Building the Frame

 After playing around with a few different ideas for the frame, I decided to start with a solid wheel base. For the steering mechanism I am using the largest hinges I could find at Lowes. I drilled one of the existing holes larger to accept the bolt from the bicycle wheels, then bolted it to the 2x6 that acts as the front of the frame.

For the back of the bike I am using the existing suspension of a mountain bike and attached it with a large section of all thread to the 2x3s that run the length of the frame. The suspension rod is attached using an old satellite dish mounting bracket. I still need to check how true the wheels are and if they hold air, but the wheel base is now complete.

A simple weight test showed that it could hold me and my daughter without any problems. Next I need to get the pedals attached and the chain and idlers installed. I also need to finish building the steering mechanism, and reconnect the rear brake and derailer. Once a seat is installed I should be able to drive it as a recumbent bike, after that I will probably work on the canopy, and lights, then install the electric assist after the fact.

I am really happy with my progress so far. Hopefully I will have it fully enclosed and electrified by the time fall hits.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

First steps: Gathering Old Bikes

I put some feelers out on Facebook and had 4 bikes donated by neighbors who were looking to get rid of them. Between the 4 bikes I got enough parts to make 2 recumbent trikes, which is the base for my ebike. I was fortunate to get two bikes with rear suspension. This will make for a smoother ride when I get the trike assembled.

For the frame I am using scrap wood left over from several other projects, including a small pallet. This is just a prototype so I can learn the basics, the finished model will be much more streamlined.

A New Goal- an enclosed ebike!

 

After doing some research into the laws governing Electric Cars and NEVs in my area, I discovered it was going to be a real headache to get something inexpensive for me to drive around town. That was when it hit me. I don't need a Tesla or something like that if I am only going to use the electric car for travel around town, so I started looking at alternatives and discovered a bit of a loophole in the laws for the state of Idaho. 

A Class 2 electric assisted bicycle is defined as having up to three wheels, it can go up to 20 mph without pedaling, but can go faster if you do pedal. It is not restricted in what streets it can be driven on, but must stay to the right as much as possible. These bikes can be enclosed making them usable year round, and may have blinkers, windshield wipers, headlights, taillights, etc... They are not required to be registered, have insurance, or a license, so even my 14 year old son, could drive it!

In August 2019, the state of Idaho passed a measure that defined ebikes as bicycles. That means they can be used wherever bicycles are allowed. This opened a whole new door of inquiry for me, and I started looking around at ebike options.

Some companies are already building enclosed tricycles like the one I had in mind. (See the video above) However, to order one and get it shipped to me was still going to cost quite a bit! So I started drawing up plans and making a parts list, and figured I could build a prototype for less than $500. The major cost being the 750 watt conversion kit and batteries.

The basic trike without the electric assist is known as a velomobile, and is a lightweight, aerodynamic bicycle alternative that has been around for decades. This part is relatively easy to build and can be made with parts available at local stores and thrift shops.

Next week is earth week, and I hope to have the beginnings of my electric car/bike in the works before the end of the week is out!

Wind Turbine = Electric Motor?

I recently acquired an old wind generator from my Dad. He had some high winds come through and beat the blades right off. They don't make replacement blades anymore, so he let me have it. It also has some sort of controller which I hope can be adapted to a motor controller (hook up the generator on the receiving end instead of the generating end). I will post pictures once I get a chance to go through the documentation.

Homemade Air Conditioner

The air conditioner in our van went out, and it would cost more to repair than the van is worth. We are headed to Washington state next weekend, so I went and found plans for an alternative air conditioner. This set up cost me $30 because I already had the fan, ice chest, and inverter.

I am including this on the blog because this type of A/C can be used in electric cars.

I hope to test this out before we take the actual trip, and I will let you know how well it works. Reports on-line for this type of A/C is up to 20 degrees F cooler.

Parts:
(Prices are rounded off to the dollar)

Ice Chest (Already owned)
Car Fan (Already owned)- $10
400w Inverter (Already owned)- $35
Fountain water pump- $15
10 feet Vinyl tubing 1/4in ID 3/8in OD- $4
10 feet copper tubing 1/4in OD- $8
2 hose clamps (1/4 in)- 85 cents each.


Method:
Put 2 gallons of water in the ice chest with lots of ice. The pump circulates the ice water through the copper tube which the fan blows past, there by circulating the cool air through the vehicle. This may also be used to cool a small to medium sized room in a house.

Edit:
This worked well for the kids in the back seat, but up front we were still quite warm. I would recommend a bigger fountain pump than what I used. It had trouble keeping a steady flow of water through the copper tube because it was topping out the height the pump was designed for, a larger pump would not have had this problem.

Electric Car links

The following is a list of handy websites. Most of them are for electric cars, however, some of them are for other energy saving ideas and products:

http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_solar_used.html
http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/
http://www.green-trust.org/products/
http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/
http://www.sunvee.com/
http://www.eaaev.org/index.html
http://www.solarhome.org/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=90
http://www.arttec.net/Solar_Mower/index.html
http://www.homepower.com/home/
http://www.electroauto.com/catalog/dcmotors.shtml
http://e-volks.com/index.html
http://www.sunnev.com/index.html

Introduction

I have recently started researching the electric car and how hard it is to build one. I will track my progress here, and post links to helpful sites for those interested in this project and renewable energy as a whole.

If I am successful I may start offering electric conversions or flat out electric cars to others for a fee. My dad is helping me in the project as he already has some experience in putting together an alternative energy system, and my brother is excited about helping as well and may make our first attempt his senior project.

Our first attempt will be to take a riding lawnmower and convert it to electric, then add solar cells so that the lawn mower is a self contained electric "go-cart" or "moped" for lack of a better phrase.