How to Mount a Motor in a Bicycle

Nearly any bike will work well with a motor

Do you have a little-used bicycle lying around? Maybe you live in a hilly area or are just out of shape so you don't bicycle much. A gas-powered engine may be the answer. A small, two-stroke engine is simple to mount and will fit on most bikes. And, when controls are installed and the motor is linked to drive the rear wheel, it can propel the bicycle at about 20 mph. A motor-driven bike is legal on streets and bicycle paths in most states and can get up to 150 mpg.

Things You'll Need

• Engine
• Bicycle
• Duct tape
• Old tire tube
• Scissors
• Mounting plates
• Wrench
• Locknuts
• Loctite
• Motor

Instructions

Mounting Your Motor

1. Choose your bike. Buy the engine first and then buy a bike that fits it nicely for the easiest installation. A bike with seat tube size of 28 or 29 millimeters works best.

2. Place your engine in the "V" of the bike tubing and determine the best placement. You will be attaching the engine first to the seat tube, so put it there first and then see where the other mount will go on the down tube.

3. Mark the placement with some duct tape. This will also protect your bike's finish from the motor.

4. Cut a piece of an old tire tube to fit around the parts of the bike tube where the engine will mount. This will cut down on engine vibration.

5. Mount the engine to the frame using the mounting plates, with the old tube piece between the bike and mounting plates. Screw in and tighten the lock nuts with the wrench. Apply Loctite to prevent nuts from loosening due to vibration.

References

• Bicycle-Engines.com: Installing the 2-Stroke 48cc Bicycle Engine Kit

Resources

• LiveFast Motors: Start a New Hobby and Save Money on Gas