Here in Texas, you can't even make a motor assisted bicycle without needing a moped license, registration, insurance...... the list goes on, and on, and ON!
And I'm kinda lazy, I don't want to just ride my bike(a cheap $80 Walmart special Schwinn BMX bike).
I could make it into an electric bike, but it can't go above 20 mph without me pedaling, and the motor can't be over 750W. And the weight of batteries and everything just makes the idea unattractive.
But I think I found a loophole!
After searching Texas law section 551.351, I think the way to go is to make a motor assisted scooter. Like a Razor kick scooter is what they mean.
It wouldn't require registration or anything, and it would still be a convenient way to get around town.
This is what the law says:
"“Motor-assisted scooter”:
(A) means a self-propelled device with:
(i) at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation;
(ii) a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions;
(iii) a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters;
(iv) a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device; and
(v) the ability to be propelled by human power alone"
The 40 cc limit is the main problem. I don't want to get a China special 2 stroke off Ebay that will steadily disintegrate.
So here's my idea.
Get a scooter, and put a gas motor from an RC vehicle on there, whether it ca car, a boat, or an airplane. Gear adequately, attach a sprocket/gear to the rear wheel, convert the throttle to manual.... basically just get the biggest RC car motor I can(up to 39ccs) and stick it on there. I'd be fine with slightly exceeding the 40cc limit, it's not like the cops would know.
I'm dead set on gas, since nitro is very hard to find in my area, not to mention nitro fumes are a terrible idea on city sidewalks.
I don't really know much of anything about gas RC motors other than that they're high revving, amazingly compact 2 stroke motors.
How feasible is it to convert one to chain drive(maybe #219 chain)? If not, any suggestions on how to get power to the rear wheel? Friction rollers, maybe?
Am I asking too much of an RC motor? I would like to be able to take off with foot power and cruise at speeds around maybe 15 mph with the motor.
How much HP do these motors even make?
If you have any input, advice, experience, or general knowledge about this idea PLASE SHARE!!
