Motor suggestions?

[maxsideburn]

I'm trying to build a DIY e-bike for as cheap as possible, just as a fun project, with an old bike I've got laying around. I want to salvage all parts from other items.

It doesn't have to be fast, or have 30 mile range, just something that will go for 1-2 miles should I get tired of pedaling.

What is the smallest motor I could get away with? My first thought was a sewing machine motor, or vacuum cleaner motor...but that's probably too small. What other common items have a motor powerful enough to make a slow (but useable) e-bike?

For a battery I was thinking perhaps one of those PowerWheels batteries.

Ideas?

 

[wheelbender6]

Sounds like fun. You need to start with the right type of motor. It needs to be DC, or made to run on batteries. Otherwise, you would need a transformer or something.
There are some sources of recycled battery cells out there but you need to wire them into a battery pack compatible with your motor.
Some of those kids electric motocross bikes are pretty fast. Your best bet may be to buy a used kid's electric bike and use the parts on your bicycle.
I look forward to following your project.

 

[maxsideburn]

my first thought is a motor from a chain-drive scooter

rig it up like Charlie Sheen "one speed, GO!"

 

[fasteddy]

Well there are two words that never appear in the same sentence when you are talking about electric bikes
Electric and cheap.

For a good start join Endless-Sphere electric vehicle site. You can tap into a vast pool of knowledge there that you will not believe.
These folks have done things that were thought impossible and reported how they did it.

When I joined I thought that I would get the "another new guy" welcome but they were quick to answer all my questions in a manner that was easy for the new guy to understand and made things clear when I didn't understand what they said.

Hope this helps.

Steve.