How difficult is it to pedal unassisted with a Magic Pie 5?

[Luigi_stef]

I would like to ask a question about the MP5.

How hard is it to cycle with the motor turned off?
I want to know this before buying because I want to install it on my handbike

Maybe there is already this question somewhere, then please forward me to that topic
 thanks for confirming my membership

[Bikemad]

Hi Luigi andto the forum.

The Magic Pie has a fair amount of dynamic drag due to the large number of magnets combined with the large motor diameter. 

On the level, I only really notice a difference at speeds above 8~10mph (12~16km/h), but on hills, you will instantly notice the extra pedal force required to overcome the additional weight of the motor and battery etc. at lower speds.

The Smart Pie is smaller, lighter and cheaper and does not have anywhere near the amount of residual drag that is experienced with the magic Pie  , but it also less powerful and does not have the tremendous torque that the Magic Pie produces.

If you do a lot of pedalling and just want additional assistance with headwinds, steep hills or long inclines etc. then the Smart Pie may be adequate for your needs.

If you want a motor that will be able to power you up most hills without having to pedal, then the Magic Pie would be a better choice.
My only concern with the Magic Pie would be the possibility of wheelspin on an incline under load as the downwards force acting upon the front driving wheel would vary considerably with each rotation of your arms if you were working hard (unless you had a Tadpole trike fitted with a rear motor).

As far as the top speed on the level is concerned, it should be pretty much the same for both motors.

Alan
 

[Luigi_stef]

Hey,
Thank you for your reply!
I think I will go for the Magic Pie and keep the asistence on minimum.
Then when i'm on a big hill and it gets to hard I still can use the motor.
When I choose for the Smart Pie and its not strong enough I have to buy the other one too!

I wish I had someone around with both motors so I could test whats the power of both motors.
Anyone in Belgium with a MP or SP?

[Bikemad]

Take a look at Gary's video showing the Smart Pie in action as it might help you to decide.

The actual size of the wheel will also need to be considered, because if you have a smaller driven wheel on your handbike, it will effectively produce a much greater level of assistance from the motor.

A 20" wheel should provide ~30% more linear force from the same motor than it would produce if using a 26" wheel, but the downside would be that the top speed would be ~23% slower.

There is a significant difference between the Smart Pie and Magic Pie in both size and weight:



You might want to also check out my review of the Smart Pie for further information.

Alan