Bicycle with a motor. More speed - sharper sensations! Bicycle with a gasoline engine: advantages and disadvantages

Most cyclists, when climbing uphill or riding against the wind, dream of having a bike with a motor. The idea of ​​creating such a wonderful transport appeared a long time ago. Scientists compared gasoline and steam and measured them for endurance.

Perhaps you remember that in every village the boys were inventors. They created a moped from an ordinary bicycle. True, this design broke down and failed very quickly.

Now many manufacturers produce bicycles with a motor. Their main difference from a moped is the presence of a regular one, while it is specially made for a moped.

Bicycle with petrol engine

On such a bicycle, which is installed no more than 50 cm cubic. Its power is approximately 4 horsepower. Very often these bikes have a manual ignition system. She assumes that when driving, the pedals will spin. With a gasoline engine, speed can be developed up to 40 km / h. Its weight is 30 kg, so when the engine is off, it is very difficult to control this type of transport. If you are a lover of a calm ride and want to listen to the birds singing, then this bike will not suit you. It is very noisy and impractical.

Bicycle with electric motor

Such vehicle many advantages:

  • practically silent;
  • environmentally friendly;
  • does not need refueling with gasoline;
  • does not emit exhaust gases;
  • does not pollute the environment.

The two main components are the electric motor and the battery. This type of transport is charged from the outlet for about 8 hours. Of course, the outlet is not always at hand. There are models on the market that can be charged by pedaling. Driving on smooth and straight roads, the battery can be charged, and going uphill, you should use the accumulated power and energy of the engine.

The speed of such a bike reaches 40 km / h. If you choose a model where the pedals can be rotated while the engine is running, you can achieve higher speeds. Be careful when choosing a bike. There are models that go very hard without pedaling, and on a steep climb they stop altogether. Therefore, you should pay attention to the power of the engine.

Aesthete cyclists are impressed with the design of the electric bike. Nice appearance vehicles from manufacturers Yamaha and Honda. There are models in which an electric motor can be installed in the front or rear wheel. This is the so-called. Such wheels have many advantages:

  • reliability;
  • efficiency;
  • durability;
  • ease of installation.

Remember! A bicycle with a motor does not need to be registered with the traffic police. It does not require a license or any other documents. It depends on your preferences and desires which type of transport you choose: gasoline or electric.

But do not forget about your safety on the road and take care of the health of other people. If possible, wear all necessary equipment.
With this bike you will always be in good shape.

Installing a power unit on a bicycle is not a new topic. This idea formed the basis for the invention of mopeds and motorcycles. The question arises, does it make sense to return to the past?

Studies show that in our time it has become popular to complete a bicycle with a gasoline engine. This is due to breakthrough technologies used in the production of internal combustion engines.

Motorbike. What's this?

Almost any serial bike can be turned into a motorbike by adding a special gasoline engine to it. Mounting an internal combustion engine does not require much effort or high level qualifications.

The motorbike retains the ability to move with the help of pedals. Gasoline has run out, a breakdown or you just need to help the engine on a hill, you can always “turn on your legs”. Modern engines are compact, light weight and do not affect the ease of movement when pedaling at all.

The emerging interest is also provoked by the relatively low cost of refurbishment. To have a clearer picture, consider the pros and cons of converting a bicycle into a motorbike:

Advantages

  • The gasoline engine will take on the main power loads
  • Speed ​​increase up to 50 km/h
  • Increase in load capacity
  • Low fuel consumption
  • Ability to cover long distances (dacha, fishing)

disadvantages

  • Noise (depending on the brand of engine)
  • No longer an environmentally friendly mode of transport

Features of a gasoline engine for a bicycle

Basically, two types of engines are used for the conversion of bicycles. The difference lies in the way the torque is transmitted to the wheel and the layout of the motor.

Disc clutch engines

People who captured the Soviet period probably remember the D-series bicycle engines. Chinese companies have established the production of similar products and successfully implement it.

The engine is mounted in the fork of the frame above the pedal carriage and is connected by a chain to the rear driven sprocket. The disc clutch control knob is traditionally located on the left side of the steering wheel. Additionally, a gas tank and engine controls are attached.

Advantages:

  • Motor mounts adapted to fit on tubular bike frame
  • Ability to start the engine from a tow

Disadvantages:

  • The need to install several additional components (gas tank, clutch handle, shield)

Engines with centrifugal clutch

Engines of this type are a monoblock with a gas tank, a silencer, a centrifugal clutch and a ratchet start mechanism. With all of the above, the monoblock has a compact size and low weight.

The use of a centrifugal clutch allows you to start moving without difficulty (give it gas - go). Thanks to this layout of the controls, the bike remains to be equipped with a throttle handle and an engine shutdown toggle switch.

Benefits:

  • Equipping a bike with a monoblock engine is reduced to a minimum of actions
  • Centrifugal clutch makes driving easier

Disadvantages:

  • noise

Manufacturers of gasoline engines for bicycles

Chinese manufacturers launch bike conversion kits with F50 two-stroke engine, this is an analogue of the Soviet "deshka".

Complete set:

  1. Gas engine
  2. gas tank
  3. Drive chain
  4. Driven sprocket on rear hub
  5. Clutch and throttle control knobs
  6. Clutch and throttle control cables
  7. Ignition coil
  8. Chain guard
  9. Chain tensioner

Engine Specifications:

  • Engine capacity F50- 48 cm 3
  • Average speed - 30 - 40 km / h
  • Fuel consumption - 1l / 100km
  • Engine power - 5 HP

Recently, this equipment has become popular in the United States. For American consumers, tuned engines up to 80 cm 3 and a tuned exhaust system are produced.

Production company "Velokometa" has been developing ways to equip bicycles with gasoline engines for more than 10 years. This company from St. Petersburg managed to ergonomically adapt monoblock gasoline engines into bicycle drives.

The company uses 2- and 4-stroke motors of well-known proven companies: Honda And ZONGSHEN. The highlight is that Velokometa invented the original suspended module, with which you can install most typical monoblock engines.

Module "Comet" allows you to quickly and securely mount and equip the engine controls on the bike. The company implements suspended module in two versions - with and without an engine.

Equipment:

  • Hanging module "Comet"
  • driven and driven pulleys
  • V-ribbed belt
  • Driven pulley fastener
  • drive hood
  • Remote control assembly (handle wires)

The company also produces manual clutch modifications.

How to install an engine on a bike

In principle, anyone with certain basic skills and a simple tool can equip their bicycle with a gasoline engine. If you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to contact a specialist - this approach usually saves time and money.

If you are confident in your own abilities and decide to make the modification yourself, it is recommended to pay attention to a number of nuances and tips offered below:

  • Before any action, study the theory. It is necessary to clearly understand what type of engine will be installed, its power and volume. It is necessary to determine where and how to optimally place all components and assemblies on your bike
  • Use ready-made solutions. If you are result oriented, don't invent. Manufacturers offer tried and tested solutions for mounting bicycle motors

For safety reasons, there are a number of restrictions on gasoline engines for bicycles:

  • Engine displacement should not exceed 49.9 cm 3
  • Maximum power no more than 2 hp
  • Maximum speed no more than 50 km/h

It is no longer a curiosity for anyone; such vehicles are increasingly appearing on the streets of European cities. They are distinguished from motorcycles and scooters by the ability to ride with the help of pedals, without the participation of a motor. In addition, the pedals can be used as an auxiliary mechanism when climbing uphill. Typically, motorized bicycles are based on conventional bikes, but there are significant differences in their design. For example, motorbikes can use different types of motors.

These can be motors from gasoline tools or any industrial motors with a centrifugal clutch, as well as bicycle motors, which are by default, that is, they are made specifically for installation on bicycles.

Drives of bicycle motors can also be different, namely, four types.

1 . Belt drive. Unlike a chain, it is clean, but wears out very quickly, breaks, and can slip in wet weather.

2. The chain drive is traditional, but it needs careful maintenance, the chain needs to be cleaned and lubricated. This drive is the most reliable, especially for the sleeve chain.

3. The friction drive is a shaft connected to the tire. The roller is connected to the crankshaft of the motor using a centrifugal clutch. The design of this drive is very simple, but under severe loads, tire wear or clutch slippage is not ruled out. The roller can be purchased separately.
The wheel motor is the most popular type of electric motor for a bicycle. Structurally, this is the rear either front wheel with a built-in bicycle engine. Usually the wheel motor has a power of 180 to 1000 W, the voltage can be 24, 36 or 48 V. This drive works almost silently, which is important, it is easily installed on absolutely any ordinary two-wheeled vehicle, while adding 8-15 extra kilos weight.

The outboard motors are chain driven but the pedal assembly needs to be replaced to install as the new free wheel assembly prevents pedaling but allows gear shifting. By the way, installing an outboard drive is even easier than a wheel motor.

They differ in power sources. Gasoline engines are represented by several popular models.

"Comet" does not require modification of the bike for installation. The driven pulley can be an ordinary small diameter rim. You can also use a machine belt.

The Chinese copy of the D series bicycle motor, F50 - F60 - F80 has differences only in the volume of the cylinder. In such bicycles with a motor, gas distribution is carried out using a piston, not a spool, but an electronic type of ignition. This makes it more reliable than the domestic model. In terms of power, the F80 wins. The Chinese analogue is very popular in the USA. On local forums, reviews about them are positive, besides, they learned how to tune them. Electrical engine. A bicycle equipped with it is called an electric bicycle, which is powered by a battery. The cyclist can control the e-bike using a controller that controls battery charging and power.
The controller regulates the supply of current from the battery to the motor. If the design of the electric bike is more advanced, then the sensor provides the indicator with data on battery charging, speed, pedal load (PAS-sensor system).
In addition, one of the functions of the controller is to charge the battery during braking - recuperation. It also ensures the movement of the electric bike at a constant constant speed (cruise control function).

The batteries that power the electric motor can be of different types, depending on the cells used. There are lithium phosphate, lithium ion, nickel metal hydride, lead batteries. The latter are the cheapest of all.

As a rule, batteries are placed on the frame, trunk or on both sides of the rear wheel in special bags. Good performance for lithium batteries, in particular, phosphate ones.

Models. But recently, devices with a gasoline power unit are becoming more common. A gasoline engine for a bicycle is a very controversial device that can be used to upgrade a vehicle.

Unlike other devices, the motor affects the design so much that it practically translates it into the class of mopeds. Is it worth making a bike self-propelled and what kind of motor can be used for this?

Kinds

Before the only way motorization was installed on the frame of the engine from a chainsaw or lawn mower - today it is easy to find a gasoline motor for a bicycle in an assembly kit.

Such a kit includes all the necessary parts to assemble a bicycle with a gasoline engine: an internal combustion engine, a clutch, a throttle valve, an accelerator handle, a chain that can be used if necessary, a gas tank, a drive system, and even a reinforced trunk for mounting.

Domestic manufacturers and firms from Asia are engaged in the release of such sets. in which motorbikes have become very popular.

The gasoline motor for a bicycle from the kit is much simpler than a car engine - it has only one cylinder of small volume (up to 50 cc) and low power (1–2 hp). However, like all internal combustion engines, these motors are divided into two types:

  • two-stroke;
  • four-stroke.

Two-stroke

The first group includes range of engines "Kometa". Models have a capacity of 1 to 2 liters. with., allow you to accelerate to 50 km / h. They are equipped with a suspension and a belt drive, which is also a demultiplier, due to which the engine torque increases.

Important! The belt does not make it impossible to pedal on your own if you run out of fuel or the engine on a bicycle, the price of which is quite high, breaks down.

Another representative of two-stroke motors - Chinese F50/F80, assembled by analogy with the Soviet "D-5". It has less power - 1.5 liters. with., accelerates the bike to 30 km / h. Starts on the move. It features low fuel consumption - 1 liter per 100 km.


Four stroke

Four-stroke engines are kits from Japanese firms Honda And Yamaha. They have high power - up to 4 liters. from. A bike with such a motor is as close as possible to a moped - you can even start without helping with the pedals. The price of a gasoline engine for a bicycle of this type is much higher than that of a two-stroke one, and it is more difficult to find it - eminent companies are actively switching to the production of electric motors, and internal combustion engines are gradually disappearing from sale.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is impossible to say for sure whether mounting a motor on a bicycle is the right decision. This unit has many significant disadvantages:

  • complication of the design. Even an ordinary bicycle needs to be constantly looked after, for which many do not have the time or desire. And you need to keep an eye on the motorbike even more carefully. In addition, the power unit and additional parts, unlike a car or motorcycle, are not protected here;
  • increase in vehicle weight. It becomes more difficult to manage;
  • increased risk of exploitation- both for the driver and for others. A bike with a power unit rides at a speed of 30-40 km / h, it is more difficult to stop it, and if you get into an accident, you can get much more serious injuries than during normal riding;
  • for pedestrian safety have to travel highways , which can be downright scary;
  • you need to carry a supply of fuel and oil with you;
  • bike loses noiselessness and environmental friendliness;
  • the vehicle ceases to be sporty and healing projectile;
  • for legal motorcycling you need a license category "M".


However, the advantages are enough:

  • can travel more distance in less time, which is important for cyclists;
  • the motor can only be used for climbing uphill or as you get tired physical form lacks;
  • high operating efficiency at high travel speed. Riding a motorbike is cheaper than any other transport;
  • if the motor fails, you don’t have to drive the bike “hand in hand” like a moped - you can get to the house in the traditional pedal way;
  • although on short distances the health benefits disappear, with regular long-distance travel the situation is reversed - reduced risk of knee injury which many active cyclists face.

Motor installation

There are two main ways to make a bicycle with a gasoline engine with your own hands:


It is not uncommon to find outboard gasoline engines for bicycles. If desired, it can also be put on a fork at the helm, making the bike front-wheel drive, or even provide all-wheel drive with two motors. In this case, you will need to install a double shock absorber, as on.

Important! Regardless of how the power unit is installed, it is necessary to protect the bike from vibrations with a suspension.

Price

Today, in almost any bike shop you can find bicycles with a gasoline engine. The price of such models depends on the type of engine, its power, volume and other characteristics.

The bicycle is one of the most popular modes of personal transport in the world. Unlike motorcycles and mopeds, it can move along pedestrian zones, in parks and squares, which allows you to actively maneuver around the city and significantly shorten the path. And the bike is much less demanding on parking, you can go down the subway with it ... Oh, if only you didn’t have to pedal!

And what will you say if you find out that there is such an opportunity (not to pedal)? To do this, it is enough to buy not an ordinary bicycle, but, it is called an electric bicycle.

An electric bicycle allows you to ride both in the usual way, pedaling, and to move entirely due to the electric drive. You may have to help the engine on the slopes - it depends on the power of the engine - but the engine will cope with the movement on a flat road for sure. Accordingly, such an electric bike has all the advantages of a conventional bicycle and a moped, which makes it an ideal choice for everyday trips in the metropolis.

Motorized bicycles are usually equipped with engines with a return from to, the higher the power, the higher the cross-country ability of the model. The most powerful electric bikes are quite capable of driving a motor up a steep hill and carrying a fairly heavy driver.

The power reserve of electric bikes is usually enough for 50-90 minutes (of course, there are separate models with high mileage without recharging). This is more than enough for any trips around the city, given that you can accelerate on such a two-wheeled horse up to 40 km / h or more.

What is the name of a bicycle motor in a wheel?

In modern e-bikes, the motor is increasingly mounted directly into the wheel, rather than onto the frame. This design is called "motor-wheel", it is practical (no need to follow the chain or belt), reliability and ease of maintenance. Broken engine? Just change the motor-wheel, and all the problems. Most modern electric bikes from well-known manufacturers are equipped with just such engines.

However, it is too early to write off the chain drive: the power of the motor-wheel is limited. Such engines are well suited, but if you need a powerful one with high traffic, you will have to consider options with a separate engine on the frame.