adult trike

rtrg · L Plate Warrior Joined: 30 Nov 2016 Karma :

I have a schwinn meridian trike I want to electrify. This is what I have in mind. A platform mounted on the rear after the basket has been trmoved. To that I mount a dc motor double ended, adding two rollers to the ends and two extension shafts cut to length plus two more rollers. Two will be couplers, two will press against the tires. 2 12volt batteries lead acid, twist throttle, on board commercial charger. What I need from you guys is info on the size, type of motor, specs to look for, as in wattage, current, hp, rpm, torque, ect. Brands, models would be a plus. The motor could be hinged or not. If hinged, rollers could be taken off the tires. If not I would need some form of protection to be sure motor and batteries are not harmed by the rotating rollers as I peddle. Sketch is posted. Any advice welcome.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Sounds like you're looking for www.cyclechatforums.com

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

First off, the endless sphere forum has the most information in this area.

Having a dual friction drive drive from a single motor is a bit odd.

If you don't expect to have traction issues, you probably don't need two wheel drive. Further, you may find some issues turning.

As far as motor wattage, current, hp (This is power, same as wattage, different unit), rpm, torque etc - it depends what YOU want the trike to do.
Fast, or towing heavy stuff up steep slopes?
It's going to depend on the wheel size, circumference of friction material etc.

From your requirements, it's going to be 12v or 24v. If you don't care about efficiency, performance or weight there's lots of options. Be wary of starter motors however, they aren't designed for continuous running.

You can get ready to go kits/instructions for friction drives using outrunners. This is your bet for a friction drive.

However, I'd be tempted to just go for a front hub drive kit. Bolt in, no hassle and if you've got traction, should be fine even with weight on the back unless you've got massive power.

Anyway, there's absolutely loads of info out there. I'd suggest you should be explorer your options more with existing information rather than asking about specifics of the motor.

Stoker · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 13 Sep 2014 Karma :

Sorry, but I will not entertain the idea of three wheeled bikes until
I have lost he use of my legs. have a seriously lowered IQ as the result of an accident, (still be able to drive a car tho, eh?)

iooi · Super Spammer Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Karma :

Forget about rollers on the tyres (too much wear). Power direct to the drive train. And then with a bit of magic, you can also charge the batteries while you are peddling Very Happy

____________________
Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

iooi · Super Spammer Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Dynamos can make a lot of sense if you want to simply power lights, especially with modern low power LEDs - no need to ever charge batteries etc.

However, in the case of charging an electric bike, you're taking mechanical energy so slowing you down, transferring it into electricity (some losses), storing it (more losses), then converting it back into mechanical energy (even more losses).
When a better way generally is to conserve the stored energy as it's originally stored - in your body and use directly it as needed.
I appreciate if you're say looking to go for a drag race, being able to peddle harder to store extra energy may be useful, or maybe if you haven't got gears - but otherwise it's generally going to slow your over journey down doing this, rather than speed it up.