Prototype electric bicycle using a motor integrated in the wheel hub

摘要

This article describes a new prototype electric bicycle driven by a brushless induction motor integrated into the wheel hub. The motor is powered by a current controlled inverter. Following a discussion of the principles underlying the design, the authors give a full description of the motor construction, power supply and cooling system, concluding with the results of both laboratory and road tests. The novelty of the design lies in the strongly integrated drive system in which the drive electronics are contained within the motor which, in turn, is built into the rear wheel hub. A new patented cooling system has been developed in response to the compact nature of the design.