Engineering

Write the first paragraph of your article here.

We have a choice: Build or Buy.

Building is more risky and depends on finding the right people.

Buying is probably the most practical option for 2011.

Fundamentals
Weight, Dimensions

Frame
Possible suppliers include:


 * Steelheart Engineering in Kent, UK
 * Gia Engineering in Nottingham, UK make light weight frames from aluminium tube
 * Harris Performance in the UK
 * Moriwaki in Japan
 * Kalex in Germany

Though it should be noted that while these companies have great expertise in building racing frames for IC engines none of them have any experience with high powered electric bikes.


 * Electric Motorsport in Oakland, CA, USA sells a completed or kit electric motorcycle that is Open Architecture (some construction/wiring information, service manuals, etc. included)


 * See also: Bikelinks.com/frames

Controls

 * Open-BLDC are developing an Open Source BrushLess DC Motor Controller.
 * Open ReVolt is a modular Open Source PWM series-wound DC motor controller
 * Tumanako is an Open Source AC vehicle control and battery management (charger) system

proprietary controllers

 * Cafe Electric LLC make the Zilla series of motor controllers. However they are currently (summer 2010) in haitus pending a legal problem.

Chargers

 * Simon Rafferty of X-Eng in the UK has posted his design for an "$200 Build your own intelligent charger" on the DIY Electric Car Forums.

Motor
Agni 95 motors powered the winner of the 2009 race. Brushed makes them less desireable

Protean Electric make a "106hp" in-wheel motor for 18" rims that might be adapted for use on a race bike. But huge increase in unsprung weight probably rules them out.

Golden Motor make a range of motors including the 10kw BLDC high-power water cooled HPM-10K

Background

 * Battery University excellent resource on battery technology and techniques for preserving battery life and charge.
 * m Power UK has a good background to the technology.
 * Fun with Lithium Blog, explains some of the challenges associated with Li-Ion powered motorcycles

Manufacturers
see also: Potential sponsors:Battery brands page.
 * European Batteries, Finland
 * Li-ion BMS manufacturs Li-ion cells and controllers
 * Altairnano make advanced lithium-ion batteries used in transportation
 * Vision Technology Co., Ltd. part of Vision Group in Shenzhen, China does R+D and manufacture of Li-ion batteries.
 * Cadex design and manufacture battery chargers and management technology. Publish the Battery University website (see above).
 * Phoenix Silicon International, Taiwan
 * Thunder Sky Energy, PRC
 * B&K Encel PRC
 * DBN Energy, Germany

Retailers
Rechargeable Lithium Power, USA

Suspension
Hossack Design is a light weight front suspension that might be idea for an electric bike

Bitubo make innovative, light weight racing dampers.

Wheels and Tyres
Revolution Cycle Manufacturing make carbon fiber wheels for bikes

See also: in-wheel motor

Streamlining
Craig Vetter, famous streamliner and author of the TTXGP streamlining rules, sells the Rifle full fairing kit and suggests use in TTXGP