Electric/gas powered bicycles...

[48Rob]

Hi all,

I'm looking for ideas.
I have an electric bicycle (Currie) that I like very much.
Quiet, very smooth, no vibrations, tops out at about 15 mph.
Downside is that it runs out of juice after a couple hours, and hills really drain it fast (that is, the hills that I don't have to push it up).

I also have a chain drive gas powered engine mounted on another bike.
It tops out at 35 mph, takes hills very well, and doesn't run out of juice.
It does vibrate badly above 20 mph, is loud, and less than smooth.

Now, the idea is to use a more powerful electric motor with a battery pack to drive the wheel (faster, say 25-30 mph) so that it is smooth and without vibration, but to have a small gas engine with an alternator to recharge/power the electric motor.

The gas engine will vibrate, but that vibration can easily be reduced to almost nothing with rubber mounts since it will not be directly connected to the drive train.

When in a campground, or other "quiet" place, the batteries will power the bike, and when "on the road" the engine can be fired.

Since there isn't such a beast commercially available, I have to believe that either I'm a genius and just gave away the best patent of the year (ha-ha) or, more likely, there is some major issue with this idea that I'm missing.

Remember, the aim is not to produce a super energy efficient bike, just to have one that doesn't shake and vibrate, and that will cruise at 25-30 mph.
Yes, I know a scooter or motorcyle would be a lot easier, but I want a bicycle.
Any thoughts?

Rob

[Arne]

I also have a currie powered bike (recumbent).. I've done a lot of research on exactly what you are talking about. Mine has a sealed lead acid battery pack. I can use it as an assist and get about 25 miles out of it... much less in very hilly areas.

Gas engines are heavy. No way around it. Some have even tried model airplane engines, but they are very noisy. The engine/alternator pack would be even heavier, UNLESS it was commerically designed to be a niche lightweight package...

Right now, I'm looking into NiMH batteries, which are available as a replacement for my Currie pack. The option is to build the unit you want into a trailer, which I've also thought about, but don't have the need to spend the money and time to develop it.... for me, NiMH batteries would be the answer.

Don't know if you've ever been in contact with this fellow, but he knows about as much as anyone I know... look at the site, then parts and accessories, then batteries. There is a test that he conducted, NiMH bat pack gave 50% more miles. If money is not a big deal, you could put 2 NiMH packs on, since they weigh half as much as SLAs... also, you could get a rewound motor to get 25 mph... Money is the bottom line, as you would need a new charger for NiMH, new controller, new packs and new motor (if you want more speed)... you can mix and match to your hearts content.. btw, there are yahoo groups that discuss nothing but powered bikes...

http://www.evdeals.com/

http://www.tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?image_id=9116

[billnut]

[Arne]

Yahoo groups to look at. Most if not all may ask why you want to join. Tell them what you have and it should be a no brainer. They are just trying to keep out spammers....

Amateur_EV-Group

electricbikes

power-assist

rechargeable_batteries

[Micro469]

Hey Billnut!!!! You ain't pullin the trailer with that thing, are you??????

[asianflava]

Have you seen this?

https://www.revopower.com/sh

[Chris C]

Dang, now that's a pretty slick approach. I hope they make a "go" of it. That's the neatest bicycle motor package I've ever seen.

[Q]

By the time you add a generator, battery, and electric motor to a bike, you're talking about a lot of weight. Sure it can be done but peddling it would be a chore. Consider mounting the generator on a bike trailer.

Q

[billnut]

Heck yes I pull my TD with that how do you think i'm going to beat Gage on gas mileage to Pamplingrove
Bill

[48Rob]

Thanks for all the tips!

While I do want a bicycle, I really don't care to do a lot of pedaling...the combo is mighty heavy!
I have a regular bike (human powered) for going on rides, this idea is just another toy, something to have fun with, but that won't get me in trouble with local covenants, as it is still a bicycle, not a scooter or motorcycle.

The link above has a couple electric options that may fit the bill...30+ mph with reasonable range.
Maybe if I dig deep, I can find one with gearing to climb hills, and a good top speed.
Thanks again for your opinions and ideas.

Rob

[Boodro]

Hey Rob , I have a light for my bike that uses a generater that rubs on the tire , as long as the wheel is turning I get juice for the light. Maybe you could take the generater & use it as an onboard charger?? I don't know what wattge it puts out but it maybe enough to charge with. If I think about it I'll set it up & measure the output. Just a thought!

[Arne]

I received a pm about my recumbent. The site was so slow I was never able to send the note. This is my response: (hope you check here)

-----------


Yes, the silver can behind the rear axle is a 400 watt electric motor. It is about the same size as a can of peanuts. It has limited capabilities, but allows me to do 25 mile rides using it only as an assist. On flats or downhill, it freewheels and it not used at those times, I just pedal. It is used only on uphill grades.

I like it, but if I got real serious about it, I would get a more powerful motor and better batteries. I could increase the range by 50% and the batteries would weigh half as much (about 12 pounds instead of 24).. and the motor would be 600 watts..

But, it works quite well for my needs.

[Arne]

I received a pm about my recumbent. The site was so slow I was never able to send the note. This is my response: (hope you check here)

-----------


Yes, the silver can behind the rear axle is a 400 watt electric motor. It is about the same size as a can of peanuts. It has limited capabilities, but allows me to do 25 mile rides using it only as an assist. On flats or downhill, it freewheels and it not used at those times, I just pedal. It is used only on uphill grades.

I like it, but if I got real serious about it, I would get a more powerful motor and better batteries. I could increase the range by 50% and the batteries would weigh half as much (about 12 pounds instead of 24).. and the motor would be 600 watts..

But, it works quite well for my needs.