Contact Information:
Phone: We are available Monday - Friday from 9-5 by phone at (323) 325-3390
Email: Email us anytime at hipowercycles@gmail.com. If we for some reason cannot get to the phone,, please scroll down to the bottom of this page and fill out the "Contact Us" form and we will get back to you as soon as possbile!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Size Frame Do I Choose?
Small: 5'3" and shorter.
Medium: 5'4"-5'8"
Large: 5'9"-6'1"
XL: 6'2" and taller
What is the significance of wattage (W)?
Wattage is significant to the overall power of the motor. The higher the wattage of an electric motor system the more fast and/or powerful it will become depending on the gearing of the motor.
System wattage is a factor of the battery voltage and how many amps a controller draws. For instance, our most popular system is the 1500w system. To determine the overally system wattage rating, we multiply the voltage of the battery (51.2v in this case) times the amps of the controller (30 amps) which gives you around 1500 watts of peak power.
We feel this is a much better indicator of performance than any other measurement since this is what you will ACTUALLY be getting out of your system. For instance, if a 900W "Striker" system (our most torque oriented hub motor) was increased to a 1500W system, a significant improvement will be seen in hill climbing ability and overall power. and a slight increase in speed.
What kind of motor should I get?
Freedom: Good for entry level riders looking to tame basic hills and experience a street legal level of power.
Striker: More robust with better gears and clutch than the "Freedom," the "Striker" motor is ideal for riders looking for torque, AKA hill climbing ability and off-road use. Can travel at speeds up to 26 mph at 48 volts
Thunderbolt: More robust with better gears and clutch than the "Freedom," the "Thunderbolt" motor is ideal for riders looking for a happy medium between speed and torque. Can travel at speeds up to 33 mph at 48 volts.
Black Lightning: The "Black Lightning" is the fastest motor that we offer. It can overcome medium hills and travel at speeds up to 40 mph at 48 volts.
How is range determined?
Range is determined in near perfect conditions (dry smooth riding surface, totally flat ground, no wind, and 165 pound rider) at 70% throttle.
What charger do I need?
While all chargers will get the job done a charger upgrade may be in order if charging time is of importance.
The charging time formula is reasonably simple: Divide the Amp Hour (AH) capacity of your battery by the Amp (A) rating of your charger.
For example using the included 2A charger, a 10AH battery can be charged in about 5 hours (10AH/2A = 5 hours).
An upgraded 4A charger could charge the same 10AH battery in 2.5 hours (10AH/4A=2.5 hours).
An upgraded 6A charger 1.7 hours (10AH/6A=1.7 hours).
What upgrades are available?
Phase Wiring: If you have selected a high power controller (40A or more), it is HIGHLY recommended to upgrade the phase wires on the bike to 10 gauge. Otherwise, you risk melting connectors and having severe heat issues with prolonged use.
Cycle Analyst: The cycle analyst is a digital dashboard and battery monitor designed around the specific needs of electric bicycles. Once connected to the power bus, the Cycle Analyst shows the following information:
Volts, Watts, Amps: The instantaneous electric power being drawn from the battery.
Amp-Hours, Watt Hours: The net energy that has been pulled from the pack since the meter was reset. The accumulated amp-hours let you know the remaining energy in the battery pack with far greater accuracy than a voltage or LED indicator.
Speed, Distance, Time: All of the basic features of a bicycle computer, including the average and maximum trip speeds, plus a total distance odometer.
Regen, Wh/km: There are several quantities this meter will calculate that you don't get with other instrumentation, such as the % extra range that was gained from regenerative braking, as well as the vehicle's average energy use in Watt-hours per kilometer or mile.
Peak Currents and Voltage Sag: Records the maximum forwards and regenerative currents as well as the minimum voltage on the battery pack.
Total Battery Cycles and Amp-Hours: Retains life cycle information on the vehicle's battery pack such as how many charge and discharge cycles the pack has experienced and the total amp- hours that were delivered over its entire life.
Torque Arm: Helps prevent motor from spinning out the drop-out. A good idea for front motors. Not necessary, however, for rear motors.
Lights: Handle mounted LED lights ranging from 700-1200 Lumens.
Which battery is right for me?
Battery preference is based on the user's desire for range and weight control. Essentially higher AH affords more range while adding weight. Higher voltage affords more speed.
Two main categories exist, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) and Lithium Polymer (LiPo) of which the latter is of the lighter version.
LiFePO4 batteries:
Type Range Weight
38V, 10AH max 20 miles 7.5 lbs
38V, 15AH max 30 miles 11.25 lbs
38V, 20AH max 40 miles 15 lbs
51V, 10AH max 25 miles 10 lbs
51V, 15AH max 38 miles 15 lbs
51V, 20AH max 50 miles 20 lbs
LiPo Batteries:
Type Range Weight
52V, 10AH max 25 miles 6.5 lbs
52V, 20AH max 50 miles 13 lbs
Problems? Suggestions?
We'd love to hear from you!
You can reach us anytime, 9 AM- 5 PM PST M-F at:
(323) 325-3390
Complete the Contact Information form below and we will contact you as soon as possible. A lot of time during the day we may be out of the office, so please send us an email with your callback number if we do not answer!
