Motorized bike, anyone have one?
- Thread starter Unchained
- Start date
Help Support Van Living Forum:
I scored a hell of a deal on a 2001 Honda Elite 80 on Craigslist and knew it'd be the perfect transportation compliment to my van. She needed a bit of work when I got her, but after a few adjustments by a really good scooter mechanic she has been running really strong and hasn't given me any problems.<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://distilleryimage11.ak.instagram.com/478b98d481eb11e291e622000a1f9d57_7.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://distilleryimage5.ak.instagram.com/fde6d24c93ca11e290cd22000a1f90d7_7.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br>My dad gave me his old hitch-hauler which fits the scooter and a gas can perfectly. <br><br>The scoot only weighs 170lbs so I can put it on/take it off the rack by myself and at 80cc its top speed is around 45mph, which is good enough to keep up with traffic on almost all surface streets (even in LA!). I get to keep my van parked most of the time, which obviously saves on gas, while enjoying quick runs to the store on the scoot.
eDJ_
Well-known member
Down below where I live there is a fellow who is a manager at a McDonalds restaurant. He lives about 3 miles from work so he purchased his first motor kit for a bicycle. It was a 50cc one gear (in and out of gear set up)
with pedals. In Ohio it is seen as a bicycle with a "helper motor" and as it is under 1 horse power it is legal without
requiring license or insurance. The speed limit is 20 mph and it has to be ridden 24 inches or less from the edge
of the highway. (not out in the middle) and you are expected to pull over to the side if vehicles come by.
Ohio has "moped" laws too and they specify which brands they recognize. If the vehicle doesn't have pedals
and cannot be pedaled to propel it, then it won't be legal in the state.
Well, he finally wore out the Chinese 50 cc bike after a few years and purchased an electric bike that looked a lot like an Italian Vespa. It had a port on both sides that the pedals snapped into. Generally he kept them under the seat where there were provisions for them.
This image is sort of like it. Notice the left pedal just back and above the kick stand. His got 40 miles to a charge and he placed a shopping wire basket on the back of his so he could carry stuff home from the store
when he got off work. His was lighter in weight than it looked. I always thought it would be ideal to have on the back of my Van when I would travel and use it for a grocery getter.
Moped laws in all 50 states
http://www.moped2.org/mstates.htm
What are the laws for gas or electric motorized bicycles ?
http://spookytoothcycles.com/faq/index/view_article/article_id/20/
Electric bicycle laws broken down by State
http://www.superscooterstore.com/pages/electric-bicycle-laws-broken-down-by-state
The end result in a lot of states is that they want a license plate and liability insurance on it if it's on the road.
But that's probably $50 bucks a year, which is still about as cheap as one can get for a motorized conveyance.
I would advise anyone using one of these to do their shopping earlier in the morning after 9am. By this time
most of the traffic has dissipated and the LEO's are writing up their morning reports of traffic incidents that occurred earlier. So you would have a shot at not being noticed as much getting to the store and back or to the Gym to clean up.
with pedals. In Ohio it is seen as a bicycle with a "helper motor" and as it is under 1 horse power it is legal without
requiring license or insurance. The speed limit is 20 mph and it has to be ridden 24 inches or less from the edge
of the highway. (not out in the middle) and you are expected to pull over to the side if vehicles come by.
Ohio has "moped" laws too and they specify which brands they recognize. If the vehicle doesn't have pedals
and cannot be pedaled to propel it, then it won't be legal in the state.
Well, he finally wore out the Chinese 50 cc bike after a few years and purchased an electric bike that looked a lot like an Italian Vespa. It had a port on both sides that the pedals snapped into. Generally he kept them under the seat where there were provisions for them.
This image is sort of like it. Notice the left pedal just back and above the kick stand. His got 40 miles to a charge and he placed a shopping wire basket on the back of his so he could carry stuff home from the store
when he got off work. His was lighter in weight than it looked. I always thought it would be ideal to have on the back of my Van when I would travel and use it for a grocery getter.
Moped laws in all 50 states
http://www.moped2.org/mstates.htm
What are the laws for gas or electric motorized bicycles ?
http://spookytoothcycles.com/faq/index/view_article/article_id/20/
Electric bicycle laws broken down by State
http://www.superscooterstore.com/pages/electric-bicycle-laws-broken-down-by-state
The end result in a lot of states is that they want a license plate and liability insurance on it if it's on the road.
But that's probably $50 bucks a year, which is still about as cheap as one can get for a motorized conveyance.
I would advise anyone using one of these to do their shopping earlier in the morning after 9am. By this time
most of the traffic has dissipated and the LEO's are writing up their morning reports of traffic incidents that occurred earlier. So you would have a shot at not being noticed as much getting to the store and back or to the Gym to clean up.
debit.servus
Well-known member
For those who can't even afford the chinese gas-powered scooters starting at $350 on sites like gasbike.net; there are 2-stroke motorization kits on EBAY. Just search "2 stroke engine" on EBAY to find them. Fit the kit onto a normal pedal bike and you have a cheap means of personal mobility.
A kit like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/80CC-2-STRO...-BIKE-PETROL-ENGINE-Motor-Mount-/271885980323 and a low-end mass produced bicycle like this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Roadmaster-Granite-Peak-Men-s-Bike-Black-Green/45089317, and one can put it together and achieve a $200 Motorized Bike. Plus the ability to repair it with off-the-shelf parts.
For those without space for a bicycle, a gas-powered scooter is smaller. I would imagine a motorized scooter could be fitted so the handlebars fold flat like the RAZOR scooters or removable. Some gas-powered scooters even come with a seat, for those who can't or don't like to stand while they ride. A scooter is small enough to be easily brought in and out of a van, and can be brought on most public transportation, extending ones range when public transit is heading ones direction. Looking to acquire a motorized scooter myself.
My experience with electric-power is bad. Cheap e-bike battery options are lead acid batteries. If sealed lead acid batteries are drained all the way, they won't charge back up much like Lithium Polymer batteries. If you're poor, go with gas-powered. Much more flexibility with gas over electric.
In most localities & states, motorized bikes, scooters and the like are in a legal gray area. They should be fully legal without licensing, permitting etc. under a certain speed. Why aren't these conveyances more accepted by the PTB????? Maybe because it's a cheap form of personal mobility compared to cars, and would free many of the poorest people from the bus schedule. The PTB eco-agenda is not about helping the enviroment, it's about control.
A kit like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/80CC-2-STRO...-BIKE-PETROL-ENGINE-Motor-Mount-/271885980323 and a low-end mass produced bicycle like this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Roadmaster-Granite-Peak-Men-s-Bike-Black-Green/45089317, and one can put it together and achieve a $200 Motorized Bike. Plus the ability to repair it with off-the-shelf parts.
For those without space for a bicycle, a gas-powered scooter is smaller. I would imagine a motorized scooter could be fitted so the handlebars fold flat like the RAZOR scooters or removable. Some gas-powered scooters even come with a seat, for those who can't or don't like to stand while they ride. A scooter is small enough to be easily brought in and out of a van, and can be brought on most public transportation, extending ones range when public transit is heading ones direction. Looking to acquire a motorized scooter myself.
My experience with electric-power is bad. Cheap e-bike battery options are lead acid batteries. If sealed lead acid batteries are drained all the way, they won't charge back up much like Lithium Polymer batteries. If you're poor, go with gas-powered. Much more flexibility with gas over electric.
In most localities & states, motorized bikes, scooters and the like are in a legal gray area. They should be fully legal without licensing, permitting etc. under a certain speed. Why aren't these conveyances more accepted by the PTB????? Maybe because it's a cheap form of personal mobility compared to cars, and would free many of the poorest people from the bus schedule. The PTB eco-agenda is not about helping the enviroment, it's about control.
highdesertranger
R.I.P HDR
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2012
- Messages
- 22,892
- Reaction score
- 87
debit there is no way that is legal in kalifornia. that engine is not CARB compliant. if they are shipping that to CA they are going to get their hand slapped. nowadays it wouldn't surprise me if the buyer got their hand slapped too. highdesertranger
eDJ_
Well-known member
There are forums for motorizing a bicycle that are every bit as informative as this forum for CRVL.
I understand that there are motor kits that are compliant with California emission laws.
There are also motor kits with centrifugal clutches and recoil starters (like a lawn mower) They make extra
wide pedal cranks that you replace your pedal crank with so that there is clearance. (for the wider motor) Some people have difficulties with hand clutch operation. But these motors only have an "IN & OUT" of gear "one gear" transmission. Generally the rear drive sprocket determines the top speed. If you are going to be on flat land all the time you can use a smaller number of teeth rear sprocket. (and get a higher top speed) If you are going to be in the more hilly areas then the larger number of teeth rear sprocket will give greater ease of operating in
that environment, but with a lower top speed.
Electric bicycles are more difficult for LEO's to spot. They can be stealthed by adding saddle bags or baskets
which cover the battery pack and electric motor in the axle of the wheel. And as long as you pedal some and keep your legs moving the LEO doesn't really know if your pedaling is making you move or an electric motor.
These generally will get 40 miles to a charge. And there is little "at a glance" details to arouse a LEO's suspicions. These cost a bit more but you aren't having to purchase gasoline and oil.
This unit doesn't include battery. It would take a 32 VDC 250W battery pack which might cost as much as the motor kit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/36V-250W-26...le-Motor-Cycling-Conversion-Kit-/371241073368
Here is one forum you may want to check out if you wish to motorize a bicycle.
http://motoredbikes.com/
I understand that there are motor kits that are compliant with California emission laws.
There are also motor kits with centrifugal clutches and recoil starters (like a lawn mower) They make extra
wide pedal cranks that you replace your pedal crank with so that there is clearance. (for the wider motor) Some people have difficulties with hand clutch operation. But these motors only have an "IN & OUT" of gear "one gear" transmission. Generally the rear drive sprocket determines the top speed. If you are going to be on flat land all the time you can use a smaller number of teeth rear sprocket. (and get a higher top speed) If you are going to be in the more hilly areas then the larger number of teeth rear sprocket will give greater ease of operating in
that environment, but with a lower top speed.
Electric bicycles are more difficult for LEO's to spot. They can be stealthed by adding saddle bags or baskets
which cover the battery pack and electric motor in the axle of the wheel. And as long as you pedal some and keep your legs moving the LEO doesn't really know if your pedaling is making you move or an electric motor.
These generally will get 40 miles to a charge. And there is little "at a glance" details to arouse a LEO's suspicions. These cost a bit more but you aren't having to purchase gasoline and oil.
This unit doesn't include battery. It would take a 32 VDC 250W battery pack which might cost as much as the motor kit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/36V-250W-26...le-Motor-Cycling-Conversion-Kit-/371241073368
Here is one forum you may want to check out if you wish to motorize a bicycle.
http://motoredbikes.com/
debit.servus
Well-known member
Most sellers advertise they will not ship to California. Thankful that the one seller I bought from didn't say that. Imagine even though they say they can't/won't ship to California they would send it anyway. They have to put so many disclaimers and legal boilerplate in their listing to sell these openly, as I said motorised gas and electric powered scooters, bikes etc. are in a legal grey area.highdesertranger said:
Don't care if the kit I am installing is CARB compliant. California smog & most emissions requirements are enviromental tyranny. How can one trust mainstream "climate science" when there are agendas at play? I am not worried about emissions.gsfish said:
An electric bicycle is too expensive for me. I've looked into it and the acquisition cost is too high. One is looking at, at least $450 for a ready made e-bike/scooter. The name brand/decent quality ones, nearing $1000. Boutique brands, $2000 and up.eDJ_ said:
Once saw at a Kickstarter campaign for a ready-made electric scooter with a reinforced solar panel on the platform (it's defining feature), and built in charger. Backers who donated $2000 would get one of the scooters. They said they would retail closer to $3000. I imagine each scooter costs less than $500 to make. For that price one can get a decent used econobox, able to go on thousand mile road trips and more. Of course the car has high running costs compared to the scooter.
If I knew there were motorized bike kits on EBAY I would have not bothered with electric power bikes. Gas powered motorization is better for poor people, plus there are advantages over electric. The price of electric is too high, much like electric cars. Gas is cheaper to get going, and still easier to work on than proprietary electric systems. One can refuel their 2-stroke bike at ANY gas station, where 2-stroke oil is sometimes sold. One can buy 2-stroke oil at the gas station in an emergency. And if one can't rub two pennies together, can pedal home without having to drag the bike.The kit I am installing onto the pedal bike will not replace the pedals, meaning I can fall back to pedaling anytime.
I plan to acquire more kits to motorize other bikes and to have spare parts. Also planning to acquire a gas powered scooter as a third mobility means.
Spirituallifetime
Well-known member
I was looking into the motorized kits for bikes a few years ago. They looked like a great idea, then I found YouTube video's that people were getting pulled over and ticketed because it didn't meet the states DOT Regulations!
eDJ_
Well-known member
My first motorized bike had a Sears Free Spirit motor which was a friction drive (roller on the motor rubbed against the tire tread) and the motor mounted at the top of the front forks. The exhaust rand down the
right fork into a lawnmower muffler about the size of a can of Vienna Sausage. It coupled to the motor
exhaust manifold with a piece of flexible silicone tube.
It was noticeable to anyone and it wasn't really quiet. What I did with it was a bit of stealth.
I found a larger plastic shopping basket like you would find at Big Box stores in a flea market. No name on it
and I gave a couple bucks for it. I cut the bottom out of it to make it appear as a cargo basket that would conceal the motor. The throttle controls on the handlebar was disguised by mounting a horn with black rubber bulb beside it as a distraction. On the right side the only things that would give it away were the engage/disengage lever and exhaust tubing.
This motor had it's own built in fan cooling system so there was no problem with cooling. It could get plenty of air. I was able to cut a piece of Masonite to rest in the upper part of the basket over the motor and carry some stuff that made it look like a functional basket where it hid the motor. I only had to remember to constantly keep my legs moving so it would look like I was pedaling in high gear. This bike had a 5 speed rear wheel derailleur gear shift. The motor was only like a 32cc displacement and it would run about 15 mph on that 26" wheel. I believe it was built in Japan by Tanaka. Sears sold it, and other companies like Bike Bug, Aqua Bug, and "Little Chicken" also sold versions of their own.
This design has been around for decades. They were used extensively during WW2 on the home front for
those delivering mail or in public service. (to conserve fuel) Most of these are 2 cycle and could easily claim
150 mpg. You can imagine building a cover for this that would look like a basket for carrying groceries etc.
When I was in Florida with family as a kid I noticed one older man with one of these with a couple fishing poles mounted on the side where the exhaust was to further camouflage the nature of the motorized bike.
I was up in the pre dawn with my Grand Dad and we were getting ready to go fishing. We were in Bradenton, Fla. The street was lined with Royal Palms and a beautiful site to me but then I hear this whiring sound and along comes an elderly man in tan work uniform clothing with this rig of his. He was on his way down to this bridge where Men fished for "Sheep Head" fish. There was hardly anyone out and I guess the Leo's were gobbling fresh donuts at some coffee shop at that time. He was the picture of serenity to me as I watched him glide through
the pre dawn mist, content in his well earned retirement still wearing out his old work clothes he would have worn on his morning commute to his work place but now worn to go fishing.
right fork into a lawnmower muffler about the size of a can of Vienna Sausage. It coupled to the motor
exhaust manifold with a piece of flexible silicone tube.
It was noticeable to anyone and it wasn't really quiet. What I did with it was a bit of stealth.
I found a larger plastic shopping basket like you would find at Big Box stores in a flea market. No name on it
and I gave a couple bucks for it. I cut the bottom out of it to make it appear as a cargo basket that would conceal the motor. The throttle controls on the handlebar was disguised by mounting a horn with black rubber bulb beside it as a distraction. On the right side the only things that would give it away were the engage/disengage lever and exhaust tubing.
This motor had it's own built in fan cooling system so there was no problem with cooling. It could get plenty of air. I was able to cut a piece of Masonite to rest in the upper part of the basket over the motor and carry some stuff that made it look like a functional basket where it hid the motor. I only had to remember to constantly keep my legs moving so it would look like I was pedaling in high gear. This bike had a 5 speed rear wheel derailleur gear shift. The motor was only like a 32cc displacement and it would run about 15 mph on that 26" wheel. I believe it was built in Japan by Tanaka. Sears sold it, and other companies like Bike Bug, Aqua Bug, and "Little Chicken" also sold versions of their own.
This design has been around for decades. They were used extensively during WW2 on the home front for
those delivering mail or in public service. (to conserve fuel) Most of these are 2 cycle and could easily claim
150 mpg. You can imagine building a cover for this that would look like a basket for carrying groceries etc.
When I was in Florida with family as a kid I noticed one older man with one of these with a couple fishing poles mounted on the side where the exhaust was to further camouflage the nature of the motorized bike.
I was up in the pre dawn with my Grand Dad and we were getting ready to go fishing. We were in Bradenton, Fla. The street was lined with Royal Palms and a beautiful site to me but then I hear this whiring sound and along comes an elderly man in tan work uniform clothing with this rig of his. He was on his way down to this bridge where Men fished for "Sheep Head" fish. There was hardly anyone out and I guess the Leo's were gobbling fresh donuts at some coffee shop at that time. He was the picture of serenity to me as I watched him glide through
the pre dawn mist, content in his well earned retirement still wearing out his old work clothes he would have worn on his morning commute to his work place but now worn to go fishing.
debit.servus
Well-known member
For those poor like me, I think I found the cheapest ready made, gas powered motorized scooter known to mankind:
http://scooterwholesales.com/product/49cc-2-stroke-scooter/
A scooter could be even better for vandwellers because the scooter can be folded and stowed inside the van, and can be carried onto public transit (sometime the bike rack is full on the bus and you can't ride). I just ordered mine and will report back on the quality and usability after I ride it some. I wish I knew about these before I bought the ebike and trike. If anybody wants a parted electric pocketbike or operational electric trike (PM for info), they'll be for sale after the scooter I ordered is operational.
Finally I can zip around town for pennies, saving my limited money for woodgasification. Carry the scooter on the bus, light rail and CALTRAIN to make my California prison sentence feel better. Perhaps if the scooter holds up, I could build a bike trailer sleeping pod and zip out of California, pulling the sleeping pod behind the scooter because I'm not runnin' on wood yet.
http://scooterwholesales.com/product/49cc-2-stroke-scooter/
A scooter could be even better for vandwellers because the scooter can be folded and stowed inside the van, and can be carried onto public transit (sometime the bike rack is full on the bus and you can't ride). I just ordered mine and will report back on the quality and usability after I ride it some. I wish I knew about these before I bought the ebike and trike. If anybody wants a parted electric pocketbike or operational electric trike (PM for info), they'll be for sale after the scooter I ordered is operational.
Finally I can zip around town for pennies, saving my limited money for woodgasification. Carry the scooter on the bus, light rail and CALTRAIN to make my California prison sentence feel better. Perhaps if the scooter holds up, I could build a bike trailer sleeping pod and zip out of California, pulling the sleeping pod behind the scooter because I'm not runnin' on wood yet.
Patrick46
Well-known member
Excellent post Gsfish!! ^^^
especially the gloves!
I freak out whenever I see someone riding without gloves on their hands! (and I'm a serious rider.)
think about it....
you're headed into a crash situation and are clearly going down. What's the FIRST thing you're gonna do????? Put your hands out! (now, consider doing this WITHOUT gloves on!!!!) :s
especially the gloves!
I freak out whenever I see someone riding without gloves on their hands! (and I'm a serious rider.)
think about it....
you're headed into a crash situation and are clearly going down. What's the FIRST thing you're gonna do????? Put your hands out! (now, consider doing this WITHOUT gloves on!!!!) :s
debit.servus
Well-known member
When it comes to being on something motorized, Wear a bicycle helmet with the HARBOR FREIGHT triangle worklight in black and blue worklight in front, zip tied to the helmet; and gloves on both hands.gsfish said:
Wow!!! why aren't these made today????? So simplistic and low-tech, about as basic motorized personal mobility can get. There is a conspiracy going on...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Bic...487290?hash=item4af75a8fba:g:clcAAOSwLN5WiW0t This guy wants $200 for one that doesn't run!
The fact that these cant be bought new is a crime!
debit.servus
Well-known member
debit.servus said:
Update: I was successful in bringing the scooter on public transit once (VTA light rail), and the second and third time I tried to go on the light rail with it the operator noticed and went on the intercom and said "no gas powered vehicles", and I wasn't allowed on with the scooter. I imagine transit agencies around the country have similar rules.
The scooter has held up however, with maintence:
-changed the front tire
-replaced seat
-replaced fuel lines
-carburator is falling off (currently have bungee cord to mate it)
-pull-state handle is now a 10" 1/4 20 screw
-Repaired wiring for the engine kill switch
-replaced mounting bolts for fuel tank
-zip tied the wires under the platform
-replaced back tire with solid rubber tire as rotary force ripped valve stems off rendering innertube useless.
The best motorized bike is one that most people don't look twice at, and passes for a regular bicycle in the corner of peoples eyes. And has the ability to be pedaled home incase the batteries die or the cheap chinese 2-stroke kit breaks down.
I decided in Black Rock City that the only way I'll do electric is with a small generator behind me, so planning to buy an e-bike kit with rear hub motor, and fit it onto one of the bikes I have; and buy the cheap HFT 700 watt 2-stroke genset to extend range, pulled behind the bike in a custom trailer I plan to build that looks like a trendy bag on the bus.
Canine
Well-known member
I would think with a motor a person would lose the benefits of the exercise.Which to me is the main reason to ride a bike anyway.
eDJ_
Well-known member
Yes, it is tempting to ride it just as a motor bike, but you can still pedal it like a regular bike only you'll be carrying an extra 20+ lbs of motor/tank-fuel/chain drive weight.
Depending on one's age and physical condition riding around the camp grounds on a bicycle under one's own
power would be ideal. if you have to ride to town two or three times a week for supplies the "helper motor"
could be a welcome addition if you are riding 20 to 30 miles round trip. Or if hills are involved.
These bikes can be geared to where they will take some long uphill grades maxed out at about 15 mph, or if one is on flat land where things are far apart they can be geared to attain speeds over 35 mph. (32 teeth rear axle gear or 55 teeth rear axle gear)
There are many bike motor configurations out there. Some gas and some electric. Some are more complicated and more permanent installations than others as well. Some use chain drives, some use friction drives, and some
the motor is part of the wheel. The best bicycle for riding is always the lightest bike.
One bike motor I've seen recently, that I really like, is an electric unitized package (motor/battery/drive are all in one easily add or removed unit) These usually have a total range of 40 miles where the motor friction drives against the rear wheel. (not great in the rain)
But if one had side baskets on this at the rear wheels it could "Cargo" for you rather well. I'd also have a larger basket on the front wheel. This stuff on the rear could be removed and stowed while the batteries recharge via Solar, Generator, or Shore Power in a campground. Otherwise the bike could be ridden for the health benefits or pleasure of sight seeing.
Other gas bikes like this one, may be a less flexible install and yet if the owner is older and less capable it may be just right. With a 5 speed rear axle and a gas motor (49cc to 80cc) could provide mobility from a "camped" Van so that a few trips out to the store each week could beat the "cabin fever" and add to the enjoyment of the trip.
When I go on the road again I intend to take mine. My bike carrier mounts to the front of my Van.
Depending on one's age and physical condition riding around the camp grounds on a bicycle under one's own
power would be ideal. if you have to ride to town two or three times a week for supplies the "helper motor"
could be a welcome addition if you are riding 20 to 30 miles round trip. Or if hills are involved.
These bikes can be geared to where they will take some long uphill grades maxed out at about 15 mph, or if one is on flat land where things are far apart they can be geared to attain speeds over 35 mph. (32 teeth rear axle gear or 55 teeth rear axle gear)
There are many bike motor configurations out there. Some gas and some electric. Some are more complicated and more permanent installations than others as well. Some use chain drives, some use friction drives, and some
the motor is part of the wheel. The best bicycle for riding is always the lightest bike.
One bike motor I've seen recently, that I really like, is an electric unitized package (motor/battery/drive are all in one easily add or removed unit) These usually have a total range of 40 miles where the motor friction drives against the rear wheel. (not great in the rain)
But if one had side baskets on this at the rear wheels it could "Cargo" for you rather well. I'd also have a larger basket on the front wheel. This stuff on the rear could be removed and stowed while the batteries recharge via Solar, Generator, or Shore Power in a campground. Otherwise the bike could be ridden for the health benefits or pleasure of sight seeing.
Other gas bikes like this one, may be a less flexible install and yet if the owner is older and less capable it may be just right. With a 5 speed rear axle and a gas motor (49cc to 80cc) could provide mobility from a "camped" Van so that a few trips out to the store each week could beat the "cabin fever" and add to the enjoyment of the trip.
When I go on the road again I intend to take mine. My bike carrier mounts to the front of my Van.
Is that last one yours? if so what are the specs. I need the exercise for my legs but just in case I would like to have the alternative.. Thanks.RobeDJ_ said:Yes, it is tempting to ride it just as a motor bike, but you can still pedal it like a regular bike only you'll be carrying an extra 20+ lbs of motor/tank-fuel/chain drive weight.
Depending on one's age and physical condition riding around the camp grounds on a bicycle under one's own
power would be ideal. if you have to ride to town two or three times a week for supplies the "helper motor"
could be a welcome addition if you are riding 20 to 30 miles round trip. Or if hills are involved.
These bikes can be geared to where they will take some long uphill grades maxed out at about 15 mph, or if one is on flat land where things are far apart they can be geared to attain speeds over 35 mph. (32 teeth rear axle gear or 55 teeth rear axle gear)
There are many bike motor configurations out there. Some gas and some electric. Some are more complicated and more permanent installations than others as well. Some use chain drives, some use friction drives, and some
the motor is part of the wheel. The best bicycle for riding is always the lightest bike.
One bike motor I've seen recently, that I really like, is an electric unitized package (motor/battery/drive are all in one easily add or removed unit) These usually have a total range of 40 miles where the motor friction drives against the rear wheel. (not great in the rain)
But if one had side baskets on this at the rear wheels it could "Cargo" for you rather well. I'd also have a larger basket on the front wheel. This stuff on the rear could be removed and stowed while the batteries recharge via Solar, Generator, or Shore Power in a campground. Otherwise the bike could be ridden for the health benefits or pleasure of sight seeing.
Other gas bikes like this one, may be a less flexible install and yet if the owner is older and less capable it may be just right. With a 5 speed rear axle and a gas motor (49cc to 80cc) could provide mobility from a "camped" Van so that a few trips out to the store each week could beat the "cabin fever" and add to the enjoyment of the trip.
When I go on the road again I intend to take mine. My bike carrier mounts to the front of my Van.
StarEcho
Well-known member
I managed to snag a Sanyo Synergetic Hybrid Bicycle ($250!) which has a front wheel drive electric motor, but the key feature that I love is that it recharges itself while you are coasting. And while this is a minus in some eyes it is also a plus -- you HAVE to pedal, this motor just makes the pedaling super easy, so going up a hill is doable. Well if you are in any kind of shape you can go up a small hill without walking or even being winded. The main downside to this bike is that if and when the battery goes kaput I've got to do the japanese mail forwarding route to get another battery since the bike is discontinued in the US.
http://electricbikeblog.com/types-of-electric-motors-for-electric-bikes/
This tells a little about the whole assisted pedaling concept. Panasonic took over Sanyo so the newer bikes are Panasonic branding, and while I don't think they have the charging while coasting or braking feature that Sanyo bikes did, they do seem to have the assisted pedaling, several speeds, and light weight.
I can pick up my bike, battery and all. Not over my head mind you! LOL but still I can woman-handle it into the back of my suburban. The battery is very lightweight too. So if for some reason the battery loses power and I'm not back to where I started yet, I can still pedal it quite easily. All in all I love it. And I love the idea that it forces me to exercise, but makes that exercise much more palatable.
http://electricbikeblog.com/types-of-electric-motors-for-electric-bikes/
This tells a little about the whole assisted pedaling concept. Panasonic took over Sanyo so the newer bikes are Panasonic branding, and while I don't think they have the charging while coasting or braking feature that Sanyo bikes did, they do seem to have the assisted pedaling, several speeds, and light weight.
I can pick up my bike, battery and all. Not over my head mind you! LOL but still I can woman-handle it into the back of my suburban. The battery is very lightweight too. So if for some reason the battery loses power and I'm not back to where I started yet, I can still pedal it quite easily. All in all I love it. And I love the idea that it forces me to exercise, but makes that exercise much more palatable.
eDJ_
Well-known member
Gunny wrote:
No, that's just a photo off the net. Mine is ivy Green and I've used plastic hand baskets like you would see at
Walmart on either side of the rear wheel. I fixed mine so I could take the baskets off and carry them into the store and back to the parked bike.
I've ran a 40 rear tooth gear and the output gear on the motor's counter shaft has 10 teeth driving a 26 inch wheel. The motor is measured at 80 cc but I put a 49cc sticker on the engine. No one is checking displacement of these motors....just the speed you drive at. (20 mph in Ohio is legal) In WV and KY 30 mph is legal. I can hit close to the mid 30 mph with mine. It has decent take off from a shove but if I pedal some and then engage the the engine it's quite a brisk take off. Only one gear "in or out". These are rated as one horse power engines but in the upper rpm range they generate about 5 horse power. You can find these on eBay or numerous motorized bicycle message board ad's. Again you can hold one of these motors in your
hands they are that small and any LEO will be more likely to laugh at one than want to make a fool of himself
over checking it's dimensions.
A kit would come in a card board box and unpack to look like this. Cost anywhere from $95 dollars to $129
depending on the time of year. Some of them ship free. These can be purchased with a recoil starter and even a centrifugal clutch.
If you use one of these types you will probably have to buy and install an extra wide pedal crank kit that will
have clearance for the additional recoil and centrifugal added to the motor. The pedals will be about 7 inches wider than standard.
I have ridden mine about as easily after the motor install as I rode it before. My bike was a 10 spd and I took the front derailer off and use the 5 rear gears. (the two front sprockets are still on the pedal crank and if I want to I can manually change the gears. But now I only use the 5 rear gears when I pedal.
That about covers it.
Here is an eBay auction engine fitted with recoil starter & centrifugal clutch so you'll know one when you see it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/49CC-2-CYCL...ash=item4b0649da5e:g:gtYAAOSwaB5XowcR&vxp=mtr
No, that's just a photo off the net. Mine is ivy Green and I've used plastic hand baskets like you would see at
Walmart on either side of the rear wheel. I fixed mine so I could take the baskets off and carry them into the store and back to the parked bike.
I've ran a 40 rear tooth gear and the output gear on the motor's counter shaft has 10 teeth driving a 26 inch wheel. The motor is measured at 80 cc but I put a 49cc sticker on the engine. No one is checking displacement of these motors....just the speed you drive at. (20 mph in Ohio is legal) In WV and KY 30 mph is legal. I can hit close to the mid 30 mph with mine. It has decent take off from a shove but if I pedal some and then engage the the engine it's quite a brisk take off. Only one gear "in or out". These are rated as one horse power engines but in the upper rpm range they generate about 5 horse power. You can find these on eBay or numerous motorized bicycle message board ad's. Again you can hold one of these motors in your
hands they are that small and any LEO will be more likely to laugh at one than want to make a fool of himself
over checking it's dimensions.
A kit would come in a card board box and unpack to look like this. Cost anywhere from $95 dollars to $129
depending on the time of year. Some of them ship free. These can be purchased with a recoil starter and even a centrifugal clutch.
If you use one of these types you will probably have to buy and install an extra wide pedal crank kit that will
have clearance for the additional recoil and centrifugal added to the motor. The pedals will be about 7 inches wider than standard.
I have ridden mine about as easily after the motor install as I rode it before. My bike was a 10 spd and I took the front derailer off and use the 5 rear gears. (the two front sprockets are still on the pedal crank and if I want to I can manually change the gears. But now I only use the 5 rear gears when I pedal.
That about covers it.
Here is an eBay auction engine fitted with recoil starter & centrifugal clutch so you'll know one when you see it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/49CC-2-CYCL...ash=item4b0649da5e:g:gtYAAOSwaB5XowcR&vxp=mtr
