Quike.2
Instead of blahh, blahh, blahh in the video - it's here:
This year-long Quike project came about as a result of collecting five new discarded 20" bicycle wheels from curbside. The initial inspiration was a quick and dirty design using re-purposed bike parts - expecting to take a month or two. I had no knowledge about bikes other than riding one when I was a kid. I didn't know a bottom bracket from a dropout and some bike people were not very helpful because I didn't talk their language. It took over a year to design and build this machine.
These are the initial criteria and results:
Four wheels for stability. (O.K.)
Coaster style brakes. (NO. Revised to hand brake)
Must be comfortable. (Good)
Under seat steering. (O.K.)
Adjustable seat. (Minimal)
Light enough to lift. (No.)
Fits through a 36 inch door. (O.K.)
Use minimal storage space. (O.K.)
Inexpensive. (No, Failed big time)
SPECKS:
Weight Front = 25#, Rear = 55# Total= 80#; Length 62"; Width: Front axle 29", Handlebars 28", Rear axle 30"; 16" front wheels; 20" rear wheels; 42" wheelbase; 25" tread; 22" between front wheel pinions; 1-1/2" pinion arms @ 14.6° Ackerman angle; 12-1/8" Tie rods; 7/8" tire contact point behind spindle (negative caster); 1-1/2" handlebar steering arm; Bell crank pivot 6-1/2" in front of pinions; 1-1/2" top bell crank arm; 7/8" bottom bell crank arm; hand brake to both rear wheel discs; motor 24V brushed 250 watt geared to 300 RPM: 13T motor gearing sprocket to 16T differential freewheel cog; battery 24 V 10.5 AH Li-Ion; front chain ring 3-speed - 26T 36T 46T; top speed = 12 MPH pedaling like mad, 15 MPH on battery power.
The Good:
Riding upright is very comfortable and it is a really enjoyable ride.
The motor and battery gets you up a grade easily.
Still don't know how far the battery will go, but with pedal assist at least 10 miles.
Turns in about a 9 foot radius with no tire scrub.
The Bad:
Pedaling is harder and slower than anticipated - more gearing would be better.
A top speed of 12 - 15 MPH is not very safe with the high center of gravity and short wheelbase.
Steering is quick but not twitchy.
Tight turns cause clothing hangups due to clearance.
The Ugly:
Much more expensive than expected - actual costs cannot be calculated due to the amount of wasted materials from the many unworkable designs.
Way too much fabrication, machining and welding.
Too heavy to lift.