountain Bikes for Easy Transport and Handling

In the interwoven life of urban and mountainous settings in the United States, lightweight and agile electric mountain bikes not only offer thrilling off-road experiences but also provide convenience in daily transportation and storage. We have always been exploring how to achieve a balance between high performance and lightweight, portable design. Based on our real-life experiences, we would like to share our insights on choosing and using lightweight electric mountain bikes, and naturally mention the brand EcoE Electric Bike, which has inspired us with its eco-friendly and efficient designs. As a famous saying goes, “Only by traveling light can one traverse the world freely.” In our cycling life in the United States, we always hope to easily carry and conveniently store our bikes without sacrificing the handling experience during mountain rides. After continuous test rides and comparisons, we found that lightweight electric mountain bikes can strike a good balance between these two aspects. Compared to traditional heavy electric bikes, lightweight models make life much easier and more comfortable, whether it’s climbing stairs, entering and exiting elevators, or maneuvering in narrow parking lots. I remember once, when we parked in a small mountain village, a fellow rider excitedly said, “This bike is so light that it takes no effort to lift it onto the truck!” This firsthand experience has made us deeply realize that portability and handling are precisely the lifestyle attitudes we pursue. Of course, being lightweight does not mean we can sacrifice performance. We pay special attention to the integration of the motor and battery, striving to achieve both lightness and the high demands of mountain biking. We have test-ridden many lightweight electric mountain bikes, some of which, despite having slightly lower-powered motors, still deliver ample power thanks to efficient battery management systems. For example, during our tests, we […]

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Global Mid-Drive Motor Restructuring in Electric Bicycles (2011–2020)
Mar 18, 2025 | 0 comments

Global Mid-Drive Motor Restructuring in Electric Bicycles (2011–2020)

The EcoE 5000W electric bike Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets. – Key Events & Technical Evolution Global Technology Comparison Table (2011–2020) Year Region Company Motor Type Power Torque Battery Efficiency Key Technology 2011 Germany Bosch Mid-drive BLDC 250W 85N·m Li-ion (36V) 92% CAN bus, chain drive optimization 2013 USA Yeti Cycles Mid-drive BLDC 250W 85N·m Li-ion (36V) 91% Full-suspension integration 2015 Japan Yamaha Mid-drive BLDC 250W 80N·m Li-ion (36V) 93% Silent drive, 5 assist modes 2017 China Bafang Mid-drive BLDC 500W 100N·m Li-ion (48V) 88% All-metal gearbox, cost-effective mass production 2018 USA TQ Systems Mid-drive BLDC 250W 50N·m Li-ion (36V) 94% IMU sensor for real-time posture monitoring 2020 Netherlands Specialized Mid-drive BLDC 240W 35N·m […]

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Global Brushless Motor Revolution in Electric Bicycles (1990–2010)
Mar 18, 2025 | 0 comments

Global Brushless Motor Revolution in Electric Bicycles (1990–2010)

The EcoE 5000W electric bike Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets. – Key Events & Technical Evolution Global Technology Comparison Table (1990–2010) Year Region Company Motor Type Power Battery Efficiency Key Technology 1992 USA EcoSpeed Hub-mounted BLDC 500W Lead-acid (36V) 88% NdFeB magnets, 10,000-hour lifespan 1995 Japan Yamaha Mid-drive BLDC 250W Ni-MH (24V) 91% Torque sensor for human-electric synergy 2000 Netherlands Maxon Hub-mounted BLDC 200W Li-ion (36V) 93% Planetary gear reduction, lightweight design 2003 China Bafang Hub-mounted BLDC 250W Lead-acid (36V) 85% Low-cost aluminum casing, mass production 2005 USA BionX Hub-mounted BLDC 500W Li-ion (36V) 90% Regenerative braking, IP65 waterproofing 2010 Germany Bosch Mid-drive BLDC 250W Li-ion (36V) 92% CAN bus communication, smart APP control […]

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Global Early Exploration of Electric Bicycle Motors (1953–1989)
Mar 18, 2025 | 0 comments

Global Early Exploration of Electric Bicycle Motors (1953–1989)

The EcoE 5000W electric bike Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets. – Key Events & Technical Evolution Global Technology Comparison Table (1953–1989) Year Region Event Motor Type Power Battery Efficiency Key Technology 1953 USA Haroldswick’s conversion Hub-mounted DC 350W Lead-acid (12V) 68% Brushed commutator 1967 USA GE postal motor Hub-mounted DC 500W Lead-acid (24V) 74% Centrifugal cooling 1974 Japan Panasonic EB-1 launch Hub-mounted DC 100W Lead-acid (24V) 72% Automatic speed limiter 1975 Germany BionX integrated system Hub-mounted DC 150W NiCd (36V) 72% Motor-battery integration 1983 China Forever DX-130 release Column DC 150W Lead-acid (24V) 75% 3-speed manual transmission 1985 USA CPSC mandatory standard Compliant hub motor ≤750W Lead-acid/NiCd 82% Overheat protection + IPX4 Historical Context […]

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Global History of Electric Bicycle Motors
Mar 18, 2025 | 0 comments

Global History of Electric Bicycle Motors

The EcoE 5000W electric bike Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets. – Early Exploration (1953-1989)The origin of electric bicycle motors dates to the 1950s. The U.S. introduced the first practical electric bicycle, the Motobécane, in 1953, featuring a 100W hub-mounted DC motor. In the 1960s, Japanese companies like Panasonic and Yamaha pioneered lightweight motor designs. After the 1970s oil crisis, Europe promoted electric bicycles through subsidies, with Germany’s BionX system integrating motors and batteries for the first time. Brushless Motor Revolution (1990-2010)The 1990s saw the U.S. company EcoSpeed introduce the first brushless DC (BLDC) motor, resolving wear issues in traditional brushed motors. In 2000, the Netherlands’ Maxon brought brushless technology to high-end markets, achieving over […]

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The Central Motor Reconstruction in U.S. Electric Bikes (2011–2020)
Mar 17, 2025 | 0 comments

The Central Motor Reconstruction in U.S. Electric Bikes (2011–2020)

The EcoE 5000W electric bike Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets. – Between 2011 and 2020, the U.S. electric bike (e-bike) motor landscape underwent a paradigm shift with the rise of central (mid-drive) motors, driven by American engineers’ pursuit of efficiency, terrain adaptability, and rider experience. Unlike earlier hub motors (dominant in the 2000s), central motors—positioned at the bike’s bottom bracket—redefined performance by integrating with the drivetrain, optimizing weight distribution, and enabling torque-sensitive power delivery. 2011–2014: Foundations of American Mid-Drive Innovation In 2011, California-based Pedego launched the TrailTracker, America’s first mass-produced mid-drive e-bike. Equipped with a 750W Bafang central motor (licensed from China but locally optimized), it addressed a critical flaw of hub motors: uneven weight distribution affecting downhill […]

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The Brushless Motor Revolution in U.S. Electric Bicycles (1990–2010)
Mar 17, 2025 | 0 comments

The Brushless Motor Revolution in U.S. Electric Bicycles (1990–2010)

The EcoE 5000W electric bike Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets. – 1. 1990: The “Silicon Valley Spark” – Aerospace Engineers Redefine Motors Location: Sunnyvale, CaliforniaEvent: Former Lockheed Martin engineers Dr. Alan Hsu and Dr. Robert Anderson founded EM3EV (Electric Motor for the 3rd Evolution) in a Sunnyvale garage, repurposing aerospace-grade rare-earth magnets (NdFeB) for brushless DC (BLDC) hub motors. Their 1992 prototype (EM3-500, 500W, 36V) achieved 88% efficiency (vs. 82% for 1980s brushed motors), with a 10,000-hour lifespan (10x brushes).Critical Test: In 1993, Stanford University tested EM3-500 on San Francisco’s 16% Filbert Street slope: 2. 1996: USPS Drives Commercial Adoption – 10,000 Units in NYC Location: New York City, New YorkEvent: The U.S. Postal Service awarded EcoSpeed (a […]

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History of electric bicycle motors in the United States (1953-1989)
Mar 17, 2025 | 0 comments

History of electric bicycle motors in the United States (1953-1989)

The EcoE 5000W electric bike Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets. – 1. 1953: The “Tractor Motor Revolution” in a California Garage Location: Pasadena, CaliforniaEvent: In March, 37-year-old agricultural mechanic Haroldswick converted a John Deere tractor starter motor (JD-350, 350W, 12V) into a bicycle hub motor in his garage. He cut the motor casing, welded spoke mounts, and paired it with automotive lead-acid batteries (2x6V), creating the first “electric assist bicycle.”Test Data (Caltech archives): 2. 1967: GE’s Postal System Trial Location: Chicago, IllinoisEvent: General Electric (GE) developed the first commercial hub motor (GE-M12, 24V/500W) for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), integrated into the Chicago Postal Courier model. The motor used copper windings and carbon brushes with a centrifugal […]

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History of Electric Bicycle Motor Technology
Mar 17, 2025 | 0 comments

History of Electric Bicycle Motor Technology

The EcoE 5000W electric bike Powerful Motor: EcoE is equipped with a 60V 5000W high-speed brushless motor. Due to different loads and road conditions, the electric bike drive system provides adjustable assistance, allowing you to stay healthy, relax, and exercise.Accessories: This electric bike accessory set includes a rearview mirror, water bottle holder and bottle, a sturdy phone mount, and a waterproof phone pouch. The reinforced cargo rack allows you to easily carry extra items needed for your ride. Additionally, if you need more accessories, you can purchase a detachable storage rack, passenger safety seat, trailer, and more.60V 32AH Battery: The bike is equipped with a high-capacity, removable 32AH battery, providing longer range per charge and over 1000 charge cycles. With pedal assist, the fat tire e-bike can travel 35-80 miles, depending on riding mode, load, and terrain. You can also purchase a spare battery for extended trips.Comfort and Versatility: This fat tire electric bike comes with dual front suspension and rear shocks to reduce impact and strain during rides. Its 26-inch wheels, 4-inch tires, and SHIM 7-speed system offer excellent grip across diverse terrains. Front and rear disc brakes ensure safe, responsive stopping, whether on mountain trails or city streets. – History of Electric Bicycle Motor Technology in the United States (1953-2024): From Agricultural Machinery Transformation to Intelligent Driver Mechanical drive era (1953-1989) –In 1953, Haroldswick, California, converted the 12V/350W agricultural machinery start motor into a bicycle hub motor for the first time. The actual speed was 12km/h, the battery life was 18km, and the energy conversion efficiency was 68% (National Bureau of Standards NBS archived data). In 1967, General Electric (GE) released its first commercial hub motor (24V/500W), which was used in the Chicago Postal System, with a failure rate of 3.2 times/1,000 hours, and it was not widely promoted due to brush […]

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