I have two electric ATVs already. One big and powerfull AWD and another small, light and very handy around the home.
The problem with all small ATV ( electric or petrol) is that only rear wheels are powered.
I am working now on replacing front wheels with in hub motors wheels.
Idea is that front wheels motors will be engaged separately, temporary with thumb throttle in the case when extra power and grip is required.
So far I can not find any such product anywhere, even in whole China world.
If somebody come across let me know, please .
I need something like 200-800W 24 to 60V in hub motors.
Modern in hub motors add a kilo or two to the weight of the wheel - so un-sprung weight is not the issue.
So far I have access only to 800W hub motors that could be attached to existing wheels $200 each.
I think such conversion could be useful for every small ATV fighting difficult terrain, as long as not top speed is required.
Macro, having been down this path with front/rear wheel assist on earthmoving gear. Major stalling point was having the "assist" wheels turn at same speed (within 8%) under all applications. Otherwise the conventional driven wheels, will be pushing stalled wheels (slower turning) and be a right royal pain in the .....
Assisted turning too fast, and drag the conventional driven, and either burn out or get real hot draining the power supply. We overcame by using overrun type clutch in each wheel, so they only came into use in real sticky situations. Soon as ground speed increased, they just free wheeled as per normal.
You are right. That is why I opt for in hub motors. They are free spinning without any resistance if not engaged.
Then if you apply power they do supply extra torque that don't need to be synchronized with rear wheels.
Such electric wheel provide good constant torque in whole range of speeds from 0 to 50 km/h.
I have similar in hub wheels in my power wheel barrow 350 W that work at speeds 0 -8 km/h and electric bike 1000W 0-50 km/h.
For my ATV extra motors will be engaged only when vehicle stack in difficult terrain, rear wheels spinning but not going anywhere.
As for petrol conversion electric motors doesn't require huge, heavy battery. Few kilo lithium should give enough juice to come from any difficult situation.
