what do you think

jon_89 · Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:02 pm

do you think i could make this out of pvc and use an electric motor instead?

http://www.jockeyjournal.com/wp-content ... 5d4410.jpg[/img][/url]

spudthug · Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:03 pm

link doesnt work

Jumpin Jehosaphat · Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:06 pm

jon_89 wrote:do you think i could make this out of pvc and use an electric motor instead?

There I fixed it for you

Edit: An electric motor may work, just what kind of electric motor are we talking about here. As for the PVC, I'm afraid it just won't work... not enough structural integrity.

Double Edit: Just for future reference, try to come up with title's that describe what you want to talk to us about. Instead of "what do you think" come up with something like "electric scooter" or whatever you are trying to build. I know it may seem like more people will read it if you phrase the subject like you are asking a question, but many people will just ignore it.

Specialist · Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:33 pm

hey, pm we can discuss... lol. i can help you. how much wait do you plan on putting on the scooter? if it is for a kid id go with galvanized pipe although that might not llok good... well you can pm me and ill help.

jon_89 · Wed Jul 18, 2007 9:51 pm

i kind of thought it wouldnt be strong enough but it doesnt hurt to ask. i plan on no more than 200lbs. i thought about the electric motor i decided not to. i will probaly find a rottotiller and use that. do you know were i can find a centrifigul clutch? do rottotilers have adjustable speed? thanks

spudthug · Wed Jul 18, 2007 10:02 pm

you can usually find cintrifical clutches all over junkyards...for cheap to..jsut find a working one

jon_89 · Wed Jul 18, 2007 10:25 pm

stupid question, how do i know it is working and what to i find them on?

singularity · Wed Jul 18, 2007 10:54 pm

well if you want one that you can have guarantee it will work buy it from northerntool.com i think there like $20, i bought one for a go kart a while back. if your gonna go with the junk yard approach just make sure its not seized up and its not covered in rust . you should find them on thing with small gas engines (in the 3 to 20 hp range)

jon_89 · Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:47 pm

i want as much speed as possible but still be able to climb hills. i understand i cant have both but what do you think the best gear ratios would be? thanks

pyrogeek · Thu Jul 19, 2007 1:25 am

Use conduit or iron pipe for the frame. Or like I did with my scooter I built, use a hammock frame. If you don't have a welder, then just convert a kick scooter to a motorized one.

As for the gear ratio, it depends on the size motor, wheels, where you plan to ride it, etc.
http://www.tziscooterworld.tk/
If that doesn't work, just search for tziscooterworld and it should come up on Google. The site has tons of scooters and you should be able to figure out what you are doing.

Specialist · Thu Jul 19, 2007 11:00 am

and for adjustable speeds some rotilliors (sp?) they dont i dont think... im move of a dirtbike guy so i cant tell you rotioloir(sp? again) parts and stuff but if you get like a briggs and stratton i can most likely help you. my best bet on a good reliable engine with gears is an old (running) xr or z50 engine. they are reliable and have gears which gives you speed and power. they are 3 speed.

jon_89 · Thu Jul 19, 2007 3:57 pm

i think i will go to the junk yard and look for at least a 3.5hp briggs and stratton motor. what size of tubing do you think is suitable for this design?

Pete Zaria · Thu Jul 19, 2007 4:11 pm

Kind of off-topic, but I was thinking, you could probably use small (3/4" or so) sch80 PVC (which is already pretty stiff) for the frame, if you filled the pipes with something rigid, like super-lightweight concrete or even bondo (though bondo would probably be expensive for this application). Weight will be the concern here.

It can be done with an electric motor, I'm sure, but finding the right motor and battery setup will be a challenge.
A chainsaw/weedeater motor would probably be a lot easier.

The gearing and interface between the motor and the back wheel(s) will be the design challenge for you. Consider finding a scrapped dirtbike/gas minibike/small ATV/etc... to steal parts from.

Good luck!

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

rednecktatertosser · Thu Jul 19, 2007 4:13 pm

As long as its a horizontal shaft engine then you should be good. I would reccomend steel or aluminum tubing for the frame.

jon_89 · Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:22 pm

i found a site that has plans and a list of parts i will need. www.vintageprojects.com