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bicycle motors

7147 Views 26 Replies 18 Participants Last post by  vja4Him
Has anyone ever seen someone riding a mountainbike down the street that has a motor attached ? It looks like they can go pretty fast with them. I am looking for information on building this myself somehow, anyone done it? This could be pretty efficient and have a higher ability for me to pick it up over downed logs or go between cars that are blocking things in a survival situation
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Has anyone ever seen someone riding a mountainbike down the street that has a motor attached ? It looks like they can go pretty fast with them. I am looking for information on building this myself somehow, anyone done it? This could be pretty efficient and have a higher ability for me to pick it up over downed logs or go between cars that are blocking things in a survival situation
it's called a moped......or, you can actually just pedal a bike yourself......
this is much cheaper than purchasing a moped.
Where could I get a cheap electric motor if I wanted to make my bicycle run on electricity?
I've riden an gas powered bike before. Fun stuff. Can't recall the details of it but I wouldn't mind finding one.
They sold electric mopeds along the side of the road for a long time, it would be a fun project to strip one and hook the go-parts to a bike... while leaving the heavy frame / plastic covering off to reduce energy consumption
These are they guys you want to talk to, then...

http://www.motoredbikes.com/

Good luck. I plan on doing one next year.
Do they make bikes that charge the battery with pedal power and then you can switch on the electric motor when you want?
They used to sell dynamo-powered headlights for bicycles, I don't see why you couldn't hook one up as a trickle charger to the battery pack... but the voltage sure wouldn't be consistant, and I'm not an electrician. If you know some Radio Shack Dork, they might be able to help you.

I'll call it "Possible".
Are all of the "motorize your bicycle" kits really expensive? I was looking at them the other day and it was typically like $550 just for a motor / gas tank / throttle / fuel line and some clamps plus the sprocket adapter. Are there any free DIY plans on the internet where you can just take apart a weed eater and use those parts for cheaper?
Not really. The 50cc kit goes for $200 or less, shipped. If they're asking more, they're ripping you off or offering the cycle as well, usually an upscale "pretty" model. The engine stuff, bought separately for a bike you already own, is cheap, especially when you consider the mileage and utility of such a vehicle.

Here's one on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/80CC-MOTOR-bicy...39:1|66:2|65:12|240:1308&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Could that go on a bmx sized bike also or a mountainbike? It looks like it only goes on roadster style bikes or whatever you call them. Also that kit might come with instructions in hard to read engrish.
Whats the best way to find out if riding a bicycle with a motor on it is legal in my area?
Whats the best way to find out if riding a bicycle with a motor on it is legal in my area?
Why worry? you can ride a regular bike on the streets anyway. Going a little faster would be safer IMO. And cars would hate you less.:)
There is some law that anything under 50cc doesn't require much. I remember selling a 49CC moped to guy who couldn't drive because he had a DWI and had to have a motorcycle under 50cc.
The law can vary by state, but largely it is true that under 50cc, no license or registration is required, and the moped (motorized bicycle) may be ridden on streets other than highway or Interstate. This is a rule of thumb, but just google your "state" and "motorized bicycle laws" and you'll come up with better guidance than this catch-all.

@ Prince, I don't know about a BMX... mountain bikes, probably yes. Just look at the space the engine requires, and have round tube frame... I think 1 inch or so.
Virginia DMV - Facts About Mopeds and Scooters

First, make sure your scooter or moped fits the following criteria:

Has not more than three wheels that are in contact with the road.
Has a seat that is no less than 24 inches in height.

Has a gasoline, electric, or hybrid motor that is less than 50 cubic centimeters (cc) and a maximum speed of less than 30 mph.

If your moped or scooter meets the above definitions you do not need to register it.

Restrictions for Mopeds and Scooters

No moped/scooter may be driven on any highway where the speed limit is faster than 35 mph.

Riders must be at least 16 years of age and obey all rules of the road.
Every driver must carry a form of identification that includes his/her name, address, and date of birth.

It is against the law to operate a moped while using earphones.

Other Laws

If your moped or scooter has an engine displacement of 51 cc or more and the maximum speed is over 35 mph, you are required to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license to ride on Virginia highways. You will also be required to title and register it as a motorcycle.

Register it by bringing the following to any DMV customer service center:

A completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration.
Proof of ownership in the form of a title, a manufacturer's certificate or origin, or a Bill of Sale.
Proof of address.
Check, cash or credit card to pay the $10 titling fee.
Remember, laws can vary by locality. Be sure to check other requirements that may be in effect in various cities, towns, counties or states.
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MOTORISED BICYCLE ENGINE KIT ZBOX BIKE MOTOR AUSTRALIA 48cc MOPED - AUD$235
These guys have a reasonable website with tips and tricks etc, even though you would probably get the kits cheaper directly in the US.
Worth a read.
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