Velomobile+Compatible+Components

toc The components listed below have been tested by other Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) owners, mainly OT ELF velomobile owners. For completeness, we also included some components that are definitely **//NOT//** compatible. Some of the components listed below are described in more detail in the "Batteries: Chargers, Charging, & Storing" section.

In many of the "Where" fields we list "LBS" which is shorthand for "Local Bicycle Shop".

Tires & Tubes
Compatible || Though the size indicates this should be compatible, it was designed for old Schwinn "Beach Bike" rims. Current marketing adds this caveat. ||= Amazon.com || MarkW4CHL ||
 * ~ Component ||~ Evaluation ||~ Comments ||~ Where? ||~ By whom? ||
 * Biria 26"x1.5" touring tire with built in thorn proof liner || Not
 * Fly Cobra 26" Linear Inner Tubes || All 26 x 2.1 & 20 x 1.75 eVelo Compatible || These unique tubes are not the traditional "donut" shape, they are straight and then fasten together with velcro so may be installed without removing the wheel from frame. See the link to Chain Reaction Cycles which seems to be the only distributor for the 26" version of this linear tube. There is also a 20" version of the tube that is good for many LEVs or folding ebikes. || Chain Reaction Cycles (Australia) Shipping to US is competitive with US vendors! || Tom E ||
 * Kenda Kraze 24"x3.0 tire || All 24 x 3.0 eVelo Compatible || For the newer OT ELF 24" front rims. These tires are great on rougher roads, and if you ease off on the inflation pressure a bit they provide some road shock absorption. || OT || OT ||
 * 24x3.0 tubes || All 24 x 3.0 eVelo Compatible || Relatively hard to find in LBS, one of Amazon's partner online stores carries them. ||  || MarkW4CHL ||

Batteries & Protection
Also see the section with more details on Batteries: Chargers, Charging & Storing ~US$350 + $10S/H || MarkW4CHL || Compatible || Works very well, very good reputation, shipping from China is costly, pack is on the high end of LiFePO4 pack costs, many sizes available all with BMS. Requires user to add compatible Anderson PowerPole connector. This 48v 15ah pack fits, though the 20ah pack appears to be a tight squeeze in the ELF compartment. Preferable separate not in parallel with OT base battery. ||= Ping Batteries (China) ~US$350+$150S/H ||  || Compatible || Highly recommended to apply to every connector contact, especially the power connectors. Prevents corrosion and loss of power due to slow oxidation of contacts. || Caig Laboratories and many specialty electronics sites & stores || MarkW4CHL ||
 * ~ Component ||~ Evaluation ||~ Comments ||~ Where? ||~ By whom? ||
 * AA Power 51.2v (48v) 6.6ah LiFePO4 pack || ELF Compatible || Works well, but suggested that one not attach to the OT optional 15A charger, as this has a BMS charger circuit set for 10A max. Requires user to add compatible Anderson PowerPole connector. Connect separately, not in parallel with OT 48v10ah LiFePO4 battery pack. Includes balancing BMS, which needs 30 minutes after charging to take effect completely. Fits firmly on top of the OT ELF battery tray, or can be installed sideways with some tape on the tray to keep from cutting into the black plastic battery pack cover. Recommended max charging rate: 6.8A = 1C. Shipped and serviced from West Coast of US. ||= batteryspace.com
 * Ping Batteries 48v 15ah v2.5 LiFePO4 pack || ELF
 * DeOxit D series cleaner and DeOxit Gold series protectant || All eVelo
 * JEGS chemical resistant and rubberized battery mat || All eVelo Compatible || Available under many names, this one is both a battery spill mat and rubberized cushion for your battery. || JEGS store on Amazon.com || MarkW4CHL ||
 * Great Stuff fire retardant expanding foam || All eVelo Compatible || Available at many hardware and supply stores, this is the version of foam spray insulation which has high fire retardant properties as well as thermal insulating properties. Simple method to create custom battery spacers in the Velomobile Compatible Components page. || Many hardware and supply stores. || MarkW4CHL ||

Chargers, Meters & Analyzers
Many more chargers, meters and analyzers are in the References section. Note the listings include information about 220VAC capable chargers if there is interest in charging your LEV batteries at an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) connections at an EV charging station as outlined here. Other than the factory optional OT 48V@15A charger, there are no 10A or greater chargers listed due to their relatively high cost and weight. If any wikispace members submit experiences, they will be posted. Any of the "48v" chargers designed for "16S" LiFePO4 cells will work with the OT ELF pack or compatible packs as long as the maximum suggested charging rate of the battery pack is observed. These are nominally 48v battery packs, but the average resting voltage is closer to 51.2v. ~US$99 + $10S/H || MarkW4CHL || ~US$175 || OT || ~US$130 || Tom E || and many other sites, shop around || MarkW4CHL || and many other sites, shop around ~US$25 || MarkW4CHL || ~US$130 || MarkW4CHL || Not ELF or Bluvelo Compatible || The "Swiss Army Knife" of RC chargers for //24V or below// BFER or ebike battery packs. Up to 250W (8A @ 24V) charge mode and 25W discharge (1A @ 24v). || Hobby King and other places ~US$75 || MarkW4CHL || ~US$700 || MarkW4CHL || ~US$45 || LEVA || US$118 || MarkW4CHL || toc
 * ~ Component ||~ Evaluation ||~ Comments ||~ Where? ||~ By whom? ||
 * Intelligent 48v 5A charger || ELF, other evelo Compatible || This charger has rate of charge that is C/2 for the OT standard 48V 10AH battery pack. The OT ELF standard 48V10AH pack is rated as OK for C1.5 charging (15A), but battery pack life is increased with lower rate charging, 10A (C1 rate) or less. This charger is either 110VAC or 220VAC. Ask for quote on Anderson PowerPole connector to replace spring clips. Some of this family of chargers are available with selectable 110VAC/220VAC input. Note the estimated state of charge is an estimate and a test with a CBA for actual capacity and an in-line amp-hour/watt-hour meter is the accurate way to guage battery capacity. || Electric Car Parts Co.~US$150 || MarkW4CHL ||
 * KP 48V6A charger || ELF, other 48V evelo Compatible || Standard LiFePO4 charger from vendor with good reputation. This is a no-frills charger available for either 110VAC or 220VAC. Special order for selectable 110VAC/220VAC input. Shipped from China. Ask for an Anderson PowerPole connector as an option. || EVassmble ~US$52+$15S/H || MarkW4CHL ||
 * Smart Charger 48V@6A for LiFePO4 batteries || ELF, other 48V evelo Compatible || This charger includes multiple LEDs to give battery state of charge information to the user. It also has a security handle which can be locked down. This is a 110-120VAC only charger. Polarity protection and a Tamiya connector are included. ELF requires an Anderson PowerPole to Tamiya adapter. Ask for a quote on making this adapter. || batteryspace.com
 * OT ELF 48V@15A optional charger || ELF, other 48V evelo Compatible || Optional charger, no manufacturer information available. This is a basic, but high current charger from OT. || Organic Transit
 * Cycle Analyst || ELF, Bluevelo Compatible || The Cadillac of eBike and small LEV battery meters includes a shunt that must be put inline, then wires run to the display. Very well done, well supported, and reliable eBike/LEV accessory! || ebikes.ca
 * [|WattsUp WU-100 Power meter] || ELF, Bluevelo Compatible || Highly recommended, can handle up to 60V, 50A continuous & available with Power Pole connectors already attached. This inline meter attaches between the battery and controller or battery and charger. It is smaller, but handles lower peak current, than GT Power meter below. LCD low power display with no backlighting. Meter can be run off 4xAAA batteries (requires separate connector and battery pack) so that when velomobile battery is disconnected, settings are retained. || Amazon.com
 * GT Power 130A in line power meter || ELF, Bluevelo Compatible || Requires additional Power Pole connectors, LCD display is backlit whenever a major change in current or voltage occurs. Also handles up to 130A continuous, but otherwise same in function as meter above. Usually available at much lower cost. || Amazon.com
 * WMR CBA IV battery analyzer || ELF, Bluevelo Compatible || There are many meters and small battery analyzers available but none of them provide as exhaustive a set of battery tests as the West Mountain Radio Computerized Battery Analyzer and accessories. Now in its 4th generation, the basic CBA is attached to a computer via USB port and provides a complete discharge history that is excellent for most BFER battery packs after performing standalone tests (see Battery Storage page). || Several places,mainly ham radio outlets carry the WMR CBA
 * GT Power A8 charger || All 24V eVelo Compatible
 * Pulsar 3 charger || All eVelo Compatible || This "Cadillac" (or is it "Porsche") of multi-chemistry battery chargers/analyzers is an expensive but wonderful tool! Up to 1500W (25A) charge mode@48v, 100W (2A) discharge at 48v. The package includes custom software and wireless interfaces. || PP-RC Modellbau
 * UT204 RMS AC/DC non-contact ammeter & multimeter || All eVelo Compatible || Test equipment that is invaluable when you are trying to see why a fuse is blowing by giving you a non-contact, clamp-on current meter with a general purpose high voltage AC or DC multimeter. || Amazon or eBay
 * Xminilab Portable || All eVelo Compatible || Portable Oscilloscope & DMM with full PC interface to allow you to actually "see" the waveform for detecting those spurious events such as inrush current that is popping a fuse! Or determining if "noise" is electrically based or mechanically. || Gabotronics

Lights & Reflectors

 * ~ Component ||~ Evaluation ||~ Comments ||~ Where? ||~ By whom? ||
 * Bar light as rear safety light || ELF Compatible || Compatible LED light bar makes for excellent "mid-rear" lights for visibility. Straightforward attach to ELF documented in "Organic Transit ELF Owners Group" on Facebook ||= eBay, et al. || Tom E ||
 * Flash Flags || ELF, Bluevelo Compatible || Reflector on boom with spring at base. Swings out 17" or 14" depending upon model. And Terry, the former RCMP, sends you a personal e-mail when shipped! || Flashback.ca || MarkW4CHL ||

Cranksets & Geared Hubs
Compatible || Reported verified install in Canada ||= Cycle Monkey || Bluevelo owner || Crankset || Bluevelo Compatible ELF testing || Patterson drive being verified on ELF ||= ModernBikes et al || Tom E ||
 * ~ Component ||~ Evaluation ||~ Comments ||~ Where? ||~ By whom? ||
 * Schlumpf HSD || Bluevelo
 * Metropolis Patterson
 * NuVinci N360 || ELF Compatible || One of the main options with an OT ELF ||= OT || OT ||

Seat, Cargo, & Locks

 * ~ Component ||~ Evaluation ||~ Comments ||~ Where? ||~ By whom? ||
 * REI Canoe seat pad || Compatible || Works OK with an anti-skid pad under it on top of ELF seat! If you have a kayak seat of any kind you might try it before sinking lots of money into a high end recumbent seat pad. ||= REI || MarkW4CHL ||
 * Ventasit || Bluevelo Compatible || Great ventilated and cushioned seat custom made for many Velomobiles. ||= Ventasit and other recumbent dealers || MarkW4CHL ||
 * Wald 133 and 3033 baskets || ELF Compatible || This standard bike basket is often used as a front carrier basket on standard "cruiser" handlebar bicycles. Storage well of ELF requires some holes drilled to accommodate. 139 basket is no longer offered on manufacturers web site. ||= Many sources || Tom E ||
 * Wald 582 rear folding basket || ELF Compatible || The folding version of the Wald rear carrier basket is often used for bicycle/ebike panniers. Storage well of ELF requires holes drilled to accommodate. ||= Many sources || MarkW4CHL ||
 * Bully Alarm Lock || Compatible || Excellent "U-lock" alarm with a keychain remote that goes off if the lock is disturbed. Lock has decent alarm that goes off as well. Not too touchy either, but if a kid goes to sit in your Velomobile, it goes off before he/she gets in! A rechargeable NiMH "9v" battery has lasted almost 1 year of use at least 2x per week (time to change!) Really should have a cable to go with this and best to use something like what appears below. || Many sources, Amazon is one || MarkW4CHL ||
 * Schlage 3/8" x 15ft cable || Compatible || Heavy duty, more cutter resistant than standard 1/4" dia cables. Available many places including Lowes.com || Many sources, including Lowes.com || MarkW4CHL ||
 * SkyLock Alarm Lock || Compatible || New design, pre-order available in May 2015 for June 2015 delivery. Will still need a cable to attach to frame + wheel on a BFER such as an ELF. || Skylock.cc || MarkW4CHL ||

Windshield Treatments
Note the ELF windshield manufacturer recommends only water and a bit of alcohol to remove road grime. If a polisher is needed then the recommended one is listed below. Home Depot || MarkW4CHL ||
 * ~ Component ||~ Evaluation ||~ Comments ||~ Where? ||~ By whom? ||
 * Novus 2 polishing compound || ELF, Bluevelo Compatible || The only compound recommended to repair scratches and surface blemishes by the manufacturer of the clear plastic that OT uses. For ordinary cleaning use only water, a mild solution of water and dish soap, or if needed, alcohol to clean the windows. There is a Novus 1 cleaner as well, also available online. || Amazon and many local supply stores || OT ||
 * Meguiar Plast-X Clear Plastic Cleaner and Polisher || ELF, Bluevelo Compatible || Recommended by several plastic manufacturers to preserve clear plastic finish. ||= Walmart || Kim G ||
 * NeverWet Water Repellent || NOT Compatible with ELF Windshield || Anti-wetting treatment for many materials, but clouds up the plastic ELF window over time. This is a GREAT "undercoating" for aluminum and the side wheel wells as it keeps water based stuff from settling. It turns ANYTHING a bit milky white and is more noticable on dark higly reflective surfaces. ||= Lowes,
 * RainX || NOT Compatible with ELF Windshield || RainX products are NOT compatible with plastics such as the ELF windshield. ||= Many auto supply stores || MarkW4CHL ||
 * Cee Baileys Rain Repellent for Windows || Compatible || Highly recommended by some ELF owners though not by windshield manufacturer. ||= Cee Baileys || Dan T ||

Lubrication
There was a time when 3-in-one oil and automobile axle grease were the readily available lubricants for the many parts of a bike that need it. In time you will need some grease in your hubs or bottom bracket (unless you have "sealed" bearngs) and lube on the chain is a weekly requirement for the really active riders. Here is a growing summary of some current options including the venerable Phil Wood Grease:
 * ~ Component ||~ Evaluation ||~ Comments ||~ Where? ||~ By whom? ||
 * White Lightning Chain Lube || All eVelo Compatible || The original wax based chain lube, still a staple at every LBS and many of the big box sporting goods stores as well. || Amazon and many local supply stores || LBS mechanics ||
 * Boeshield T-9 || All eVelo Compatible || Developed for Boeing Aerospace Corp, marketed by a separate company. I use the spray on all my bicycle chains and carry the smaller drip bottle with my tool kit. || Amazon and many local supply stores || MarkW4CHL ||
 * Phil Wood Hub Grease || All eVelo Compatible || The grandaddy of premium hub and axle greases. Still available just about every LBS who carries parts! Listed by Esquire as one of the 80 things a man should own !? || LBS || MarkW4CHL ||
 * Dupont Teflon Spray lube || All eVelo Compatible || Since many of the patents on the teflon lubes seem to have expired there are many alternatives now, this is appearing in lots of big box stores. || Amazon and many local supply stores || Mary C ||