Korean company Centinel (est. 2012) has launched a kickstarter campaign for what what they claim to is the cheapest hubmotor wheel.
As per usual, there are a slew of Chinese manufacturers (where electric bikes have been around a while) that are cheaper, with Golden Motors making their stronger MagicPie-4 (500W, 750W or 1000W) for $278, including regen braking and a programmable built-in control with sine wave control to make the most of the battery.
The Korean's 26-inch Centinel produces only 360 W, and that using two 180 W motors from a 24V, 13A
lithium-ion battery. One good design feature is that both motors and the battery are removable to recharge, facilitate maintenance or even replace with upgrades.
lithium-ion battery. One good design feature is that both motors and the battery are removable to recharge, facilitate maintenance or even replace with upgrades.
The stated
range of the eight-kilogram wheel is a conservative 50 km, with top speed a
realistic 25 km/h. To save power, an automatic planetary gear switches between
the motors to provide high speed for level sections or high torque for hills. An
intelligent controller ensures optimum power delivery and links to an app.
Kickstarter pledges start at $899 (R10 629) and Centinel plans to ship the first
wheels next April.
