Eric’s motorized bike conversion

Bikes Energy & Sustainability Fun & Games
Eric’s motorized bike conversion
ericBike_1.jpg
ericBike_3.jpg
ericBike_2.jpg
ericBike_4.jpg

MZ_AltTransportation-Badge.gifMAKE reader Sophie sent us pics and details of a bike her boyfriend Eric converted to a motorized bike. Eric writes of the build:

The first part off this project was to restore an old Schwinn Cruiser I found. I stripped it down to the frame, took off all of the old paint, and sprayed it a nice blue. The handle bars, which I turned upside down, were the only part that were in good enough condition to reuse. I got the other parts like wheels with extra spokes and a banana seat from internet finds on eBay and various other sites. I then ordered a 66cc 2-stroke engine kit online for $120.00 from www.gasbike.net. It came with just about everything you need to convert any bicycle to a motorized bike. Before this project I didn’t have any experience with this stuff but it was pretty easy to install. It gets up to 150 mpg and cruises around 35 mph. Overall, it was a fun little project and it’s a great new way to get to work.

[Thanks, Sophie!]

Custom Motor Bicycle

5 thoughts on “Eric’s motorized bike conversion

  1. s0crates82 says:

    I wish I could do the same, but they don’t sell kits to California residents. Stupid CARB.

  2. craig says:

    Most everywhere, an add on motor with pedals remaining intact IS LEGAL as long as the motor is 49cc and smaller. Any bigger than that and it qualifies as a moped that requires registration as a motor vehicle. BUILDER, stamp a ’49’ on the block somewhere to state that is is legal if you get stopped. he,he,he.

  3. Festilligambe says:

    If anyone is interested in doing this on Ontario it is a big grey area if you can even have then on the road. Not sure about the rest of Canada but anything under 80cc is considered a limited speed motorcycle meaning you need at least a license for that, a helmet and insurance to have it on the road. Scooters need to be inspected but mopeds don’t need a safety inspection so if you can get plates for it it’s possible you could ride this. But I’d at least convert a newer bike with disk brakes because I’d not trust any other type with those speeds.

  4. Oliver says:

    Great build! Is 80cc’s street legal in Oregon?

  5. Vash says:

    I did the same thing to my old Marin. I’ll admit it doesn’t look quite as nice, but it’s a lot of fun. I wrote a detailed description of how to build one with links to all the necessary equipment and the kit.
    http://www.thebrocave.com/2015/11/20/how-to-make-your-own-motorized-bicycle-for-anyone/

Comments are closed.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK