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What's best engine to motorize a road bike

Bicycles Asked on April 29, 2021

I have a road bike I use for commuting and I’m about to move 20km further out, so I’m considering fitting a tiny engine to it to assist my ride to work.

However, where I live I have a restriction – the maximum power allowed is 200 watts (about 1/4 HP).

I’ve seen some kits, but they have huge engines (beats me why they have to be so big).

Further, I’d prefer a diesel engine (no spark/glow plugs) and better economy.

Some brief research has shown that a tiny (5cc or so) diesel engine should be able to produce about 200 watts. A larger one could be de-tuned. There are model aircraft diesel engines of this size, but they’re quite expensive.

I’ve been told a "brushcutter motor" (small two-stroke) could be an option, but they are noisy, smoky and smelly.

I’m not worried about how to deliver the power to the wheel – I’m trying to pick the power plant first then make it work.

Has anyone got any suggestions for:

  • diesel engine
  • very small (200 watts max)
  • not expensive

Edit:

My bike is a Focus Planet TR 2.0 (2012), which has internal hub gears, so the solution can’t involve replacing the rear hub. It also has disk brakes front and back, so replacing the front hub may be problematic (not sure).

Regarding range, I will live about 30km away from my CBD and batteries seems to have about a 60km range. Also, recharging takes a while, but filling a tiny tank takes seconds.

Also, I seriously doubt that the pollution created by a tiny 1cc engine exceeds that pollution created by the recharging process of burning coal and pushing the electricity through all the transformers and switches between the power station turbines and a bike battery.

For these reasons, I’m still seeking an internal combustion solution.

3 Answers

There are some bike hubs containing an electrical motor inside. If you google "bike hub motor" and take a look at the images, you'll get the idea.

I think these ones are ideal since they require minimal changes to the overall bike structure, allowing for normal riding if the motor is not working, and they don't burn evil oil: you just plug the bike to the wall and that's it.

The spoked ones should be adequate for building a front wheel with a regular road bike rim.

Hope this helps

Correct answer by heltonbiker on April 29, 2021

These guys make small petrol engines for bicycles. I've never seen a Diesel one though.

The advantage here is they supply everything you need. Drivetrain, engine, ignition. The lot.

I'm currently in Bondi, Australia and I see a few buzzing around. They look like a lot of fun.

With these tiny engines economy isn't going to change hugely from Petrol to Diesel.

Answered by alex on April 29, 2021

MY first thought was MTFU and get fitter pedalling further. It might not be as hard as you think once you get used to it. However, for a 20k commute, definitely go with an electric hub motor. Loads available off the shelf. Easy to fit and use, very economical and reliable with low/no maintenance. Also nice and quiet.

Answered by Chris on April 29, 2021

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