Chris wrote:
"JohnM" wrote in message
...

wrote:

because of the high proce of gas, would putting a motor on a bicycle be
practicle to get to work a few days a week? I live about 18 miles away
it is all highway with a wide berm for bicycles. I have a spare 5 horse
motor from an old tiller. Could I mount a bracket and put it above my
back wheel to drive the back wheel on my 10 speed mountain bike? Would
I be able to pedal it home if the engine failed? How would I rig a
clutch of some sort or would I even need it? Seems like an interesting
project.

How fast could you go with a 5 horse motor?


Use an electric motor, you won't have the fumes and won't have to stop for
fuel. Just unroll the extension cord as you go to work and roll it back up
again as you come home.

A variable frequency drive would allow you to use a 3phase motor and have
speed selection, this would be an asset in traffic.

John


John,
Hate to bring up the normal response, but...

What gauge wire would that need to be for the extension?

VFD would be nice, but lose about 1/3 of the HP on the motor. RPC might be
a better choice.


Of course, if he lives in a city with electric trolley buses then
all of his problems disapear. More people could make use of this
free and convenient overhead power source. 400 volts DC and enough
current available for even the most outrageously overpowered
electric bicycle.