While e-bikes can be a divisive topic among cyclists, it’s hard to ignore their increasing popularity. Admittedly it took me some time to warm up to the idea. Do I still get a workout? Is it “cheating”? After test riding an upright e-bike, I realized my worries were unfounded and it was time to transform the MINI once again. This time into an e-recumbent bike suitable for just about any terrain.
E-assist options
Azub offers attractive e-assist builds with Shimano Steps or Brose. The electric motors are integrated into custom booms, wires run internally, and the battery is mounted on the rack. Unfortunately, Azub can’t sell an e-assist upgrade (probably licensing-related?). Thankfully there are plenty of after-market options. While they won’t look as sleek, they’ll be a fraction of the cost if you don’t mind a little DIY work.
Some e-assist kits place the motors in the rear or front wheel hubs while others place them at the cranks (i.e. mid-drives). Two popular mid-drive manufacturers are Bafang and TongSheng. Both seem like good choices, and in the end, I decided to get the TongSheng TSDZ2 motor.
TSDZ2 specs and features
The TSDZ2 has a small form factor yet puts out an impressive 500W of power and 100Nm of torque. The 8 lb motor assists at up to 28MPH and/or 100RPM (you can always go faster but the motor won’t assist you). It can be installed on any bike that has a standard 68-73mm bottom bracket.
The most attractive feature of the TSDZ2 is the torque sensor which provides a more natural pedaling feel. With a torque sensor, if you pedal gently you get a gentle assist, and if you pedal hard the motor will assist more. In contrast, without a torque sensor, a motor will give a flat level of assist as long as you are pedaling. The torque sensor obviates the need for brake sensors to cut power since the motor is quick to respond when you stop pedaling.
While the motors are widely available, I purchased a recumbent-specific kit (the ECO+) offered by Eco-Cycles. They provide cable extensions to accommodate long recumbent frames, and a boom clamp specific to your boom diameter for securely mounting the motor. Eco also offers additional upgrades, including a software upgrade (OSF upgrade) that allows for custom assist levels and higher RPM assist.
The kit I chose included a more durable PEEK plastic gear inside the motor unit, the SW102 small LCD screen, and a 42T chainring to handle moderate hills. I skipped the throttle option in favor of always having to pedal. I also passed on the custom software upgrade to keep things simple.
Installation
My local bike shop installed the motor onto the boom for me, and I installed the rest myself. I used zip ties to run three cables along the bike. One cable ran up the steering assembly to the display screen. Another cable ran to the back chainstays for a speed sensor. The third cable ran to the battery. I mounted the battery (52v 13ah Jumbo Hailong Shark; 11 lbs; 30-60 mile range) beneath the seat with the versatile T-Cycle universal battery mount.
Riding with e-assist
It’s no wonder e-bikes are so popular. With the pedal assist, I no longer have to worry about how hilly a particular route is before I go out. I still have to work to get up those hills, but I can get there faster.
I can choose from four assist levels (eco, standard, super, turbo). With the torque sensing system, at each assist level, the system will add a percentage of the power you are outputting. So if I’m putting out 100 watts while using the first assist level, the motor will add 40% (or 40 watts) to the output. That percentage keeps going up at each assist level, so you can decide how fast you want to go at the output you’re producing.
Another benefit I had not anticipated is being able to quickly clear intersections from a stop. Cars don’t have to wait for me to get up to speed, and I can spend less time worrying about them getting mad. Relatedly, I can also be more patient since slowing down or stopping for others isn’t such a big deal when I can get back up to speed easier.
It’s only been a few weeks of riding my electrified MINI, but I can safely recommend e-assist to anyone looking to enjoy more time on their bikes without fearing those hills.
The Laid Back Cyclist 
That is more or less the same solution I have for my Azub 5. I do have the 500w Bafang mid drive motor. As you state the benefits are really grate. A rather painful ride among hills now becomes a really pleasant ride.
Your bike looks great.
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How much does it cost , send me an email and info if it can be shipped to Hawaii. Regular size e bikes can’t, they say they are too big. tjayinhi.tj@gmail.com
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The recumbent electric kit from Eco-Cycles starts at $750. You’ll have to contact them regarding shipping to Hawaii.
https://cycles.eco/collections/black-friday-cyber-monday-2021/products/tsdz2ecoplusrecumbenttrikemodel?variant=40846283604145
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Cost will vary depending upon battery selection and options added to the motor. As far as Hawaii, Bob Rodgers in Laie has installed a TSDZ2 on one of his trikes. He has a YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@hawaiiantrike where he discusses riding recumbent trikes in Hawaii and videos of his rides.
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What an absolutely awesome review. You really hit the key points on the head.
Torque sensing also helps getting started. It is immediate vs 90’s era cadence based systems that often need throttles to get up to the sensor. You will find they also extend the range dramatically. If you really need it to handle a shaky start, use Walk Assist (problem unique to two wheel recumbents anyway). With more and more states banning throttles on state trails, it’s nice not needing one.
You’ll appreciate the lighter weight when making evasive manuevers. You’ll also be glad you skipped the aftermarket software “upgrade.” None of my 80+ installs have it. I have had a total of three warrenty issues, all on brand new installs and never heard from again. My biggest complaints are fron folks that get un to high gear and run out of leg (lots of 50×11-28 systems). Without the throttle, these things are practically bullet proof. I have tried to over heat the one on my wife’s coaster brake, 3sp cruiser and couldn’t do it.
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Would love to know what sort of average speed difference it gives you in real world conditions.
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The speed limit on all rail trails, MUP’s and bike lanes is 15mph. Because of this, all my conversions are limited to assist up to 20mph (Class I).
My right leg is just barely along for the ride. Even with assist, I only average about 2mph faster on rides between 5 and 25 miles. On longer rides, I generally ride my traditional bikes.
My daily commute is 5.5 miles each way. I average 2 minutes or less faster on the e-bike. Most importantly, I do not have to bring extra clothes or get cleaned up on hot days like I had done for 30 years previously.
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I’ve converted two recumbents so far, a Greenspeed Magnum Trike with a Tongsheng motor and a Rans Stratus XP, a LWB with a slightly used Bafang. Both are lots of fun to ride and quite different from each other.
The trike with the Tongsheng is torque sensing with no throttle and as others have described it feels like you have “bionic legs” without the 6M price tag. I probably gain about 2-3 mph average speed, get about 40-50 miles out of the battery and am running the OEM software, no open source upgrade.
The Rans has the Bafang 750w bbs02 motor with a similar 48v 13a battery. I haven’t had it long enough to gauge how long the battery lasts, but I can ride in Pas1 up to about 13-14 and Pas2 easy to 16 or higher. Over Pas2 and I am ghost pedaling. I have had the bike up to about 29 on a flat road in level 9. This motor has a throttle and I find that especially helpful in starting out from a standstill. One foot on a pedal, hit the thumb throttle and it gets you moving fast enough to get the other foot up and pedal on your own.
I have never ridden a SWB recumbent, but if one comes along I may give it a try. And if I like that, maybe I’ll look for another motor.
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