MAKE 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”
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I wish I could do the same, but they don’t sell kits to California residents. Stupid CARB.
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.
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.
Great build! Is 80cc’s street legal in Oregon?
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/