How to Convert a Bicycle Into a Motorized Bicycle
Bicycles are an efficient and popular way to travel both for leisure and transportation. However, they are also not necessarily a practical option for commuters whose work, school or other responsibilities are either too far away or are in a location with demanding hills. You can order a 2-stroke engine that will convert your bicycle into a motorized bike capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, at a relatively inexpensive price. Engine kits include all of the necessary equipment for installation, and the conversion is quite a simple process with minor mechanical know-how.
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Things You'll Need
- Motorized engine kit with instruction manual
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Zip ties
Instructions
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Research the type and model of engine you would like to add to your existing pedal bicycle and order it either from a bike shop or online. Make sure that the engine you desire is compatible with your bike---most engines are made to work with the common V-shaped frames---and that the engine is geared towards the type of performance you need, be that of power or duration.
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Begin installing the engine once you receive the kit. Review the instructions carefully and start by mounting the engine and gas tank to the frame of your bicycle. Make sure that you adjust the placement to allow for pedal clearance and use the mounting braces or clamps provided for you in the kit.
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Install the throttle and kill switch to opposite sides of your handlebars. This will be similar to installing brake levers onto handlebars and will require little more than securing them with screws and a screwdriver. Attach their respective cables and connect them to the engine. Use zip ties to secure the cables and to keep them from being loose and getting caught while you are riding.
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Secure the engine sprocket to the rear wheel of your bike, opposite to the drive-side where the freewheel/drive sprockets are. Secure the drive chain to the engine and the sprocket that you just installed. Depending on the size of the frame and the position of your wheel, you may have to shorten the chain by removing some of its links.
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Break in your engine by adhering to the guidelines for your engine provided by the company from which you purchased it. Do not push the engine to its full capacity until you have completed this "break-in" process, which is commonly around 300 miles.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with your state's regulations regarding motorized bicycles, such as where they are legally permitted and at what speeds.
By converting your pedal bicycle to a motorized bicycle, you are basically turning it into a motorcycle that can reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Be safe and wear a helmet, a crash at high speeds like that will only cause more damage than you would be previously exposed to.
References
- Photo Credit old bicycle image by paologo from Fotolia.com
