Using a Chinese Motor for an E-ATV Build

First of all, this is my first build and though I understand the basics of circuitry and electricity, I am certainly no Electrical Engineering genius. About a year ago I saw a cheap undersized ATV on craigslist practically for free and figured it would be a fun project to convert it to Electric. First, I got it into working condition as I had to fix the engine and transmission (which was quite a hassle but also very informative). Once I finally got it running, I gutted it down to the chassis and the bare minimum. Then began the research for how to convert it and the search for components. The ATV is a Kazuma Falcon (Spec sheet linked) and with all of the goodies removed weighs about 200 lbs or so. I intend on taking it up to the mountains where I have a cabin to move wood around and to tow my snowboarders to the top of the mountain. This being said, under load, the maximum weight will probably be around ~550 lbs. I have considered several options for motors including: forklift motors, old low voltage industrial motors, GEM car motors, AC Motors, and now Chinese manufactured motors. The main criteria that I have been evaluating my motor selection on has been: 48V, 60-100 Amps Continuous, ~3,000 RPM, and DC series wound. I am not sure if this is overkill for my application or maybe not enough power. It seems like the Chinese are leading the "inexpensive motor" industry at the moment and I am curious if a motor such as the ones linked below are capable of getting my tasks done.

• https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/1KW-11KW-24V-144V-dc-motor_224820469.html
• https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/48v-2000w-brushless-high-affective-dc_2011994062.html
• https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/EV-Motor-DC-Motor-48V-4kw_60632980764.html
• http://www.electricmotorsport.com/me0909-pmdc-motor-12-48v-4-hp-cont-12-8-hp-pk.html
• http://www.ebay.com/itm/48v-48-volt...5c42eef&pid=100623&rk=2&rkt=6&sd=182212063455

Here are some other build related questions that I would appreciate if some of you guys have answers for:

• Is it feasible to use Lithium Ion Batteries at the moment or are they too expensive to be practical (I am trying to keep costs as low as possible)
• For my purposes it seems reasonable to implement some differential or multiple gearings, any insights on how I might best do this?
• What kind of motor controller should I be looking at?
• I have a Google Docs of some notes, are these conclusions reasonable?
• How difficult is it to use a splined motor?

Thank you so much for any help that you can provide. Drive Safe!