reflections

If I did this again I think I would use a higher nominal voltage, maybe 144V.  I chose 96V because I already had a motor controller for 96V (quickly fried it) and a charger (just replaced).  However, 96V is sluggish to provide current and I often need to upshift for acceleration.  I certainly would want a higher nominal voltage if I did not have the 5-speed transmission.  4th gear only gets me to ~55mph floored, less when uphill.  DC motor speed is dictated by voltage and power is dictated by current, but when you have the full voltage applied to the motor you're not going to get any more current.  So you have to upshift to lower the motor speed.  96V does provide a nice safety feature though, the shock is less painful.