Converting a dead Vanmoof X3

limawhiskey

Finding my (electric) wheels
May 26, 2025
5
0
Evening everyone, I have a dead Vanmoof X3, I've no interest in resurrecting the over complex electronics, I simply want to connect up a Chinese controller, a 36V battery, and have a throttle or pedal assist. I've seen a guy on YT successfully connect up a Brainpower controller, any other ideas for a budget controller that works well? I know you get what you pay for, but I need this to be a budget build so I can spend more on my Sinclair C5 24V conversion (though ideas for a brushed controller for this would be appreciated!) Tia.
 

matthewslack

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 26, 2021
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KT stuff gets good reviews here, best for flexibility of configuration although a little more expensive.

Just search and read previous threads for many a recommendation and case study.
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
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Many thanks, I'll trawl through previous reviews and will take a look at KT.
A set of KT stuff can be had for £60 from China. A Brainpower or similar can be had for about £35. The KT feels much better when riding the bike. It also makes the motor quieter as long as you get the Sinewave one, not the square wave. The Brainpower one is a bit agricultural with crappy power algorithms, but it does the job.
 

Peter.Bridge

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 19, 2023
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That's very helpful, thanks. Best to order via eBay, Amazon or AliExpress?
Assuming it's a sensored motor with the standard 9 pin connector


I think you'll need the first controller, PAS, LCD and cable - but someone else confirm !
 
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limawhiskey

Finding my (electric) wheels
May 26, 2025
5
0
Assuming it's a sensored motor with the standard 9 pin connector


I think you'll need the first controller, PAS, LCD and cable - but someone else confirm !
I've just looked at the bike, it has a 11 pin Juliet connector to the motor, which I think is Bafang. I can't seem to find a controller with this set up, will I have to splice the cables?
 

matthewslack

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 26, 2021
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The extra pins are probably some Vanmoof special, but the motor itself should work with the normal 9 pins connected to a normal KT controller. So cable splicing is a yes.

You'll need to work out which two wires are the extras, perhaps by following where the wires lead, and also bear in mind there might be some funny things going on inside the motor. Hopefully not, but if it doesn't work easily, you might have to open up the motor to see. But that's last resort, keep fingers crossed the extras are sensor outputs, not some part of the antitheft measures.
 

saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
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While you wait for the controller, it would be a good idea to open up the motor to see what the extra wires are for. There are a lot of possibilities starting with a torque sensor.
 

limawhiskey

Finding my (electric) wheels
May 26, 2025
5
0
The Bafang G060 and G062 hub motors seem to use an 11 pin juliet adapter


This cable any use ? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167468274000
Yes, looks good. And it appears two pins aren't used so I should be able to match up the wires ok. Thanks everyone!