Thread: Electrathon - A Different Kind of "Hotrod"

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In order to use an electric motor, an electronic motor controller is necessary. Without some type of controller, the motor would either be full-on or off; there could be no intermediate speed, no smooth acceleration, no real control. A mechanical potentiometer big enough to handle the amperage of two Optima batteries in series would be HUGE and heavy. Electronic controllers do the same job, but are substantially smaller and lighter than a mechanical potentiometer. They use a very low power electronic circuit to control the main power circuit. Although controllers can get expensive, the one I am using here is a remanufactured Scott controller that I bought a few years ago for $160.

I located the controller near the motor, but far enough away so if I ever throw a chain it won't be likely to whip the controller. Mounting it was simple; I just fabricated a couple of tabs that match the bolt holes on the controller and welded them to the rear crossmembers.