I've seen a couple write-ups and builds on the net on steampunk style e-bikes (bikes that are hybrid powered by a combination of an electric motor powered by a battery pack on the bike and the human motor that work together to provide better hill climbing and/or better speed capabilities then the human motor alone can muster). One used a solenoid electric motor which is just like a motorcycle internal combustion motor except instead of pistons with burning gasoline its electric push/pull solenoids that go up and down and spin the crank all in a clear plastic casing so you can see everything move with a three speed spur gear transmission shifted via a big lever in the middle of the bike about the middle of the top tube. Look for it on the web and you should find it. Also some other steampunk e-bike builds out there as well but the solenoid electric motor instead of a conventional rotary electric motor is very unique.