BugE - More than a bike, less than a car

On the lower wiring schematic, there is a box that needs a bit more explanation.  During charging, the charge controller monitors the batt...

Snow Snow Snow! Can't wait to bring the BugE out again.  For now, it sits in the garage on blocks occasionally drawing on the power cord...

The lower wiring harness diagram is available as a downloadable PDF that can be seen by clicking HERE .  The text below explains how this d...

The BugE is a kit so builders have installed a variety of motors in them. The BugE motor that is closest to "stock" would be the ...

The old system using lead-acid batteries lacked range but it was very simple to maintain.  Just plug in the string of batteries.  Rely on se...

For the longest time, the BugE reminded me of some sort of futuristic hovercraft.  Ever since I got it, I've wanted to put some lightin...

Here's what I've found so far as the BugE is used for it's intended use - a pure electric commuter vehicle that operates in cool...

At last. It was time for my first real commute from Auburn NY to Wells College in Aurora NY. Russel Watson's " Faith of the Heart ...

This blog posting is a partial response to some questions fermi_of_borg had in his BugE build. The first photo shows how I oriented my di...

This range test was a 22 mile test to simulate a commute in terms of distance and hill climbing. This would be to the half way point, then ...

When using a lead-acid pack, I found an external lead-acid charger arrangement worked for me. However, the new lithium battery charger is ...

One of the most frequent questions I get asked usually includes the phrases, "How far and at what speed?" Due to these factors bei...

Woha! The new battery pack makes this BugE perform much better! I decided my performance test would be at night. I drove in a mix of condi...

At last, the batteries are installed and the wiring is connected! The pack is doing it's first charge cycle. Along the way, there we...

W hen deciding how to install the batteries, it's useful to study photos. In the first photo is my setup for a lead-acid pack. Lifti...

Note: This BMS system is no longer sold by Elite Power.  However, the batteries appear to still be available from  electricmotorsport.com. A...

I've decided to trade simplicity for performance. The lead-acid pack with battery management circuitry was very easy to maintain. Just...

This time of year it's hard to predict the weather. A day might start out nice, then be rainy and cold. When this happens and I'm ...

Roadway salt is harsh on all vehicles. So, once the first salt carrying snowplow rumbled by my house, I decided BugE season was over. No ...

It's oil change day today. I do oil changes for every appliance all at once since it's often a messy operation. So, my regular car, ...

Alan M. Clark , one of the first BugE owners I had contact with, has upgraded his BugE with a lithium battery pack. He reports he's foun...

For the past week, the thumb throttle on the BugE has been acting rather touchy. Acceleration was more jumpy than I was used to. I was aware...

My washer at home decided to start leaking. Unfortunately I don't have enough clothes to wear until my washer gets fixed. Fortunately, t...

So far, my BugE has been pretty well behaved. My suspension upgrade of lifters & frame sliders continues to give a very smooth ride in s...

Got the motor back via UPS. I also talked to the person who repaired the motor. I found out my motor was not damaged by water. Instead, one ...

For the last few trips, I figured my lower top speed was due to a damaged battery in my pack. However, I noticed even if I totally opened up...

Turns out my charger was in trickle charge mode. 2a@12v. That charge, split between 4 batteries (with the powercheq mods) is not a lot of po...

It's been raining quite a bit. So, I again decided to see how the BugE would do. It is very convenient! The Good. The cowl protects agai...

40 degrees, sunny. It would be a cold day for a regular biker but the BugE protects against windchill so there was no need for gloves or ch...

Finally, FINALLY, after all this time, I managed to get a plate from the NY-DMV! I decided to take the BugE for an across town trip. OMG! T...