Hi,
I have a 7 speed Dahon with 16" wheels that I pedal around. I was thinking of motorizing it to get more range and found the forum.
I read some threads and found someone who said that a 20" folder was squirrely and that larger wheels were advised. If true, it's a bad idea to try to motorize the 16" Dahon.
I'd still like to end up with a motorized folding bike. I like the folding aspect because I can put it in my VW Bus without it taking up lots of space.
All advice is appreciated. I'm sure I don't know all the questions to ask but here's a start:
1. What folding bike would you recommend I start with? I'd like multiple gears for pedaling and decent quality. (Dahon is made in Taiwan but has been pretty solid, but new ones are spendy...)
2. What engine? I was thinking about one of the 1.6hp Honda 4 strokes. That should be enough to push me 20-25, I wouldn't need to carry two stroke oil and a 4-stroke honda should be reliable and economical.
3. How to mount? From the threads I found, it looks like a chain drive system with engine mounted on the rear or friction drive is the way to go to still allow the bike to fold. I would like to have the ability to pedal with the engine disconnected.
Thanks much!
Mark
I have a 7 speed Dahon with 16" wheels that I pedal around. I was thinking of motorizing it to get more range and found the forum.
I read some threads and found someone who said that a 20" folder was squirrely and that larger wheels were advised. If true, it's a bad idea to try to motorize the 16" Dahon.
I'd still like to end up with a motorized folding bike. I like the folding aspect because I can put it in my VW Bus without it taking up lots of space.
All advice is appreciated. I'm sure I don't know all the questions to ask but here's a start:
1. What folding bike would you recommend I start with? I'd like multiple gears for pedaling and decent quality. (Dahon is made in Taiwan but has been pretty solid, but new ones are spendy...)
2. What engine? I was thinking about one of the 1.6hp Honda 4 strokes. That should be enough to push me 20-25, I wouldn't need to carry two stroke oil and a 4-stroke honda should be reliable and economical.
3. How to mount? From the threads I found, it looks like a chain drive system with engine mounted on the rear or friction drive is the way to go to still allow the bike to fold. I would like to have the ability to pedal with the engine disconnected.
Thanks much!
Mark