Hi,
I own a C5 for a while, added a 7speed hub, new battery, Phil's ULA replacement module (thanks) and was/am happy with it.
Some time ago I had the opportunity to get a second C5 for 150 € and bought it for my 15yr old son. That C5 was converted to a control box from an electric wheelchair, and when I tried it at home it runned really slow. Really slow means, about half as fast as my first one, maybe 12km/h - not much slower than a fast walk and really frustrating for my son. I thought that the wheelchair engine control was faulty, but now I know I was wrong about that.
The last days I spent some time and tried to figure things out. It has nothing to do with the control box - even if I connect the motor directly to the battery it runs that weak. I took both motors out and let them run "outside" the C5s, and then there was no remarkable difference - similar sound, similar speed. I disassembled the "weak" motor; everything looked fine: no signs of damage, no visible shortings or breaks, nothing melted, easily turnable by hand. I cleaned everything an put it together again.
Then I mounted my "old" motor into the "new" C5, and it runs (normally) fast.
The weak motor draws (running free outside the C5) 3.4 Ampere, the faster motor draws (bulit in, rear wheels lifted) nearly twice as much (both on the same single 12V battery). Any idea about it? Anyone a cheap motor to let?
Greetings,
Henning