[Jeff from KY]

Well, it's not a bicycle, but it's close enough. Hoping for some advice.

I got this for free. It's a tricycle that someone converted to run with a chainsaw motor. I'd like to remove the chainsaw motor and replace it with an electric system. I would use it for riding around on our 10 acres so I don't need speed just lots of torque for hauling tools and firewood.

As you can see in the next picture, the rear axle is split and has the original chain sprocket on one axle. The chainsaw motor had a chain sprocket and used a bicycle chain drive.

What would you all recommend for a motor, battery, controller, etc.? Would you recommend continuing to use the chain drive with an electric motor? Any other thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks for any input.

 

[frodus]

head over to http://endless-sphere.com/forums/

They're bike guys and would be a bit better in helping you for all that stuff. Most of the equip we're used to here are on a much larger scale.

Looks like a fun project though.

 

[Woodsmith]

The simplest option, I think, would be to put in an aftermarket electric bike kit with a hub motor in the front wheel. Place the battery weight over the front wheel too.

The chainsaw motor can be removed then.

You may strike lucky and find a diff for the rear axle, but they can be quite costly. Some powered lawn mowers have suitable diffs that can be adapted to fit.
If you can find a diff then then you could get a crank drive motor kit and have rear wheel drive.

 

[Jeff from KY]

Frodus, thanks for the link to the endless sphere site. I've registered and now I'm just doing lots of reading.

Woodsmith, thanks for the suggestions. Looks like I have a lot more research to do before I ask any more questions.

Thanks again.

 

[Woodsmith]

Keep us up to date on how you get on. It is an interesting project.

 

[frodus]

Yeah, I don't mean for you to leave, just that you may get better help there, than here. They're vastly more familiar with what's out there than I am...

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Dink]

A good place for ideas and examples of what others have done is at (evalbum.com). I have 2 of my trikes listed there. Parts from TNC scooters. If you send me a PM with your email address I have lots of pictures and info I will send you. Dink

 

[saxere7]

The simplest option, I think, would be to put in an aftermarket electric bike kit with a hub motor in the front wheel. Place the battery weight over the front wheel too.

The chainsaw motor can be removed then.

You may strike lucky and find a diff for the rear axle, but they can be quite costly. Some powered lawn mowers have suitable diffs that can be adapted to fit.
If you can find a diff then then you could get a crank drive motor kit and have rear wheel drive.
you can also read a complete guide about how to convert tricycle to electric here. thank you

Hi, I have been looking at getting a trike for my 11 year old daughter. She has cerebral palsy, and doesn't have the strength in her legs to ride a normal bike, or the balance to ride two wheels. So, my idea is to get a sturdy tricycle to solve the balance problem. To get round the leg strength, im thinking of converting to an ebike while she builds up her leg muscles. Ive been scouring the web for answers as to what kit is needed, and ended up confused. So if anyone could point me to an all in one kit that would do the job, that would be appreciated. Here's is the tricycle I am considering, with 20" wheels as I think that would be the best size for her.

 

[Duncan]

I have just built a trike for a girl with Downs Syndrome
I would suggest that you just get a trike with a nice LOW gear - that will require very little force or effort from the rider
Especially as at the start she will be riding the Trike with you walking along beside her - and assisting if nessesary
By the time you have to trot her muscles will have built up enough!

 

[remy_martian]

I'd go with a hub motor setup on the front wheel. All kinds of hub motor kits out there.

Think this through -- does she have the hand strength to work the brakes?

"Go" is the easy part.